List of baseball films explained

This is a list of films about baseball, featuring notable films where baseball plays a central role in the development of the plot.

TitleYearTypeSummary
The Ball Game1898DocumentaryShort film depicting an 1898 baseball game between Reading Phillies and Newark Bears.
Baseball and Bloomers1911ShortAn all-girl baseball team uses two Harvard boys in disguise.
Right Off the Bat1915DramaA bio-pic of sorts starring professional baseball player Mike Donlin
Casey at the Bat1916DramaA lost five-reeler based on Ernest Thayer's poem and starring DeWolf Hopper
Somewhere in Georgia1917DramaTy Cobb as a ball-playing bank clerk in a story by Grantland Rice.
Baseball Madness1917ComedyA silent film starring Gloria Swanson.
The Busher1919ComedySmall-town ballplayer gets a big head after joining the St. Paul Pink Sox.
Headin' Home1920BiographicalA silent film about young Babe Ruth, who stars as himself.
Life's Greatest Game1924DramaChicago Cubs pitcher Jack Donovan refuses to throw a game.
The Battling Orioles1924ComedyA barber enlists the help of his father and his old professional baseball teammates to solve a problem.
The New Klondike1926ComedyA pitcher and his manager clash over a Florida land purchase.
Casey at the Bat1927ComedyWallace Beery in slugger's fable based on Ernest Thayer poem.
Slide, Kelly, Slide1927ComedyA cocky newcomer thinks he's the New York Yankees' new star.
The Bush Leaguer1927Comedy
Warming Up1928RomanceNew player competes with team's star for owner's daughter.
Fast Company1929ComedyElmer Kane (Jack Oakie) hopes the Yankees and an actress are interested in him.
Hot Curves1930ComedyPittsburgh pitcher finds romance with manager's daughter.
They Learned About Women1930MusicalTwo pals play ball by day, perform in vaudeville by night.
Up the River1930ComedyA game behind bars brings Spencer Tracy, Humphrey Bogart out of the pen.
Fireman, Save My Child1932ComedyJoe E. Brown as a small-town fireman who is also the town's star ballplayer.
Elmer, the Great1933DramaJoe E. Brown as an egotistical Chicago Cubs baseball star. Remake of 1929 film.
Death on the Diamond1934MysteryBallplayer (Robert Young) tries to find who's killing his fellow St. Louis Cardinals.
Alibi Ike1935ComedyJoe E. Brown as a pitcher with a million excuses.
Girls Can Play1937MysteryA women's softball team owner murders a player (Rita Hayworth) by poisoning her catcher's mitt.
The Pride of the Yankees1942BiographicalThe life and career of Lou Gehrig, with Gary Cooper as Gehrig and Babe Ruth as himself.
It Happened in Flatbush1942ComedyHard-hearted manager (Lloyd Nolan) falls for Brooklyn team's owner.
Ladies' Day1943ComedySox pitcher Wacky Waters (Eddie Albert) is distracted by a hot Hollywood movie star, Pepita Zorita (Lupe Vélez).
The Babe Ruth Story1948BiographicalThe life and career of Babe Ruth, starring William Bendix.
It Happens Every Spring1949ComedyRay Milland as a scientist whose secret formula turns him into a great pitcher.
The Stratton Story1949BiographicalThe career and fateful accident of pitcher Monty Stratton, starring James Stewart.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game1949MusicalFrank Sinatra and Gene Kelly as singing, dancing ballplayers.
The Kid from Cleveland1949DramaThe '48 World Series champion Cleveland Indians come to the aid of a young fan.
Kill the Umpire1950ComedyWilliam Bendix as a baseball fan who becomes an umpire.
The Jackie Robinson Story1950BiographicalBaseball pioneer Jackie Robinson as himself, with Ruby Dee as his wife.
Angels in the Outfield1951ComedyA Pittsburgh Pirates manager (Paul Douglas) gets some help from above.
Rhubarb1951ComedyRay Milland in a cute tale about a cat who inherits a baseball team.
The Pride of St. Louis1952BiographicalDan Dailey as the colorful pitcher Dizzy Dean.
The Winning Team1952BiographicalBased on pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander, played by Ronald Reagan.
The Kid from Left Field1953ComedyThe son of a peanut vendor (Dan Dailey) becomes the leader of a big-league team.
Big Leaguer1953DramaHans Lobert (Edward G. Robinson) runs a training camp for baseball's New York Giants.
Roogie's Bump1954ComedyA mysterious bump somehow gives a boy a big-league arm.
The Great American Pastime1956ComedyA man (Tom Ewell) decides to coach a Little League team, then regrets it.
Fear Strikes Out1957BiographicalThe life and career of Jimmy Piersall, played by Anthony Perkins.
Damn Yankees1958MusicalA man sells his soul to the devil on behalf of Washington's baseball team.
Safe at Home!1962ComedyWith Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris as themselves.
Bang the Drum Slowly1973DramaA pitcher's friendship with a catcher (Robert De Niro) who has a terminal disease.
It's Good To Be Alive1974BiographicalTV movie about former Brooklyn Dodgers catcher Roy Campanella, whose career was cut short when he lost the use of his legs in an auto accident in January 1958.
The Bad News Bears1976ComedyWalter Matthau's bad Little League team gets help from a girl pitcher (Tatum O'Neal) and a motorcycle-riding slugger (Jackie Earle Haley).
The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings1976ComedyA barnstorming team of Negro leagues players, with James Earl Jones, Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor.
Murder at the World Series1977DramaTV film starring Karen Valentine and Janet Leigh.
The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training1977ComedySequel to 1976 film, with William Devane as the team's coach.
1978BiographicalTV film on the life and career of Ron LeFlore, starring LeVar Burton.
A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story1978BiographicalTV film on Yankee immortal's marriage and tragedy, featuring Blythe Danner and Edward Herrmann.
The Bad News Bears Go to Japan1978ComedySecond sequel to 1976 film, this time starring Tony Curtis.
The Kid from Left Field1979ComedyTV film, remake, with Gary Coleman.
Aunt Mary1979DramaA disabled women sets up a baseball team of street kids to save them from juvenile delinquency.
Squeeze Play!1980ComedySexy women form a softball team.
The Comeback Kid1980ComedyFormer minor leaguer (John Ritter) begins coaching underprivileged kids.
1981BiographicalTV film with Louis Gossett Jr. as the ageless 1940s pitcher.
Only The Ball Was White1981DocumentaryA tribute to the topflight players of the Negro leagues.
Blue Skies Again1983ComedyDenver Devils' potential second baseman isn't a man, it's a young woman.
Tiger Town1983ComedyEarly Disney Channel film about an aging Detroit Tigers (Roy Scheider).
The Natural1984DramaRobert Redford in a fable about an unlikely, unlucky hero, Roy Hobbs.
Brewster's Millions1985ComedyRichard Pryor as a minor-leaguer with a chance to inherit 300 million dollars.
The Slugger's Wife1985RomanceAn Atlanta Braves player tries to break Roger Maris' record and make a marriage work.
A Winner Never Quits1986BiographicalA television film on one-armed pro ballplayer Pete Gray, played by Keith Carradine.
Long Gone1987ComedyEarly cable television film about a minor-league ballclub starring William Petersen.
Trading Hearts1987ComedyHas-been player (Raúl Juliá) and his romance with a Florida single mom.
Amazing Grace and Chuck1987DramaA Montana boy refuses to pitch Little League until the world bans nuclear weapons. With Gregory Peck as President of the United States.
Bull Durham1988Rom-ComRon Shelton's screwball comedy of a woman's (Susan Sarandon) summer with two minor-leaguers (Kevin Costner and Tim Robbins).
Eight Men Out1988BiographicalBased on the 1919 Black Sox Scandal.
Stealing Home1988DramaMark Harmon and Jodie Foster in a fictional tale of lost love.
1988ComedySomeone's out to kill the Queen of the United Kingdom during an Angels baseball game, and it's up to bumbling detective Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen) to foil the plot.
Field of Dreams1989DramaVoices tell an Iowa farmer (Kevin Costner) to build a baseball stadium in his cornfield.
Major League1989ComedyFictional story of a team of misfit Cleveland Indians.
Night Game1989Crime dramaA ballpark murder mystery starring Roy Scheider.
Mr. Destiny1990ComedyA man (James Belushi) blames his misfortune on a long-ago baseball game.
Taking Care of Business1990ComedyA man (James Belushi) escapes jail to see the Chicago Cubs play in a World Series.
Pastime1990DramaA pair of minor leaguers, one 17, one 40, form a bond.
The Court-Martial of Jackie Robinson1990DramaAndre Braugher in TV biopic of Robinson's court-martial in U.S. Army.
Talent for the Game1991DramaA fictional Los Angeles Angels baseball scout (Edward James Olmos) finds a fantastic young pitcher.
The Babe1992BiographicalBased on the life and career of Babe Ruth, starring John Goodman.
The Comrades of Summer1992ComedyA television film about a manager (Joe Mantegna) asked to take over a Soviet ballclub.
A League of Their Own1992ComedyA fictionalized account of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League of the 1940s, starring Geena Davis and Tom Hanks.
Mr. Baseball1992Rom-ComTom Selleck as a baseball star who ends up in Japan.
Rookie of the Year1993ComedyA boy develops a magical right arm and becomes a big-league pitcher for the Cubs.
The Man From Left Field1993ComedyA television film about a homeless man (Burt Reynolds) coaching a Little League team.
The Sandlot1993ComedyA man reminisces about his childhood friends and the games they played.
Cooperstown1993DramaA former pitcher is visited by the ghost of his catcher.
Baseball1994DocumentaryComprehensive history of the game, 18 hours-plus, as chronicled by Ken Burns.
Angels in the Outfield1994ComedyDisney remake of the 1951 film of the same name.
Cobb1994BiographicalThe career and last days of Ty Cobb, played by Tommy Lee Jones.
Little Big League1994ComedyA child becomes owner of the Minnesota Twins.
Major League II1994ComedySecond film in the Major League series about the Cleveland Indians.
The Scout1994ComedyA New York Yankees scout (Albert Brooks) finds a phenomenal but psychologically troubled prospect.
Baseball Girls1995DocumentaryA history of women's baseball
1995DocumentaryAaron's pursuit of Babe Ruth's all-time homer record, directed by Michael Tollin.
Dorf on the Diamond1996ComedyDirect-to-video short film in the Dorf series starring Tim Conway.
Ed1996ComedyMatt LeBlanc befriends a baseball-playing chimpanzee.
The Fan1996ThrillerA deranged San Francisco fan (Robert De Niro) kills a player, kidnaps another's son.
Soul of the Game1996BiographicalStory of baseball trailblazers including Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson.
1997BiographicalPaul Sorvino as the former New York Yankees manager.
The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg1998DocumentaryThe life and career of a former Detroit Tigers star and war hero.
If the Sun Rises in the West1998DramaSouth Korean story of an umpire.
1998ComedyThird film in the Major League series.
For Love of the Game1999DramaIn possibly his last start, a Detroit pitcher (Kevin Costner) goes after a perfect game.
Perfect Game2000ComedyTelevision film starring Ed Asner.
Angels in the Infield2000ComedyPatrick Warburton in second made-for-TV sequel to the 1994 film.
61*2001DramaHBO film directed by Billy Crystal about the season of Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle.
Hardball2001DramaKeanu Reeves as a young man who takes charge of an inner-city team.
Summer Catch2001RomanceFictional love story starring Freddie Prinze, Jr.
2002ComedyFourth entry in the Air Bud series.
The Rookie2002BiographicalBased on true story of a high school coach, pitcher Jim Morris, portrayed by Dennis Quaid.
Bleacher Bums2002ComedyTV version of the 1970s stage play about diehard fans in the outfield bleachers.
Battlefield Baseball2003ActionJapanese film.
Day of Independence2003DramaShort film
Hustle2004BiographicalESPN dramatization on success and scandal of Pete Rose, starring Tom Sizemore.
Mickey2004DramaJohn Grisham story about a Little Leaguer and his father.
Mr. 30002004ComedyA potential Hall of Famer (Bernie Mac) is told he's actually three hits shy of 3,000.
Nine Innings From Ground Zero2004DocumentaryHow the 2001 World Series helped America cope with 9/11.
This Old Cub2004DocumentaryChronicles life of Ron Santo, focusing on his struggle with type 1 diabetes.
Up for Grabs2004DocumentaryA battle over who owns ball hit in 2001 by Barry Bonds for his 73rd home run.
The Winning Season2004DramaA child from 1985 wakes up in 1909 and meets hero Honus Wagner (Matthew Modine).
Fever Pitch2005Rom-ComLoosely based on Nick Hornby soccer story, in this case a Boston Red Sox fan (Jimmy Fallon).
Game 62005DramaA playwright (Michael Keaton) has a wild night during a Red Sox playoff series.
Bad News Bears2005ComedyRemake of 1976 film of same name, starring Billy Bob Thornton.
The Sandlot 22005ComedyDirect-to-video sequel to The Sandlot.
The Benchwarmers2006ComedyDavid Spade and Rob Schneider as middle-aged nerds who want to play ball.
Everyone's Hero2006AnimationCartoon family film with baseball theme.
Beer League2006ComedyA town drunk plays in a big softball game.
Off the Black2006DramaAn umpire (Nick Nolte) befriends a high school player who hated him.
2006DocumentaryBroadcast on the U.S. PBS series POV. Explores the phenomenon of high school baseball in Japan.
The Final Season2007DramaBased on 1991 season of Norway High School in Norway, Iowa, before it was closed and consolidated into its county school district, starring Sean Astin.
2007ComedySecond direct-to-video sequel to The Sandlot.
The Bronx Is Burning2007BiographicalA docudrama of 1977 New York Yankees, with John Turturro as Billy Martin.
Black Irish2007DramaBoston teen tries to escape family problems through his pitching.
American Pastime2007DramaBased on true events, depicts life inside internment camps, where baseball was one of the major diversions from the reality of the internees' lives.
City Without Baseball2008DramaChinese film.
Signs of the Time2008DocumentaryHour-long film which focuses on the origin of hand signals in baseball.
Sugar2008DramaStory about a Dominican prospect and his adjustment to life in the U.S.
Touching Home2008DramaBrothers with pro-ball ambitions deal with their homeless father (Ed Harris).
The Perfect Game2009DramaBased on true story of Mexico team that won 1957 Little League World Series.
The Open Road2009DramaMinor leaguer Justin Timberlake has issues with baseball-legend dad Jeff Bridges.
Calvin Marshall2009ComedyTalentless baseball player Alex Frost tries to make Steve Zahn coached college team.
2010DocumentaryReviewing the achievements, controversies of all-time hit leader Pete Rose.
Chasing 30002010DramaTwo boys go a long way to witness 3,000th career hit of Roberto Clemente.
Fernando Nation2010DocumentaryMade for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Chronicles impact of Fernando Valenzuela's 1981 rookie season with Los Angeles Dodgers.
Four Days in October2010DocumentaryMade for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. On the Boston Red Sox' comeback from 3–0 series deficit against Yankees in 2004 ALCS.
Hero2010DramaChristian film about fathers and sons.
How Do You Know2010Rom-ComA romantic triangle involving a softball player (Reese Witherspoon) and a Washington Nationals pitcher (Owen Wilson).
The House of Steinbrenner2010DocumentaryMade for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Explores the legacy of George Steinbrenner's ownership of the New York Yankees.
2010DocumentaryDocumentary film on the connection and history between American Jews and baseball.
Jordan Rides the Bus2010DocumentaryMade for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Explores Michael Jordan's brief career in minor league baseball after his first retirement from basketball.
Little Big Men2010DocumentaryMade for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. On a Kirkland National Little League team's stunning victory in 1982 Little League World Series, and players' lives in the decades that followed.
Silly Little Game2010DocumentaryMade for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. About the New York City writers and academics who created Rotisserie fantasy baseball, and how their creation eventually left them behind.
Catching Hell2011DocumentaryMade for TV as a follow-up to ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Explores relationship between Steve Bartman and other Chicago Cubs fans since foul-ball incident in Game 6 of 2003 NLCS.
A Mile in His Shoes2011DramaA minor-league manager stumbles on a hidden talent who throws apples on a farm.
Moneyball2011DramaBased on a true story, the Michael Lewis best-seller about Oakland A's exec Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt, and assistant general manager Peter Brand (based on Paul DePodesta, played by Jonah Hill).
Ballplayer: Pelotero2011DocumentaryA behind-the-scenes glimpse into the remarkably organized and well-managed system in the Dominican Republic that has produced an inordinate amount of elite athletes.
Trouble with the Curve2012DramaClint Eastwood as a veteran Atlanta Braves scout whose vision is fading.
Knuckleball!2012DocumentaryA season following pitchers Tim Wakefield and R. A. Dickey.
You Don't Know Bo2012DocumentaryMade for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series about baseball and football star Bo Jackson.
Home Run2013DramaA ballplayer dealing with substance abuse returns to his hometown.
422013BiographicalStory of Jackie Robinson's (Chadwick Boseman) historic signing with Brooklyn Dodgers under guidance of team executive Branch Rickey (played by Harrison Ford).
Gibsonburg2013DramaStory of 2005 Gibsonburg High School team from Ohio, the first U.S. high school team in any sport to win a state championship with a losing record.
Million Dollar Arm2014DramaA sports agent (Jon Hamm) arranges a baseball tryout for two cricket players from India.
The Vancouver Asahi2014DramaSet in Canada during the 1930s.[1]
The Battered Bastards of Baseball2014DocumentaryLook at a Portland minor-league team, featuring Bing (the team's owner) and Kurt Russell (who played for the team and later worked in its front office).
Henry & Me2014AnimationGuardian angel introduces an ill 12-year-old to New York Yankees of different eras.
The Phenom2015DramaA talented young baseball player struggles professionally as he deals with his abusive father.
Everybody Wants Some!!2016ComedyFilm by Richard Linklater about immature 1980 college baseball players in Texas.
Doc & Darryl2016DocumentaryMade for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Explores the lives, careers, and struggles with addiction of former New York Mets stars Dwight "Doc" Gooden and Darryl Strawberry.
Fastball2016DocumentaryWith Kevin Costner narrating, lead a cast of baseball legends and scientists who explore the magic within the 396 milliseconds it takes a fastball to reach home plate, and decipher who threw the fastest pitch ever..
Spaceman2016BiographicalJosh Duhamel portrays a colorful left-handed pitcher, Bill Lee.
Undrafted2016ComedyAfter a college baseball star doesn't make the Major League Baseball draft, an intramural game with friends becomes hugely important to him as he tries to accept his broken dreams.
World Beaters2017DocumentaryESPN Films production chronicling the MaineEndwell Little League team that won the 2016 Little League World Series, becoming the smallest community ever to win that event.
Heading Home2018DocumentaryAbout the underdog Israel national baseball team competing for the first time in the World Baseball Classic.
Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams2019Documentary US–Japanese coproduction exploring Japanese high school baseball, focusing on two schools trying to reach the 100th Summer Koshien national tournament and the differing approaches of their coaches.
Bottom of the 9th2019DramaAfter serving 17 years in prison for a violent mistake he made in his youth, a once-aspiring baseball player returns to his Bronx neighborhood.
Baseball Girl2020DramaStory of a high school student who tries to join a professional team with the help of her coach.
Long Gone Summer2020DocumentaryMade for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. A look back at the 1998 home run chase between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa.
Once Upon a Time in Queens2021DocumentaryMade for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. A four-part exploration of the 1986 New York Mets and their enduring place in sports culture.
It Ain't Over2022DocumentaryExplores the life and career of New York Yankees Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra.
Tomorrow's Game2023Children and family, Science fictionOn the day of his uncle's ascendance into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Daniel is forced to embark on a journey through time that sees him restore his family's legacy and rewrite baseball history. With Paul Rodriguez.
Shohei Ohtani: Beyond the Dream2023DocumentaryDocumentary made by ESPN Films exploring Shohei Ohtani's rise from his beginning in Japan to becoming a two-way superstar in Major League Baseball. Starring Pedro Martinez as narrator.
The Hill2023BiographicalThe true-life story of Rickey Hill's improbable journey to play Major League Baseball.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Yo-kai Watch breaks Toho record in Japan. Kevin Ma. December 24, 2014. December 24, 2014. Film Business Asia. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150106202334/http://www.filmbiz.asia/news/yo-kai-watch-breaks-toho-record-in-japan. January 6, 2015.