Columnists debate the best sports film in cinematic history
By JOE MORGAN | Aug. 8, 2012Joe: When I left the theater after watching “Moneyball” last October, I was relieved. As a long-time baseball fan in my 20s, I have searched for the perfect baseball movie for adults. I love classics like “Major League,” “Rookie of the Year” and — of course — “The Sandlot”. However, I have struggled to find baseball movies that transcend the comedy genre. Humor sprinkled into plot here and there is encouraged, but it should be backed by compelling and relatable drama. In “Moneyball,” Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) is fighting for his career. The Oakland A’s did not have the financial means to compete in 2002, and in the film, Beane was desperate to keep his job and stay close to his daughter. Each of us can relate to the desire to take a bold risk — some of us actually have — and the movie connects with its audience in an intimate fashion. Also, seeing the inner workings of a baseball front office is pretty awesome, if you ask me.
