Make it a Baseball Movie Weekend

If you're a baseball fan and catch yourself stuck inside when the season's about to start but it's raining out, try watching a couple days of classic baseball movies. There are plenty to choose from which are certain to provide a quick fix. And, there's something for just about every type of fan.

Want comedy? There are few better than Bull Durham, which provides the viewer with a comedic look at life that's pretty close to real in the minor leagues. The story takes you through a season in the career of catcher Crash Davis, played by Kevin Costner. Costner, playing out the string with the Durham Bulls, is called upon to act as a mentor to young fireballer "Nuke" LaLooshe, played by Tim Robbins.

It's a hilarious season with a number of memorable characters. There are some language issues and adult situations.

Are you in the mood for a historical movie? The best in this category is probably Eight Men Out, which deals with the 1919 Chicago White Sox and the fixing of the World Series. The story centers greatly around outfielder Shoeless Joe Jackson, who is said to have accepted bribes to throw the Series, yet led all hitters with a .375 average and the Series' only home run.

Again, there's some strong language.

How about inspirational? If that's the case, you can't take The Rookie out of this lineup. Dennis Quaid stars in the true story of Jimmy Morris, a high school baseball coach who one day realizes he's good enough to pitch in the major leagues. He attends a tryout camp to settle a deal he made with his high school team.

Watch for the scene where Quaid tells his son, played by Angus T. Jones, that he's headed to the major leagues. It's a tear-jerker.

This one is an excellent family movie.

Want a true family movie, though? Try The Sandlot. This semi-cult classic is a hoot, detailing a young boy's life when he moves to a new town and is befriended by a group of young ballplayers.

The movie is really about growing up in the suburbs. Baseball, though, provides a nice backdrop.

I won't spoil anything in this one. Just gather up the kids and have a fun time with this one.

If you can't find The Sandlot, try Rookie of the Year.

One can even hit the fantasy baseball market, with picks such as The Natural and Field of Dreams. The Natural stars Robert Redford and his interrupted life as an over-the-hill baseball player. There's a great story and Redford is magnificent in the telling of the story.

Field of Dreams is another Costner baseball movie. It's touching at times, silly at times and you need the imagination running full-speed ahead to watch this one. Costner settles old differences with his late father through his father's hero, Shoeless Joe Jackson, on a baseball field in Iowa.

A little silly but it's a great, great watch.