by Nicole Cimino, Outpost Contributor
Baseball movies have been around longer than the World Series. "Casey at the Bat" became the first baseball movie in 1899, and the World Series didn't start until 1903. Surprised? I was. Even while baseball was sleeping during the 1994 strike, Hollywood pumped out several movies.
In the unlikely event of a Hollywood strike, baseball fans could still get their fix at the video store. Taking baseball movies home can supplement an afternoon at the park, since a live game isn't an option for everyone.
You know your couch is more comfortable than the theater and stadium seats. The popcorn, soda and videos from the store down the street can save you wallet damage. And you'll find stable weather conditions without worry of UV-rays. Plus, the air is cleaner because you didn't drive, and you still have gas in your tank. Free parking in your driveway is another added bonus.
Some people in our mobile society can take advantage of home videos on the road. Take, for example, coaches anywhere from Little League to Minor League. If you're a coach wondering how to take your team to the top or give them a little pre-game motivation, there's a nice selection of fictional and real life stories. Prep for the six-hour road trip by securing one of those fancy buses with reclining seats and VCRs and have a movie marathon.
If there's only time for one baseball movie, don't worry. There's no doubt it will finish long before your average three-hour baseball game. For a non-baseball fan, this might be an especially effective way to ease into America's pastime. Try one of the baseball movies that appeals to the human condition.
These are the kinds of movies that seem to receive nods from the Academy Awards. Several have been nominated, yet only one has won an award. "The Pride of the Yankees," notimated for eleven awards, won best film editing in 1942. The biography about Lou Gehrig included several career clips and highlights.
Here is a list that highlights baseball movies categorized by genre. Check them out, and run over to your local video store. If your local video store doesn't have it, try the TV-gen web site. They have reviews of each movie, credits, cast list and a search engine that can find these movies for rent or sale.
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copyright 04/17/98 Nevada Outpost http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost