Baseball: The Movie

Overview

Reviews

“Finally, someone takes baseball movies seriously! Baseball: The Movie blends the passion of a fan with the rigorous analysis of a film critic to create a persuasive argument that the baseball movie matters—to baseball, to Hollywood, even to America.” 

—Ben Mankiewicz, host, Turner Classic Movies 

“Like a wise catcher who sees the whole field, Noah Gittell brings a keen eye and sharp perspective to two national pastimes that work as perfect companions: baseball and the movies. The summer game and the silver screen have evolved together through the decades, and Gittell traces their twin histories in rich detail, with riveting behind-the-scenes stories that make you appreciate the ballpark and the box office like never before.” 

—Tyler Kepner, author of K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitchers and The Grandest Stage: A History of the World Series

“Absolutely fantastic. Baseball: The Movie is much, much more than a list, a ranking, or a mere remembrance of some beloved baseball movies. It's a truly great work of cultural history.” 

–Craig Calcaterra, author of Rethinking Fandom: How to Beat the Sports-Industrial Complex at Its Own Game 

“There's analysis and there's storytelling. In my professional life, I practice them in the booth all season long. Noah Gittell not only masters each skill in Baseball: The Movie, but intertwines them seamlessly with humor, depth, and a personal perspective that makes it a must read for any movie lover, baseball fan, or curious observer of American culture.” 

—Ron Darling, author, baseball analyst, and former MLB pitcher 

“Despite scant mention of the absolutely atrocious Grover Cleveland Alexander drama The Winning Team, Noah does a wonderful job of celebrating baseball and the movies and, mostly, baseball at the movies. Now if you will excuse me, I must go watch A League of Their Own for the 293rd time.” 

 —Joe Posnanski, author of The Baseball 100 and Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments 

“For most of my life, I've been waiting for a great book about baseball movies, because for nearly all my life I've been obsessed with both baseball and movies. Thanks to Noah Gittell, it's been worth the wait. Gittell doesn't just write brilliantly about baseball movies; he also places them in the context of American culture and society over the better part of a century. This book is a bravura, Oscar-worthy achievement.” 

—Rob Neyer, author of Power Ball: Anatomy of a Modern Game

“Noah Gittell has written an insightful book that falls right smack into this baseball and movie fan's sweet spot. He examines how baseball and movies about the game have reflected the culture of America through the years. What does the Lou Gehrig story, “Pride of the Yankees,” say about our need for heroes during and after World War II? What does “The Jackie Robinson Story” say about America’s attitude toward race? What does “Bull Durham” say about women and sexual mores? Which actors who played baseball players knew how to hit the ball and which stars had to be replaced by stunt doubles in action scenes? Through fascinating interviews with filmmakers and careful study of a full slate of films, Gittell gives readers a true treat—a unique look at the favorite pastimes of millions around the world. Trust me: if you love baseball and movies about it, you’ll treasure this book.” 

—Jane Heller, New York Times Bestselling Author 

“There are baseball fans, baseball aficionados, baseball fanatics – and then there is Noah Gittell.  Baseball: The Movie is at once literate, scholarly,  and passionate. Most of all, it understands that the sport's depiction in the movies is as revealing a narrative history of America as it is of our ‘national pastime.’  Imagine reading Franklin Foer’s classic How Soccer Explains The World in one hand while clutching a hot dog and a beer in the other.  Move over, Bart Giamatti and Bill James, here's a new one to add to the canon.” 

—Edward Zwick, director of Glory and Courage Under Fire, Cubs fan 

Author Biography