Boys of Summer

I love baseball.  A simple fact, a true reality.  I just realized the other day that baseball is an obsession for me when I was relating to people my excitement over ordering MLB.tv so that I could watch every Indians' game online.  I haven't been this excited since I bought my cowboy boots.

Anyway, I've been watching baseball online and just basking in the glow that is the summer baseball season, trying to figure out what it is that I love and I can't explain it.  I just love it.  So, in this vein, I wanted to put together a list of movies that capture the true essence of why I love baseball.  Below  is merely a partial list of movies I think are absolutely necessary to see if you want to start to understand my somewhat insane obsession:

1. The Sandlot. I'm watching it right now and realizing that most of my "movie quote phrases" come from this movie and I didn't even remember that.  YOU MUST SEE THIS MOVIE.  And if you're near me, tell me when you watch it, I'll come over, and recite the whole thing under my breath.  Aw, this is an awesome movie. Warning: I am NOT talking about Sandlot 2 or 3.  Nothing...and I mean nothing...can top the original, so I have to assume that the others share a certain degree of suckiness.  Proceed at your own risk with the sequels; I am not responsible for any negative side-effects.

2. The Natural. (Robert Redford alert). Mystical realism and Wonderboy.  I loved both the book and the movie.  This one starts to get at "baseball as religion." I wrote a paper once on the book and the way it employs the Arthurian Legend.  If you're into Robert Redford, baseball, god, magic, and/or medieval legends you can't miss it (if you hit one of the things listed, you shouldn't be disappointed).  Again, tell me when you're watching this and I'll be right there.

3. Major League. (Cleveland Indians alert).  I saw this in the theater when I was in 3rd grade and have watched it at least 3x a year since then.  Wild Thing, Bob Eucher (that's spelled wrong I'm sure), and Jake Taylor create the best set up for underdogs ever.  Being from Cleveland, I know a thing or two about underdogs.  This movie is "juuuuust a bit outside" but awesome nonetheless. Warning: Do NOT...and I mean DO NOT see ML2 or ML3.  They are an embarrassment that only ends in anger for the viewer.

4. Field of Dreams. If you build it, they will come. I am so shameless about my love for this movie, I showed it in my religion classes when I was teaching in the high school.  Kevin Coster, Amy Madigan (one of my favorite movie actresses ever--married to Ed Harris--another awesome actor), and James Earl Jones as Terrence Mann.  This movie begins to get at all of the reasons I love baseball.  Once again...if you're going to rent it... call me.

5. A League of Their Own. Yes, girls playing baseball.  Generally, I'm a purist and completely against women playing in MLB baseball (two thumbs down to that Coors team in Denver or wherever trying to play against AAA teams in the area--it wasn't pretty and the women ended up looking like real losers).  This sounds very wrong, but I do believe there's something about the jock-adjusting, tobacco-spittin', trash-talking-on-the-basepath that makes baseball unique and beautiful. But this movie shows that a woman's game becomes something different and equally as beautiful.  We've never really seen this since the women's leagues of the WWII era and it might be nice.  However, it also reminds us that "there's no crying in baseball" and I believe that's a Truth with a capital T for whomever is playing the game at the moment.  Suck it up and play.  Rosie O'Donnell, Geena Davis, Madonna, and Tom Hanks make this one great and, as a bonus, this happens to be set in the Midwest--so those of us living near Chicago/Wisconsin will recognize the Rockford Peaches and the Racine Belles.  David Straithairn (another wrong spelling) and John Lovitz make this movie--watch it for them if nothing else.

6. Bull Durham. Tim Robbins, Susan Saradon, and Kevin Costner yet again. Listen...just watch it. I think this is one of Tim Robbins' best roles and I love the dynamics of the relationship between his and Costner's characters--classic and hilarious.

7. The Rookie. (Dennis Quaid alert). This one captures the essence of dreaming the dream so long and then going out and realizing it.  Is it as good as the others listed here...no, of course not.  But it's not a waste of time...and Dennis Quaid's in it.  This would be good, only after you've seen every other thing on this list.  And then maybe a couple more....but I still love it.

8. The Bad News Bears. I love little league...and these are only some of the reasons.  Another great underdog story featuring Walter Matthau and the once-cute, now-troubled Tatum O'Neil.  Warning: Stay away from the remake with Billy Bob Thornton.  Just trust me.

This list is dynamic, so I'd appreciate reminders if I've missed something important.  Just remember: I love baseball.  And these movies, along with just watching the beauty, grace, suspense, and moment-creating of an actual game will begin to help you understand...if you dare.  Ask Meghan...you might get hooked.

Batter up.