Batter Up! 9 Baseball Movies For Lovers Of The Game
by Explore Disney+ Contributor
March 20, 2026
Big swings, underdog tales, and more, this Watch Guide is a home run for baseball fans
Bring the ballpark home with these movies and documentaries that line up dugout chemistry, pennant-race pressure, and ninth-inning tension. Keep it light with a family-friendly favorite, lean into nostalgia with The Sandlot, or feel the tension of a documentary that puts you in the action when you stream Long Gone Summer. There’s something for everyone in this Watch Guide about America’s pastime.
Classic Baseball Movies & One Short To Stream On Disney+
The Ultimate Rise-To-The-Top Sports Story: The Rookie (2002)
Rating: G
Based on the true story of one of the oldest rookies in the major leagues, this heartwarming movie proves it's never too late to pursue your dreams. With hopes of playing in the big leagues, Jim Morris’s (Dennis Quaid) plans were derailed when he experienced an injury to his shoulder. He leads a quiet life as a high school science teacher and part-time baseball coach. When his underdog team discovers the extent of his talent, they convince him to try out for the majors. He agrees, but only if they win the district championship.
Add The Rookie (2002) to Watchlist
Fastballs, Frying Pans & Secret Ambition: Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-Off
Rating: TV-G
This Disney Channel Original Movie puts a fresh spin on the traditional coming-of-age story. When Eddie finds himself torn between the baseball field and the kitchen, he wonders if he can balance his glove and bat with spatulas and skillets. The pressure builds when a scheduling conflict between the playoffs and a cook-off may force Eddie to choose between his passions. Can Eddie stay true to himself without letting his teammates down?
Add Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-Off to Watchlist
An Animated Time Capsule: Goofy: How to Play Baseball (1942)
Rating: TV-G
New to the sport? Don’t fret, Goofy has all bases covered (literally) as he teaches you everything you need to know. An impressive example of early Disney animation, this short is filled with timeless humor and Goofy’s signature charm.
Add Goofy: How to Play Baseball to Watchlist
Family-Friendly Baseball Movies To Watch Together
A Neighborhood Ballgame Caper Set In The 60s: The Sandlot
Rating: PG
A shy kid new to the area is coaxed out of his shell when the neighborhood kids invite him to play baseball. What ensues is a summer of friendship, rivalries, and escapades, including a mission to recover a piece of priceless baseball memorabilia. Filled with humor and heart, this nostalgic classic is a perfect comfort watch.
The Funniest Call-Up In Baseball History: Rookie of the Year
Rating: PG
12-year-old Henry Rowengartner is no ace. Try as he might, his dreams of making the big leagues one day seem doomed. But after an injury and some time in a cast, Henry finds that a tightening of the tendons in his pitching arm has made him a force to be reckoned with. His 100-mph fastballs catch the eye of the Chicago Cubs, and soon he’s on track to become the youngest player in the majors.
Add Rookie of the Year to Watchlist
A Nostalgic Story Of An Unexpected Intervention: Angels in the Outfield (1994)
Rating: PG
Roger (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) takes an offhanded comment by his absentee father to heart, and believes the only way they’ll be reunited is if the struggling California Angels win the pennant. When the team hits an inexplicable winning streak, only Roger knows the truth. His prayer was heard by actual angels! With Al the Angel (Christopher Lloyd) on the case, it seems the dreams of both Roger and the Angels’ coach, George Knox (Danny Glover), could finally come true.
Add Angels in the Outfield (1994) to Watchlist
Baseball Documentaries That Explore The Past And Future Of The Sport
Baseball’s Biggest Plot Twist: 30 for 30: Four Days in October, ESPN
Rating: TV-14
When the Red Sox found themselves down 3 games in the 2004 ALCS, everyone was sure that their road to the World Series had reached its end. But game by game, the Red Sox pulled off a historic comeback. Featuring never-before-seen footage and interviews with heavy hitters including Terry Francona, David Ortiz, and Curt Schilling, this documentary gives an intimate look at the 96 hours that changed the team’s fate. Available free from ESPN with your Disney+ subscription.*
Add 30 for 30: Four Days in October to Watchlist
A No-Hitter That Was Built Different: Southpaw — The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott, ESPN
Rating: TV-PG
Born without a right hand, Jim Abbott carved a remarkable path to become a pitcher for the New York Yankees. Here, he looks back on his life and career, including his incredible 1993 no-hitter against Cleveland. The documentary features interviews with Abbott filmed at Yankee Stadium, as well as conversations with his family, Hall of Famers, and prominent athletes with limb differences. Available free from ESPN with your Disney+ subscription.*
Add Southpaw - The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott to Watchlist
For Anyone Who Misses The Late 90s: 30 for 30: Long Gone Summer, ESPN
Rating: TV-G
Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa sit down to discuss the intensity of the summer of 1998. Both players raced to break the 1961 record for most home runs in a single season, triggering a media frenzy and reinvigorating public interest in the sport. McGwire, Sosa, and other prominent figures from the time look back on the season and how its legacy has become increasingly complex in the intervening years. Available free from ESPN with your Disney+ subscription.*
Add 30 for 30: Long Gone Summer to Watchlist
More Sports Recommendations On Explore Disney+
For more best-in-class sports documentaries, check out our list of 12 Essential ESPN 30 for 30 Documentaries To Stream With ESPN On Disney+.
If you’re looking for a mix of fictional stories, biopics, and documentaries centered around a variety of sports, our Watch Guide of 10 Must-Watch Sports Shows and Movies to Watch on Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN has you covered.
Finally, if you’re also a fan of the other b-ball, Get Your Basketball Fix On Disney+ With 12 Movies, Shows & Documentaries To Watch Between Games.
*Content subject to change. U.S. residents, 18+ only. A limited sampling of content from ESPN is now available to all Disney+ subscribers. Upgrade to a plan that includes ESPN to access the full ESPN on Disney+ experience; terms apply. © 2026 Disney and its related entities.
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March 20, 2026