Comparing Each MLB Team's Season to a Baseball Movie

From the recent Boston-L.A. blockbuster deal to the rise of rookie phenom Mike Trout, the 2012 MLB season has featured plenty of unprecedented events.

Unprecedented in reality, at least.

Hollywood began producing baseball movies generations ago, and the category now encompasses hundreds of films. Those stories—some fictional, others inspired by truth—have unfolded in countless ways and involved familiar twists and turns.

Though it has been a unique summer, each major league team's experiences mirror those of a big-screen club.

*Movie titles are linked to their IMDb pages.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Major League: Back to the Minors (1998)

The Arizona Diamondbacks have floated around .500 since late April and participated in several low-risk, low-reward trades.

You can tell the team is amid a boring season because the owner has gotten more media attention than any D-Backs player.

I'm referring, of course, to the comments made by managing general partner Ken Kendricks. He expressed disappointment regarding Stephen Drew's slow recovery from an ankle injury, and frustration towards Justin Upton, who has slumped throughout 2012.

Rarely do competitive challenges like Kendricks' come from within the franchise...expect in the above clip from Major League: Back to the Minors. Manager Gus Cantrell fearlessly calls out his bosses and even puts some money where his mouth is.

Atlanta Braves: Long Gone (1987)

Though the Atlanta Braves appear to be playoff bound, it took them awhile to find consistency.

Rookie shortstop Andrelton Simmons made an instant impact upon debuting and Brian McCann's power surged around the All-Star break. Otherwise, they might still be scuffling.

The Tampico Stogies from this made-for-television film also caught fire later in the season thanks to contributions from a middle infielder (Jamie Weeks) and backstop (Joe Lewis Brown).

Baltimore Orioles: Angels in the Outfield (1994)

Nearly everyone expected the Baltimore Orioles to spend this summer in the AL East cellar. They simply seemed to lack the talent to compete.

The California Angels faced comparable adversity in this 1994 feel-good film, but with help from actual angels, they enjoyed inexplicable success.

The O's remain relevant despite the worst run differential among winning teams, and I don't doubt that manager Buck Showalter has more magic up his sleeve.

Boston Red Sox: Hardball (2001)

A beloved member of the Boston Red Sox family, Johnny Pesky passed away on August 13.

The Kekambas of Hardball were in mourning, too, after losing Jarius "G-Baby" Evans in an accidental shooting. His enthusiastic personality was irreplaceable.

Both teams are additionally linked by their reluctance to adjust to new managers.

It's unlikely, though, that the Red Sox will ever embrace Bobby Valentine in the way that these inner-city little leaguers eventually grew to respect Conor O'Neill (Keanu Reeves).

Chicago Cubs: The Benchwarmers (2006)

Selling off two starting pitchers and shutting down a third has left the Chicago Cubs with a crappy team.

Starlin Castro is their version of Gus, a legitimate player whose production spares them from total embarrassment.

Chicago White Sox: A League of Their Own (1992)

John and Jordan Danks are siblings with the rare opportunity to play professional baseball together.

Jordan, though younger and less accomplished, has already come through in a big spot for the Chicago White Sox. His first—and as of August 28, only—MLB home run was of the walk-off variety.

Similarly, Kit Keller saved her best performance for the championship game in A League of Their Own.

Because John underwent season-ending shoulder surgery, the Danks brothers have yet to coexist on the 25-man roster, but should get the chance to do so next season.

Cincinnati Reds: 61* (2001)

The 1961 New York Yankees played some of their best baseball late in the year while Mickey Mantle battled injuries.

Missing an MVP-caliber player wasn't much of a concern on that talented team.

Fast forward to 2012 and the Cincinnati Reds are thriving as first baseman Joey Votto works his way back from two knee procedures.

Cleveland Indians: Major League (1989)

Since Major League was released, the Cleveland Indians have excited their fans with two American League pennants. A streak of 455 consecutive sellouts (1995-2001) seemed to indicate that the culture had changed.

However, attendance is pitiful once again. The only major league stadiums that draw less than Progressive Field are located in smaller baseball markets and limited in terms of seating capacity.

This lack of support incited closer Chris Perez to publicly criticize the fair-weather fans.

Colorado Rockies: Moneyball (2011)

In this scene from Moneyball, Billy Beane explains that his team must rely on unorthodox methods to improve.

Colorado Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd came to that realization this summer when his starting pitchers continued to struggle in the high altitude of Coors Field.

His solution? A four-man rotation and trio of "piggy-back" relievers.

The innovative staff structure has finally produced encouraging results. Colorado hasn't surrendered more than six runs in a game since August 12.

Detroit Tigers: Major League II (1994)

Like the Cleveland Indians of Major League II, the 2012 Detroit Tigers were looking to build off of an encouraging season (95 wins, ALCS berth).

Several individual players from both rosters can be compared.

First baseman Prince Fielder was a big-name offseason signing, much like fictional catcher Jack Parkman. A la Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn, closer Jose Valverde—perfect in save opportunities during 2011—has regressed. And then there's Austin Jackson, who is developing power after depending solely on speed earlier in his career. Willie Mays Hayes progressed similarly.

The underachieving Tigers aspire to follow in the Tribe's footsteps and reach the World Series.

Houston Astros: Mr. 3000 (2004)

Buried in the standings and on pace for 111 losses, the Houston Astros desperately need a distraction.

MLB.com's Richard Justice reports that ownership has discussed 50-year-old Roger Clemens, the seven-time Cy Young award winner who many believe was a performance-enhancing drug user.

His return to the big leagues would certainly get people talking.

While fictional first baseman Stan Ross staged a comeback to reach the 3,000-hit milestone, the Rocket's main objective, I suspect, is to delay his Hall of Fame eligibility.

Kansas City Royals: The Sandlot (1993)

Former Kansas City Royals draft picks and amateur signings comprise the core of the 2012 team.

This is a tight-knit group of players who have been together since the minor leagues.

The franchise's financial limitations prevent it from contending, similar to how the kids from The Sandlot were forced to meddle with "The Beast" because they couldn't afford a new ball.

However, the Royals may deviate from their conservative nature this winter and pursue a top-tier starting pitcher (via Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com).

Los Angeles Angels: Rookie of the Year (1993)

Being the second youngest player in the American League has made Mike Trout's achievements all the more unbelievable.

He would struggle to relate to 12-year-old Henry Rowengartner, but he similarly serves as the most valuable player on a contending club.

I doubt Trout's mother gets so nervous watching her young superstar at the plate.

Los Angeles Dodgers: The Bad New Bears (1976)

Los Angeles Dodgers ownership is sparing no expense in acquiring the most talented players available.

While purchasing suspect personalities was relatively simple, Don Mattingly has the tough chore of keeping them in line.

Josh Beckett and Hanley Ramirez, for example, were risky pickups. Both fell out of favor with their previous teams by behaving irresponsibly.

The impressive stats on the back of their baseball cards won't matter if the bright lights of L.A. disrupt their focus.

Miami Marlins: Field of Dreams (1989)

Attending a Miami Marlins home game is a one-of-a-kind experience.

The trippy color scheme. The futuristic roof. The "home run statue."

"If you build it, they will come," a voice told Jeffrey Loria as he strolled through an art gallery.

Maybe fans would travel great distances to see the Fish...if they weren't in last place.

Milwaukee Brewers: Beer League (2006)

The city of Milwaukee is obsessed with beer. When the major league team isn't contending, it fills that void.

Plenty of people continue to follow the Brew Crew despite their struggles, but the inept bullpen frequently triggers profanity-laden rants. I've deemed that language, akin to what is spoken throughout Beer League, inappropriate for this article.

Hence the absence of a video clip.

Minnesota Twins: Summer Catch (2001)

With the exception of a few high-earners, every player on the Minnesota Twins has to prove that he belongs on the 2013 Opening Day roster. It's like a tryout environment.

Even reputable starters like Justin Morneau and Josh Willingham are being pressured to excel over the final few weeks.

The Twins have considered moving them to contenders, but only for outstanding return packages. Posting gaudy numbers that verify their status as difference-makers will tempt another team to ante up.

New York Mets: Mr. Baseball (1992)

Mr. Baseball is about an MLB veteran—played by Tom Selleck—who convinces his Japanese manager, Uchiyama, to loosen up. The team improves as a result.

For years, Terry Collins also had a poor reputation. In his 1999 publication, Hall of Famer Joe Morgan theorizes that Collins' uptight managerial style prevented him from winning with the Houston Astros from 1994-1996.

He's definitely enjoying himself more as a member of the New York Mets, though it isn't clear which player convinced him to relax.

New York Yankees: BASEketball (1998)

Joe "Coop" Cooper and Doug Remer created BASEketball as a sport that could be played without exerting too much energy. That made it especially attractive to older, less mobile athletes.

The New York Yankees are excelling in 2012 as a station-to-station offense.

The team has been forced to swing for the fences with top base-stealers Brett Gardner (elbow) and Alex Rodriguez (hand) missing significant chunks of the season.

Oakland Athletics: Moneyball (2011)

Billy Beane continues to work wonders with a tiny budget.

He dealt Andrew Bailey, Trevor Cahill and Gio Gonzalez this past offseason when all were due for significant pay raises. There was a consensus among baseball analysts that the Oakland Athletics wouldn't be relevant after relinquishing so much talent.

And look where we are now.

Chris Carter has pleasantly surprised them with his power (and .371 on-base percentage), and converted position player Sean Doolittle is impressing as a late-inning reliever.

Those are just a couple of the unheralded individuals that will keep the A's afloat down the stretch.

Philadelphia Phillies: The Benchwarmers (2006)

Realizing that winning their final game was unimportant, the principal members of The Benchwarmers—three, middle-aged men—deferred to younger players.

The Philadelphia Phillies are already out of the wild-card race as September approaches.

Former regulars like Hunter Pence and Carlos Ruiz have been lost via trade and injury, respectively. That has opened the door for Domonic Brown, Erik Kratz and other replacements who seek to establish themselves.

The bullpen, in particular, is a collection of no-names.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Major League (1989)

An entire generation of Pittsburgh Pirates fans has been born and raised without witnessing a winning season.

Once again, it was easy to dismiss them in spring training. Burnouts like A.J. Burnett and Jason Grilli wouldn't amount to anything, right?

Wrong.

The Bucs have proven their legitimacy and given the Steel City hope that their 33-year drought without a NL pennant could end this fall.

San Diego Padres: Little Big League (1994)

The San Diego Padres have responded well to reports that the MLB owners approved the sale of the franchise. As of August 28, they are riding the longest active winning streak in baseball, and every victory has come versus a National League contender.

It's been a difficult year for the Pads, who lost countless starting players to injury and were forced to cut Orlando Hudson, a terrific clubhouse presence, due to ineffectiveness.

Finally, though, the guys seem to be enjoying themselves. Billy Heywood always emphasized that to his team in Little Big League.

San Francisco Giants: The Scout (1994)

Outfielder Melky Cabrera was crazy to inject himself with testosterone. His violation of the league's drug policy led to a lengthy suspension that will cost him millions of dollars this winter, Oakland Athletics executive Andy Dolich explains.

But the Melk Man still has an opportunity to be a World Series hero like Steve Nebraska (should the San Francisco Giants qualify without him).

His 50-game ban only includes five postseason games, which means he could be available to the Giants beginning in the 2012 NLCS.

Cabrera's peace of mind is more of a concern than the considerable layoff, as we observed in The Scout.

Seattle Mariners: For Love of the Game (1999)

Kevin Millwood used to be among the league's top starting pitchers. That was when the Atlanta Braves perennially won the NL East and appeared in the playoffs.

Now he's like the stereotypical Billy Chapel character from For Love of the Game—an aging right-hander at risk of being traded off his noncompetitive club.

Though Millwood hasn't tossed a perfect game, he played a prominent role in the six-pitcher no-hitter that the Seattle Mariners completed several months ago.

St. Louis Cardinals: The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training (1977)

In their second big-screen adventure, the Bad News Bears were comparable to the 2012 St. Louis Cardinals. They were trying to remain an elite team without manager Morris Buttermaker and late-season hero Timmy Lupus, figures that resemble Tony La Russa and Albert Pujols.

They took the risk of welcoming a first-time skipper, but even that couldn't derail the Bears.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals have a better record than they did at this point in 2011.

Tampa Bay Rays: Bull Durham (1988)

Knowing that top prospect Matt Moore would join their starting rotation, the Tampa Bay Rays signed veteran backstop Jose Molina. They figured it was imperative to have a knowledgeable player at the position, somebody that could guide Moore through his first big-league season.

It has certainly been a process.

The 23-year-old was initially wild, walking 27 opposing batters in 50 innings and failing to last seven frames in any of his first nine starts of 2012.

However, Moore made mechanical adjustments and became more efficient with his pitches.

For all we know, a behind-the-scenes romance may have affected his development.

Texas Rangers: The Natural (1984)

Josh Hamilton's 2012 season has been a microcosm of his turbulent adult life.

He got off to a fiery start. By late May, Hamilton was leading Major League Baseball in every offensive category imaginable.

But his historic campaign turned out to be unsustainable, and everyone from beat reporters to team president Nolan Ryan weighed in on his midseason slump.

It's possible that Hamilton inadvertently messed with his mindset by attempting to end his dependence on chewing tobacco. Perhaps his impending free agency elevated stress levels. Was he concealing an injury?

Regardless, Hamilton is gifted with otherworldly ability. The Texas Rangers trust that he will flaunt it on the field this October.

Toronto Blue Jays: Damn Yankees (1958)

In Damn Yankees, a superstar emerges out of nowhere to propel his team to a pennant.

Edwin Encarnacion, an eight-year veteran, isn't new to the major leagues, but his OPS+ of 104 through 2011 did little to imply that an MVP-caliber season was forthcoming. With Jose Bautista ailing, Encarnacion is the undisputed focal point of the Toronto Blue Jays' lineup.

He has been particularly dominant against the rival New York Yankees with a triple-slash line of .343/.378/.657 through nine games.

Hopefully, the devil doesn't revoke his skills at summer's end. The 'Jays just inked him to a $27 million contract extension.

Washington Nationals: Bang the Drum Slowly (1973)

Admittedly, this comparison is a bit overly dramatic.

Robert De Niro's character in Bang the Drum Slowly was physically unable to finish the season due to Hodgkin's disease. For precautionary reasons, the Washington Nationals will soon shut down Stephen Strasburg, even though the team is poised for a deep playoff run.

Either way, Nats management hopes that its players step up during the right-hander's untimely absence.

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