Top 10 Baseball Biopics to Inspire You

Description: This classic film tells the story of Lou Gehrig, the legendary first baseman for the New York Yankees, whose career was cut short by a tragic illness. It's a poignant look at his life, his record-breaking streak, and his battle with ALS, now known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Fact: Gary Cooper, who played Gehrig, was not a baseball player, but he trained extensively to mimic Gehrig's batting stance and swing.

Description: While loosely based on the life of baseball player Eddie Waitkus, this film stars Robert Redford as Roy Hobbs, a gifted player who rises from obscurity to become a baseball legend.

Fact: The iconic scene where Hobbs hits the ball and the stadium lights explode was inspired by a similar event in the novel by Bernard Malamud.

Description: This film recounts the infamous Black Sox Scandal of 1919, where eight members of the Chicago White Sox were accused of throwing the World Series. It's a gritty look at the darker side of baseball history.

Fact: The film was based on Eliot Asinof's book of the same name, which provided a detailed account of the scandal.

Description: Though more of a fantasy drama, it includes elements of baseball history with characters like Shoeless Joe Jackson. It's about dreams, redemption, and the love of the game.

Fact: The film's famous line, "If you build it, he will come," was actually a misquote from the book where it was "If you build it, they will come."

Description: John Goodman stars as Babe Ruth in this biopic that explores the larger-than-life personality of the baseball icon, from his early days in a Baltimore orphanage to his legendary home runs and off-field antics.

Fact: Goodman gained 30 pounds to play Ruth, but still didn't come close to Ruth's actual size.

Description: Tommy Lee Jones delivers a powerful performance as Ty Cobb, one of the greatest baseball players of all time, known for his aggressive play and controversial personality.

Fact: The film was directed by Ron Shelton, who also wrote and directed "Bull Durham," another iconic baseball movie.

Description: Based on the true story of Jim Morris, a high school science teacher who, at age 35, made it to the major leagues after a promise to his students. It's an uplifting tale of never giving up on your dreams.

Fact: Dennis Quaid, who played Morris, actually threw a 98 mph fastball during filming, which is quite impressive for an actor.

Description: This film chronicles the life of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. It captures his struggle against racial prejudice and his incredible impact on the sport and society.

Fact: The film was released in 2013, coinciding with the 66th anniversary of Robinson's breaking the color barrier in baseball.

Description: While not a traditional biopic, this film focuses on Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, who revolutionizes team selection with sabermetrics. It's a story about innovation in baseball management.

Fact: The film was adapted from Michael Lewis's book, which itself was based on real events, but some liberties were taken for dramatic effect.

Description: Directed by Billy Crystal, this HBO film focuses on the 1961 season when Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle chased Babe Ruth's single-season home run record. It's a deep dive into the pressures of fame and the human side of sports legends.

Fact: The title refers to the asterisk that was controversially placed next to Maris's record due to the extended season length.