7. The Pride Of The Yankees
Released a mere year after Yankee great Lou Gehrig died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, The Pride Of The Yankees is the oldest film on this list, and not only is it one of the best baseball films of all time, but one of the best movies made in the 1940s.
Gary Cooper delivers a phenomenal performance as Gehrig, chronicling the heartbreaking story of a great robbed from the game, and life, far before his prime. Babe Ruth, Mark Koenig and other Yankees players appeared in the film as themselves, making this a must-see for any fan of the game. The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including best picture and best actor.
The famous speech that Cooper delivers at the end of the film is one of the greatest moments in baseball history, and in cinematic history as well. It’s one of many scenes in the long list of sports films that can bring a tear to the eye, but these tears may sting more than any others. The Pride Of The Yankees should hold a special place in the hearts of any fans of the game.