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.

 

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Utilize history to bring a new generation of Blacks into baseball

April 15^th, is Jackie Robinson day in Major League Baseball. A day that commemorates Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947. Each player, coach, and manager on every team and umpires wear the number 42 during this day. This year is extra special because it also commemorates Jackie’s 100^th birthday and the upcoming opening of the Jackie Robinson museum in New York City. Jackie Robinson was a pioneer in baseball and a man of great character, watch two movies based on his life 1996 Soul of the game starring Blair Underwood as Jackie, and the 2013 film starring Chadwick Boseman as Jackie.  

MLB is desperately trying to reverse the declining trend of Black players in the league and one way they could reverse this trend and honoring past players. While Jackie Robinson is the only player to have a whole day in his honor in the league, here are 5 players that MLB should name days after for being exceptional human beings and for what they offered to the sport.

5. Larry Doby

Larry Doby was the second African-American player to play in the major leagues and the first to play in the American league for the Cleveland Indians just three months after Jackie broke the barrier. He was the first negro league player to jump straight from the negro leagues to the major leagues. He was a seven-time all-star and the first African-American along with Saitchel Paige to win the world series in 1948. He also became one of the first American players to play professional baseball in Japan along with Don Newcombe. He was a home run champion and American league RBI champion, he managed the Chicago White Sox in 1978 becoming the second black manager and worked in the American League executive office. His front office skills transcended baseball as he held position(s) with the New Jersey Nets of the NBA as director of communications and community affairs. A former navy vet who served in World War II, his number was retired by the Indians and he was inducted in their hall of fame in 1994. In 1998 he was inducted into the baseball hall of fame, in 2012 he was one of four former baseball players pictured on U.S. postage stamps. Larry Doby passed away on June 18^th, 2003

4. Hank Aaron

“Hammer” Hank Aaron was inducted into the baseball hall of fame in 1982. His accolades include breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record in 1974 holding the record for 33 years at 755 (being beaten by Barry Bonds). A 25-time all-star, 3 x gold glove winner, National League MVP in 1957. Holds the all-time records for total bases, extra base hits, and runs batted in. He is currently a executive within the Atlanta Braves organization, one of the few African-Americans holding that title in MLB. In 2001 he was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal and in 2002 he received the Presidential medal of freedom. His number (44) was retired by both the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers and he is in the Braves Hall of Fame and Miller Park Wall of Fame. He was elected to the All-Century team in 1999.

3. Frank Robinson

Frank Robinson a 14-time all-star, triple crown winner, MVP of the American and National league respectively. World Series MVP with the Baltimore Orioles in 1966. He also broke barriers becoming the first Black manager in MLB in 1975, managing the Cleveland Indians while still playing becoming a player/manager. He ended up managing the San Francisco Giants and Baltimore Orioles, as well as being the first manager of the Washington Nationals. He also was inducted in the baseball hall of fame in 1982. As well as being inducted in the Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, and Cleveland Indians hall of fames having his number (20) retired by each team. He also was inducted into the Nationals ring of honor and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 and the first Jackie Robinson Society Community Recognition Award in 2007. He served in the front office of baseball organizations as well as the front office of MLB and was a member of the NAACP, working to improve baseball relations in inner cities. Frank Robinson passed away on February 7^th of this year.

2. Willie Mays

The “Say Hey Kid” famously known for the “catch” in the 1954 world series, catching the ball over the shoulder while running it’s one of the most iconic baseball plays ever. 1951 National league rookie of the year, 24x all-star, 12x gold glove winner, 2x National league MVP, fifth all time on the home run list with 660 homers. World champion in 1954, Eieht consecutive 100-RBI seasons, 4x National league home run leader and stolen base leader Willie Mays could do it all. While playing for the New York Giants he was a staple in the community often seen playing stick ball with neighborhood kids. He was voted to the hall of fame in 1979, his number (24) was retired by the San Francisco Giants and has held the title of special assistant to the president since 1986. San Francisco holds “Willie Mays Day” every May 24^th to commemorate the anniversary of his major league debut and his number. He has received honorary doctorates from Yale University, San Francisco State University and Dartmouth College. The major league beacon of life award and the presidential medal of freedom in 2015. He was voted to the MLB All-Time team in 1997 and All-Century team in 1999.

1.Ken Griffey Jr.

The “Kid” back in the mid-90’s when I was a kid, Griffey was the guy all the black kids admired. Wearing his cap backwards while going through batting practice, releasing a line of sneakers with Nike which I believe was a first for MLB players. Possessing one of the sweetest, fluid swings in baseball he is one of the best center fielders ever, constantly robbing hitters with his acrobatic video game like moves. A 10x gold glove winner, 13x all-star, 7x Silver Slugger award winner, 4x American league home run leader, American league MVP and RBI leader in 1997, the National league Comeback player of the year in 2005. He was elected to the MLB All-Century team in 1999, he was elected into the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds respective hall of fames, as well as having his number (24) retired by the Mariners. He was elected into the baseball hall of fame in 2016. Griffey was the “man” in the 90’s when it came to baseball.

While the rank of #1 could be up for debate, Ken Griffey Jr. deserves that honor in my eyes simply because I was able to actually see him perform in his career, and he is the greatest pure talent I've ever seen. He’s also young enough to help attract a new generation to the great game of baseball. All of these gentlemen contributed a tremendous amount to the game of baseball and inspired younger generations. They all deserve league wide days named after them. If baseball is serious about bringing more black players to the game, they should not only display how fun it is but also look back to it’s history and show the younger generation what players who look just like them have accomplished in the sport.

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Adam Said Naw

The Orioles have recently acknowledged the big “R" word and are in full rebuild mode. After trading a generational talent like Manny Machado and All-Star closer Zach Britton, The Orioles made last minute trades and sent Darren O’Day, Kevin Gausman, and Jonathan Schoop to other teams.

  Noticeably missing from that group was Adam Jones. He’s been reported he used his 10 years in the majors, 5 with the same team veto clause to block any potential trades. People have questioned was that the right move..not sure if it was but it’s complicated.

   Since being traded to the team in 2008 Adam has become the face of the team. He plays a very big role in the community and has embraced Baltimore as his home during the season and the off-season. When most people think of the Baltimore Orioles Adam Jones is the first name they think of.

   Adam Jones just turned 33, which by no means is old but in professional sports typically means a player is on the downside of their career. Maybe Adam felt at this point in his career and with his family rooted in Baltimore, there is no need to go anywhere else for a championship run.

   Maybe he felt no matter what else he does or if he joins another team, his legacy will be the Orioles and the city of Baltimore. Maybe he feels he can be a role model in a predominately black city and inspire black kids in the city to play baseball. He may feel that is more important than anything else at this time.

   Or maybe Adam recognizes even in this rebuild mode and “youth" movement, there is still a need for veteran leadership. Everyone knows Adam is the leader of that clubhouse, he may feel compelled to give back and mentor younger players coming on board the Oriole Way. There’s been reports he’s even willing to move to another outfield spot, one to play a less demanding outfield position and two make way for the new blood and mentor them.

   This rebuild will be painful for the next couple years. Maybe in Adam’s mind he can stay a Oriole, stick around for the rebuild and finally bring the World Series Championship to the city of Baltimore in the twilight of his career. He’ll be hailed as a hero and his legacy will forever be cemented as an Oriole.

   Maybe Adam Jones see’s the bigger picture past his personal accomplishments. He was here when things weren't so great, was a driving force in the resurgence from 2012-2016, is back in another downturn. He knows better times are coming and is prepared to dig deep, ride the roller coaster, and fight to get there.

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