Baseball has always been the great American pastime, and Hollywood has celebrated that on film for over a century. From comedies like Major League and Bull Durham to dramas like Field of Dreams and The Natural, baseball movies are an important and powerful genre.
As we look forward to the upcoming MLB All-Star game, we give you this roundup of the 10 best baseball movie moments in cinema history. (Some movies even have more than one.)
Taylor Calls His Shot – Major League (1989)
Down-on-his-luck Cleveland Indians catcher Jake Taylor (Tom Berenger) has one last chance at greatness when he is at bat in the bottom of the ninth inning against the New York Yankees. Calling his shot like Babe Ruth, Taylor then bunts for a single, bringing in the winning run and defeating their opponents. The hit is followed immediately by announcer Harry Doyle (Bob Uecker) proclaiming, “The Indians win it. The Indians win it. Oh, my God the Indians win it!”
Doc Graham Saves Karin – Field of Dreams (1989)
After finally playing with the Chicago White Sox (albeit in heaven), Archie “Moonlight” Graham (Frank Whaley) chooses to cross the magic field, changing back to Dr. Archibald Graham (Burt Lancaster) forever in order to save Ray’s (Kevin Costner) daughter Karin (Gabby Hoffman). The moment when Ray realizes that Doc can never play baseball again is heartbreaking, but it’s when Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta) says to Doc, “Hey rookie, you were good,” that we begin to cry uncontrollably.
Cerrano Tells Off Jobu – Major League (1989)
After realizing that his devotion to the voodoo god Jobu will not help him hit a curveball, outfielder Pedro Cerrano (Dennis Haysbert) turns his back on the ancient religion forever. With his team desperately needing a hit in the big game, Cerrano turns to his bat and says, “Jobu. Look, I go to you. I stick up for you. You no help me now. I say f**k you, Jobu. I do it myself.” He then hits a two-run homer on his next swing.
Discussion on the Mound – Bull Durham (1988)
Have you ever wondered what ballplayers are really talking about when they all gather on the mound together? If Bull Durham is any indication, it involves father issues, wedding gifts and cutting the head off of a live chicken.
Smashing the Lights – The Natural (1984)
Probably the most iconic scene in baseball-movie history is when former pitching phenomenon Ray Hobbs (Robert Redford) hits a home run, smashing the lights over the field to win the pennant. Hobbs then gracefully runs the bases as sparks from the lights fall over him while Randy Newman’s beautiful score plays in the background.
Ray Meets His Father– Field of Dreams (1989)
“If you build it he will come!” Most of Field of Dreams is spent figuring out just who “he” is. When it’s finally revealed that the White Sox’s catcher is Ray’s (Kevin Costner) late estranged father (Dwier Brown), suddenly the entire movie makes sense. Ray is finally given the chance to introduce his dad to his wife (Amy Madigan) and daughter (Gaby Hoffman), and even have one last round of catch.
‘There’s No Crying in Baseball!” – A League of Their Own (1992)
Unarguably one of the most iconic lines in all of movie history, “There’s no crying in baseball” has transcended the genre. When one of his female players misses a play, manager Jimmy Duggan (Tom Hanks) publically berates her for the mistake. But once the player begins to weep, it prompts Duggan’s hilarious response, as well as his eventual ejection from the game.
“Is Losing Fun?” – Moneyball (2011)
“Is losing fun?” That’s what Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) asks his players when he catches them celebrating a loss. After yelling at the team, throwing water coolers and a moment of awkward silence, Beane says, “That’s what losing sounds like!”
“Get Me Up” – 42 (2013)
In this biopic, Jackie Robinson’s (Chadwick Boseman) greatness is tested when an opposing player intentionally spikes him in the foot while at first base. After falling to the ground Jackie shouts to his teammates, “Get me up!” displaying his awareness of the importance of the moment and not letting fear or prejudice stop him from playing baseball.
“Show Them the Curve” – Trouble with the Curve (2012)
The best moment of this film is when veteran baseball scout Gus Lobel’s (Clint Eastwood) daughter Mickey (Amy Adams) proves him right in the eyes of the Atlanta Braves. Gus knew that their rookie prospect couldn’t hit a curveball, but the team drafted him anyway. However, Gus is redeemed when Mickey (Amy Adams) finds a young unsigned pitcher whose signature curveball demonstrates the hitter’s ultimate weakness.
