Page 21 - UP2UFilms

CINEMATIC POWER OF BASEBALL

Audiences love baseball films and so does Hollywood. Baseball has been responsible for more

blockbusters than hockey, basketball and football combined. These movies are popular around the

world; even in countries that know nothing about ERAs, RBIs or BBs. Baseball may be America’s

favorite pastime, but Hollywood has helped make it the world’s favorite kind of sports movie. The game

creates great cinematic opportunities; the battle between the pitcher and batter or the moment when

the whole team must come together or face painful defeat, the outfielder jumping at the last second to

rob a batter of a home run or a suspenseful slow-motion slide at home plate and the underdog wins!

The traditions, rules and relationships can make for some good comedy and the conversations on the

mound can create depth in the characters.

Successful baseball films have had a wide range of story-lines from youth to the majors. They appeal

to all ages, sexes and economic backgrounds. They inspire the boy that dreams of playing in the big

leagues, jog memories of the game’s heroes of the past or bring back fond images of playing catch

with dad. And who hasn’t uttered the words “If you build it, they will come”? The Sandlot depicts the

innocence of youth, while Field of Dreams gives hope for the impossible. The movie 42 shows the

struggle for civil rights and the tenacity of one man to stand alone in the face of hate. Baseball’s history

has intertwined itself with America’s identity and the struggle to better itself.