April 4th marks Opening Day for Major League Baseball, so here are nine innings of my favorite movies involving our national pastime.

1st Inning:
Eight Men Out (1988 – John Cusack, Michael Lerner). Epic story about the Chicago Blacksox and their alleged attempts to 'throw' the 1919 World Series.

2nd Inning:
Field Of Dreams (1989 – Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones). Classic tale about an Iowan farmer who hears voices telling him to build a baseball diamond on his property.

3rd Inning:
The Sandlot (1993 – Denis Leary, James Earl Jones). Kids and baseball at its best; a must see for anyone who grew up playing and watching the game.

4th Inning:
Bad News Bears (1976 – Walter Matthau). With no disrespect to Billy Bob Thornton, I’ve always preferred Matthau as the grumpy coach of this misfit baseball team

5th Inning:
A League of Their Own (1992 – Geena Davis, Tom Hanks). The girls shine on the diamond as they enact the story of women's professional baseball in America. Hanks is remarkable as a washed-up, drunkard coach.

6th Inning:
Bull Durham (1988 – Kevin Costner, Tim Robbins). One of three baseball movies with Costner, it tells the story of a love triangle between a pitcher, a catcher and a gal played by Susan Sarandon.

7th Inning –
Major League (1989 – Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernsen). The unlucky Cleveland Indians try to win it all and the hi-jinks ensue. Features the hilarious radio commentary of Milwaukee Brewers' announcer Bob Uecker.

8th Inning:
Bang the Drum Slowly (1973 – Robert DeNiro). Sort of the 'Brian's Song' for baseball, it’s the story of a wise pitcher and a not so wise catcher who become close friends.

9th Inning:
Pride of the Yankees (1942 – Gary Cooper). Love them or hate them, the Yankees are a part of baseball history. This movie follows the life of the legendary player Lou Gehrig.

Extra Innings:

Some other baseball movies worth noting:

Mr. 3000 – Not Bernie Mac's finest effort, but Brewers fans may want to check it out.
The Natural – Robert Redford stars in this sappy movie, but it is still a classic.
For Love of the Game – The third of Costner's baseball trilogy, it follows a pitcher's thoughts during the elusive perfect game.
The Lou Gehrig Story – A more intimate look at the personal life of one of baseball's finest players.
61* – An interesting look at the famous home run race between Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris to break Babe Ruth’s single season record.