Baseball is the great American pastime, or at least is was, and there are still millions of kids who love the sport and love to watch the game. Here is a list of movies, categorized as family or children's movies, that center around a baseball theme.
Before you buy one of these movies for your kids or as a gift for a child, be sure to check out the reviews or preview the movie to make sure that it is in line with your family values.
1. Everyone's Hero (DVD, 2006)
This heartwarming, wholesome family fare was originally conceived by the late Christopher Reeve (SUPERMAN), and reflects a theme of perseverance against all odds from which the whole family can learn. Set in Depression-era New York, the film follows 10-year-old baseball fan Yankee Irving (voiced by Jake T. Austin), who finds Babe Ruth's lost bat and sets out to return it no matter what. Rated G.
2. The Sandlot: Heading Home (DVD, 2007)
Heading Home marks the third installment in the Sandlot series. Tommy Santorelli (Luke Perry) may be one of baseball's greats, but he is no team player. A trip back in time to the sandlot teaches him a lesson about doing the right thing no matter what the cost. Rated PG, for language and rude humor.3. The Sandlot (DVD, 2005)
It's 1962, and young Scotty Smalls has just moved to town. When he hits his first home run at the sandlot, his stepfather's ball, autographed by Babe Ruth, lands in the adjoining lot in front of "The Beast," a dog rumored to have once eaten a kid. The kids have many adventures and unexpected results in their efforts to regain the ball before Smalls' stepfather finds out it's missing. Rated PG, for some language and kids chewing tobacco. (The gift edition also comes with The Sandlot 2, which did not make the list of top baseball movies.)
4. Angels In the Outfield (DVD, 1994)
The down and out California Angels are bad. When 11-year-old foster child, Roger, hears his drifter Dad sardonically compare the chances of reuniting the family the chances of the Angels winning the pennant, Roger takes it as a promise and the truth. That night, he prays for the Angel's success, and in response, a star winks back at him with promises of baseballs faster than the speed of light and players able to leap tall buildings for a single catch. Rated PG, for some mild violence and vulgarity.5. Rookie of the Year (DVD, 1993)
Henry Rowengartner is a 12-year-old Little Leaguer whose love of baseball far outstrips his prowess on the field. Everything changes, however, after Henry breaks his arm during one of his Little League games. When his arm heals, Henry discovers that he has been magically transformed into an unstoppable pitching machine. Suddenly, the once-klutzy kid is pitching for the Chicago Cubs and everyone wants a piece of the action. Rated PG for some comic violence, a couple of profanities and some mild vulgarity.