THE BEST SPORTS MOVIES OF ALL TIME
They don't make 'em like this anymore
by Steve Sheppard Independent Sports Editor
Well, did you get what you deserved? We like to watch movies around our house during the holidays. Sometimes we try to come up with lists, like the funniest movies of all time, the next funniest movies of all time, the best Elvis movies of all time, or the shortest best-movie list of all time - which is the same as the best Elvis movies of all time list.

If you're wondering whether that DVD you just received is list-worthy or not, here's another list for you, the sports fan.

Last year, I ran down my favorite sports books. This year it's my favorite sports movies. From baseball to basketball, from golf to horse racing, there's something for everyone.

Most of these titles are available to rent on island, or for sale through the usual markets. And so, in no particular order (until it's time to pick the best, that is) are one fan's suggestions:

"Paper Lion" (1968) - Alan Alda plays writer George Plimpton, who gets to play quarterback for the Detroit Lions during a preseason game in the 1960s. That Plimpton did get in for a couple of snaps is amazing in retrospect - it could never happen today, for a number of reasons.

"The Stratton Story" (1949) - Like the best sports movies, this one is based on real life. Jimmy Stewart plays Monty Stratton, a major league pitcher wounded during a hunting accident. Without giving anything away, Ted Williams told the story of facing Stratton after the accident and clanging a ball off his leg. "Damn it, Ted," Stratton said. "Can't you at least pull the ball?"

"Seabiscuit" (2003) - Ahorse is a horse, of course, and, come to find out, there was no horse like Seabiscuit. There's added interest for Nantucketers because seabiscuit is another name for hardtack, a staple on whaleships. Alas, like most movies, the book is better.

"Knute Rockne, All American" (1940) - How can anyone resist Ronald Reagan playing George Gipp, or Pat O'Brien at the age of 40 playing Knute Rockne as a college student?

"Fear Strikes Out" (1957) - Before "Psycho," Anthony Perkins played Red Sox outfielder Jimmy Piersall with the same demented look on his face. Perkins throws left, while Piersall throws right, but hey, it's only a movie, right? Karl Malden plays the pushy father.

"Eight Men Out" (1988) - Anear classic, directed with the right touch by John Sayles. Based on the book by Eliot Asinof, this movie puts the 1919 World Series in perspective. The only question that remains is: why isn't Shoeless Joe yet in the Hall of Fame?

"Hoosiers" (1986) - The only basketball movie on the list. Why? You think, perhaps, "Space Jam" or "Celtics Pride" are better? Speaking of which, have you seen the TV promos for the Celtics lately where Kevin Garnett asks: "Are we Hoosiers?" 'Nuf ced.

"The Greatest Game Every Played" (2005) - A gem of a movie for those interested in (a) the history of golf in the U. S. and (b) the history of a local boy turned sports legend. Francis Ouimet, who lives across the street from The Country Club in Brookline, takes on former U. S. Open champion Harry Vardon in the 1920 U. S. Open - with 10-year-old caddy Eddie Lowery. You can't make this stuff up! And it's all true. That more people from Massachusetts don't know the name of Francis Ouimet is a shame.

Okay, now let's pick some nits.

"Rocky" (1976) - Before II, III, IV, ad nauseum, there was this dark horse of a movie. If only we could watch it today with the fresh eyes of 1976 during the days of Bicentennial mania. Still, it has all the ingredients of a very good movie, including the soundtrack, and, while it treads along the razor's edge of corniness, it doesn't succumb to it. If only Stallone had gone on to other subjects after this one, but, hey, he was living the American Dream.

"When We Were Kings" (1996) - Let's continue with the fight theme, this time with a documentary. "The Rumble in the Jungle" - Ali vs. Foreman, 1974. It doesn't get much better than this. My cousin and I saw this in Harvard Square when it came out and the theater was jammed. Liberals like the fights, too, I suppose.

And my pick for the number one sports movie of all time - It's a split decision between:

"The Pride of the Yankees" (1942) - Gary Cooper as Lou Gehrig, the "Iron Horse" of baseball. How can a lifelong Red Sox fan pick this movie? Because we're baseball fans, that's why. Larrupin' Lou still holds the major league grand slam record with 23. You could look it up. Besides all that, this has to be the most emotion-charged movie you'll ever see. And how can it not be the best with Babe Ruth playing himself?

"The Hustler" (1961) - If you need any confirmation as to why Jackie Gleason was called "the Great One" this is the movie to see. Oh, yes, Paul Newman's not too bad himself. Based on the book by Walter S Tevis. Who'd a thunk one of the best sports movies of all time would be about pool?

There are contenders, of course. These films were tough to cut.

"Damn Yankees" - One of the best titles of all time (yes, I really am a Red Sox fan), with a great storyline and soundtrack.

"Somebody Up There Likes Me" (1956) - You know, I may have to see this one again. Paul Newman as middleweight champion Rocky Graziano, who held the title for only 11 months but who remains one of the all-time greats.

"Raging Bull" (1980) - This has been picked as the best movie of the '80s and one of the best movies of all time. Why didn't it make the list? A little too dark, a little too real.

"Fever Pitch" - I'm kidding. The image of Drew Barrymore running onto the Busch Stadium field after the final out of the 2004 World Series as if she was a real fan still makes me gag.

And if you didn't find a Kevin Costner movie on this list, it's because there are no Kevin Costner movies on this list.

Happy New Year! I