Baseball Hidden Gem Movies

Major League Baseball's Opening day for the season is this Thursday March 27th. To celebrate another season of baseball, I went into the crates again. This time spotlighting 5 hidden gem baseball movies. It's time to bring out the bats, obnoxiously chew gum and eat seeds, and watch some baseball movies under the stars.

 Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars

This 1976 film starred a heavy hitting cast, James Earl Jones, Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor and Stan Shaw(stuttering boxer in Harlem Nights) . The film follows Bingo Long played by Billy Dee, tired of being taken advantage of by his Negro League team owner Sallison Porter (a fellow brother at that). Snaps up some teammates and they hit the road.

Traveling through small towns facing off against local teams in exhibitions. In the process they become showman while playing baseball. Until they are invited to a winner takes all game by Sallison, with some stipulations attached. The film is a comedic take on the Negro League system, players actively trying to make ends meet and break the color barrier. In addition taking a chance on yourself and finding ways to feel new again in a job.

Summer Catch

This 2001 film gets a lot of hate, is it warranted maybe? Is it a good movie debatable. Is it mindless entertainment that shows an overlooked aspect of baseball, absolutely. Starring Freddie Prinze Jr. And Jessica Biel it follows star crossed lovers over the summer.

Freddie Prinze Jr. Character Ryan is a pitcher for the Cape Cod Summer league, working his way towards the major league. He becomes smitten and eventually falls in love with Biel's Tenley. They spend the summer working through their individual insecurities, and family drama. While trying to achieve their respective goals.

It's absolutely a early 2000's romantic comedy movie. You maybe haed pressed to find someone who considers it one of their favorites, but doesn't mean it's one out there.

Mr. Baseball

This 1992 film starring Tom Selleck is a true fish out of water film. Starring Selleck as a aging veteran MLB player for the New York Yankees Jack Elliott, he is traded to a team the Chunichi Dragons  in the Japanese Central League.

Jack refuses to accept the culture of Japan and how the game is played there. Until a fellow American teammate Max Dubois played by Dennis Haysbert. A new love interest Hiroko, and his manager Uchimaya all make see the bigger picture. Soon Jack has found his game again and the Dragons are on the road to the championship.

Mr. 3000

Bernie Mac starred in this 2004 comedy as a arrogant MLB player, who retired in the middle of a game once he reached 3,000 career hits. Years later he learns due to a clerical error he only has 2,997 hits limiting his hall of Fame chances. He decides to return to baseball at the age of 47 for his last 3 hits.

His former team the Milwaukee Brewers agree to him rejoining as a publicity stunt. Back in gbs game he sees the error of his past ways, and inspires his current team to dig out of their funk and go for the pennant.

Soul Of The Game

This 1996 HBO original film is a sure fire classic, to those who have seen it. It's the type of movie I did not appreciate until I was much older, and in today's world Netflix would make. Starring Blair Underwood, Delroy Lindo, and Mykelti Williamson. The movie follows the three as Negro League stars Jackie Robinson, Saitchel Paige, and Josh Gibson.

Interconnected with Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey's desire to integrate Major League Baseball. The three men are prime candidates to be that guy, but each have personal obstacles to overcome. However, never letting up their love for the game. I could go on and on about this movie, it's a must see if you can find it.