12 MLB Stars We'd Most Love to See in a Movie

In the history of filmmaking, Major League Baseball has been the subject of numerous movies, with actors portraying both actual and fictional players.

Many athletes have also appeared in movies and on television in cameos.

But some of today’s MLB stars have been limited to displaying their talents on the field and have not made it to the big screen yet.

From fashion statements to clubhouse pranks and in-game acting, a number of MLB stars may have a knack for entertaining that shouldn’t be confined to a baseball field.

Albert Pujols

After winning his second World Series to go along with three MVP awards and 445 career home runs, ESPN may have been on to something when it compared Albert Pujols to a machine.

If any MLB player were to play a role such as Arnold Schwarzenegger's character in The Terminator, chances are it would be Pujols—and he wouldn’t have to do much acting. He’s even moving closer to Hollywood, just in case.

Derek Jeter

Sixteen seasons and over 3,000 hits may be enough to create a desire to watch Derek Jeter on the big screen in addition to the baseball field. His acting skills may land him a role too.

During an at-bat on September 15, 2010 against the Tampa Bay Rays, Jeter acted as if he was hit by a pitch by Chad Qualls in the seventh inning.

However, as replays showed, and Jeter later admitted, the ball actually hit the end of his bat and not the arm that he grabbed following the pitch. However, after acting as if he was hit by the pitch and receiving attention from the training staff, Jeter took first base.

Any player who can provide an instant acting performance like that may have talents that reach further than the baseball field.

(picture from Big League Stew)

Heath Bell

From being seen with a Yoda backpack to sliding into the mound area at the 2011 All-Star Game, Bell has provided laughs to many baseball fans.

After being spotted, along with the rest of the San Diego Padres’ bullpen last season, wearing towels on their heads that made them appear similar to Princess Leia, one can only imagine how Bell would fare with endless props on a movie set.

Kyle Lohse

Not only did Kyle Lohse make 30 starts and go 14-8 for the St. Louis Cardinals last season, he also proved to be a capable fill-in for manager Tony La Russa.

When La Russa wasn’t able to manage a game against the Chicago Cubs last season, Lohse helped out by taking the Cardinals’ lineup card to the umpires. However, Lohse didn’t simply take the card out; he also had a hairstyle and a pair of sunglasses similar to La Russa’s—not to mention he had on La Russa’s jersey.

No one can be sure if this moment helped the Cardinals win the 2011 World Series, but it may at least lead to a big-screen role for Lohse.

Kyle Kendrick and Brett Myers

Few players may be able to play a shocked or surprised role better than Kyle Kendrick.

Prior to the 2008 season, Kendrick was the subject of an elaborate team prank in which he was informed that he was traded to a professional team in Japan.

From manager Charlie Manuel to then-assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. to even his agent and the media, the entire team convinced Kendrick that the trade was completed.

The prank eventually ended when former Phillie Brett Myers informed Kendrick that the deal wasn’t real.  Of course, he did so after playing his own role in the prank.

Both players may have landed big-screen gigs through their performances, although only one of them may have been acting.

Matt Holliday

Murphy’s Law may mean that if something has a chance of going wrong, it will. But it can also be used to describe Matt Holliday’s 2011 season.

From having an appendectomy early in the season to suffering a strained quad, to having back and finger injuries, to having a moth fly into his ear during a game, few players may have more experience at playing a number of different roles than Holliday.

Brian Wilson

Where to begin?

As if having a recognizable beard isn’t enough to make him big-screen worthy, Wilson has already been on late-night talk shows, as well as various commercials. Not to mention he wore a skintight, one-piece tuxedo to the ESPY awards.

Wilson is another player whose talents may take him from the baseball field to the big screen.

Nyjer Morgan

Few players may already have a stage name lined up, but Morgan may be set should a role come his way.

The more times he is interviewed, the more practice Morgan may be receiving for a film role. After giving numerous postgame interviews as “Tony Plush,” Morgan may have proved that he is ready should a gig present itself.

Nick Swisher

Swisher is another player who has already been seen on television as well as in commercials, in addition to having won a World Series. Swisher has seemingly excelled in entertaining fans from multiple outlets.

Between his acting talents and his bat-making skills, Swisher may have a film role in his future.

Ryan Dempster

Ryan Dempster may provide one of the best impressions of any major leaguer.

After providing entertaining pregame interviews and even entertaining fans at spring training, Dempster and his Harry Caray impression may wind up on the big screen one day.

Dustin Pedroia

The former Rookie of the Year, All-Star and MVP has done his share of commercials.

If his eye for detail is any indication, Dustin Pedroia may one day find himself moving from television to the big screen—as long as he approves the role.