Bull Durham

I came home the other night to find my stepbrother asleep with the TV on and the beginning of Bull Durham playing out. I had never seen this baseball movie and knew it was about time. So I fought back sleep and watched the movie.
I think bad ass aptly sums it up. Bull Durham makes it clear that men can make a living and still never grow up. This is mostly a kids movie for balding 40-year-olds.
Tim Robbins plays Nuke, the character that progresses most throughout the film with the help of the team catcher, Crash (Kevin Costner) and a local lady, Annie Savoy (Susan Sarandon). Nuke is a new pitcher who just joined the roster for the Durham Bulls. The Bulls are one step below the major leagues or "The Show" as it is nick-named. Crash takes the new pitcher under his wing to try and hone in his strong arm. Annie does much of the same off the diamond and in the bedroom. Between the two of them, they teach him the rituals, superstitions, and mannerisms of professional baseball.
I understand why my dad has pushed me to watch this movie since I was 7. The words of wisdom my father has bestowed on me since I had comprehension are, "You're only young once but you can be immature for the rest of your life." It all comes together now. Baseball is his childhood relived. That is the attitude around the game. Men can be boys.
I was skeptical when I heard Bull Durham was voted best baseball film of all time. I figured it would be a more epic portrayal of the game like Field of Dreams. But the heart and soul of this film best represents baseball on and off the field.