STRIKE OUT YOU CAN’T

With Baseball Films On Family Movie Nights

COURTNEY BRUMMER-CLARK

World-Herald Sta Writer

For many, summer means baseball. Beit a trip to see the Kansas City Royals, an afternoon at Werner Park and the Storm Chasers or a weekend watching little and high school leagues, these are the days when the crack of the bat and the cheer of a crowd are familiar sounds.

If you are looking to extend that joy synonymous with the game, check out these selections for baseball-themed family movie nights:

‘FIELD OF DREAMS’

1989, Rated PG

Selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress’ National

Film Preservation Board, this Academy Awardnominated lm about baseball, history and family is beloved by many and considered one of the best sports movies of all time. The lm, based on the book “Shoeless Joe” by W.P. Kinsella, stars Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Amy Madigan and Burt Lancaster (in his nal lm). Set and lmed in eastern Iowa, farmer Ray Kinsella (Costner) is inspired by a mysterious voice to build a baseball diamond in the middle of his corn eld. From there, he goes on to meet a famous author (Jones) and the ghosts of former professional baseball players (including Liotta).

‘A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN’

1992, Rated PG

Also selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress’

National Film Preservation Board, “A League of Their Own” is a fictionalized account about the real-life All-American Girls Baseball League. Comprised of women, the teams were formed to continue America’s baseball tradition as Major League players went off to fight in World War II. Directed by Penny Marshall and starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis and Madonna, the movie is a heart-warming story of determination and sisterhood.

‘THE SANDLOT’

1993, Rated PG

“You’re killing me, Smalls.” The famous quote takes us back to the first time we watched this coming-of-age story about a group of childhood friends and their summer spent playing baseball, discovering love and just growing up. The film stars Denis Leary, James Earl Jones and Karen Allen. Considered by many a Generation X favorite, “The Sandlot” has lessons for the whole family.

‘42’

2013, Rated PG-13

“42” is based on the story of Major League Baseball’s first Black player, Jackie Robinson. In the pros, Robinson (played by the Chadwick Boseman) faced racism and adversity as the American civil rights era became more prevalent in society — including the entertainment and sports worlds. The film recreates some of Robinson’s most memorable plays and games, including an incident when an opposing team player jams his cleats into the back of Robinson’s leg, injuring him. Other film stars include Harrison Ford, Christopher Meloni and Nicole Beharie.

‘THE BAD NEWS BEARS’

1976, Rated PG

‘BAD NEWS BEARS’

2005, Rated PG-13

What do you have when you combine a gruff, ex-professional baseball player asked to coach a team of kids who may not be good at sports, but can make you laugh?

You have the “Bad News Bears.” The plots for the original 1976 movie starring Walter Matthau and Tatum O’Neal, and the 2005 remake starring Billy Bob Thornton and Greg Kinnear, are pretty much the same. Both films bring a lot of laughs and both teach lessons in what it means to work together as a team. Be advised the 2005 version has more bluehumor in it than the 1976 version.

‘THE NATURAL’

1984, Rated PG

Starring Robert Redford, “The Natural” is one of the most-recognized baseball films in American cinema. It is the story of determination, redemption and love of the game. Sixteen years after he was shot in the stomach, baseball player Roy Hobbs (Redford) is trying to regain his footing in Major League Baseball. His talent is considered legendary by some, suspicious by others. But for Hobbs, it’s about the game. The film has a magical quality to it that makes it good viewing for families.

‘THE ROOKIE’

2002, Rated G

Produced by Walt Disney Pictures, “The Rookie” is based on the true story of Jim Morris, a former Milwaukee Brewers draftee who gets cut after a shoulder injury seemingly ends his career before it can begin. Morris (played by Dennis Quaid) later becomes a high school science teacher and baseball coach. After making a deal with his student players that he would try out for the majors if the kids made the state playoffs, he attends a tryout for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. There, he — and scouts — discover that he still has fierce fastball and he is offered the chance to play again. What comes next is inspiring. The film also stars Brian Cox and Rachel Griffiths.

KEN BURNS’ ‘BASEBALL’

1994

A nine-part documentary series by history documentarian Ken Burns examines the how baseball became America’s pastime and how the game and society interwove with each other. The series highlights famous players such as Babe Ruth, Satchel Paige, Joe Dimaggio and Willie Mays (to name a few), while also examining how the league evolved, including the contributions of the pioneer, women’s and Negro League teams. Though this series could be watched in one day, it could be spread out over a summer of family movie days (or nights).