Each MLB Manager as a Famous Actor

I have two strong passions in life: baseball and movies. If the two are combined together, you can bet that Josh Benjamin is one happy camper.

That being said, what if ESPN produced 30 made-for-tv movies about each of the MLB teams? Each team is distinct in its personality and fandom, not to mention managers. In fact, casting each team's manager could prove to be a great challenge as each one is distinct in his mannerisms and persona.

To that, I have one response: challenge accepted!

Here is each MLB manager and the actor who would play him. Get your popcorn ready!

Arizona Diamondbacks: Tom Sizemore as Kirk Gibson

When I think of Kirk Gibson, I think of the definitive blue collar baseball player. In 17 seasons, Gibson established himself as one of the game's toughest players, even playing injured and coming through as such if his team needed him.

That being said, why not cast an equally tough-guy actor in Tom Sizemore to play Gibson?  He has a wide range of tough and intense roles from a grizzled, yet warmhearted sergeant in Saving Private Ryan to a detective with a dark past in Natural Born Killers. That range alone is perfect for Gibson, minus the dark past, of course.

On top of that, both Sizemore and Gibson are from the Detroit area. Thus, Sizemore could capture Gibson's voice and mannerisms perfectly. Plus, the resemblance isn't bad either.

Atlanta Braves: David Zayas as Fredi Gonzalez

Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez is Cuban, so it is only right that an actor who plays a Cuban-American regularly be cast as him.  Enter David Zayas, who has gained fans playing Detective Sergeant Angel Batista on the hit TV show, Dexter.

For those unfamiliar with the show, Batista has a warm intensity that makes people love him, but is also one who is passionate about his work and will not hesitate to go off on someone who keeps him from doing his job well. Such is the case with Gonzalez, who has a reputation as a players' manager, albeit one with a tendency to go off.

They look alike, and one already plays a Cuban, so this casting decision just fits.

Baltimore Orioles: Martin Sheen as Buck Showalter

This one proved to be tough because there really isn't any one celebrity that looks like Buck Showalter. All you really have to go on is a short, older guy with a Southern accent. Thus, the only name that really comes to mind is that of Martin Sheen.

Sheen may be a bit old to play the 55-year-old Showalter, but his knack for accents makes him the man for the job. He showcased his Southern drawl as Robert E. Lee in Gettysburg and as a stern district attorney in Catch Me If You Can.

On top of that, the two have a similar build. Thus, while it's not exactly convincing, Sheen could certainly do a fine job playing Showalter.

Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs: Open Casting Call

There are managerial vacancies for both the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs. At the end of the season, Terry Francona chose not to return as manager, and then-GM Theo Epstein joined the Cubs as President of Baseball Operations. His first order of business was to fire Mike Quade as manager.

Thus, when push comes to shove, the roles of both teams' managers will remain an open call until said vacancies are filled.

Chicago White Sox: Billy Crudup as Robin Ventura

Robin Ventura is a first-time manager with no experience at that type of job, so he surely is entering his tenure as leader of the White Sox wide-eyed and eager. There is just one actor I can think of whose face fits that, and that's character actor Billy Crudup.

Throughout his career, from Almost Famous to Big Fish, Crudup has played characters who have confidence, but also an underlying insecurity or uncertainty about them. Such will be the case when Ventura takes the helm in 2012, as he has never worn a uniform as a non-player before.

Thus, the doe-eyed Crudup and his subtle neurotic mannerisms are perfect for playing Ventura.

Cincinnati Reds: Cedric the Entertainer as Dusty Baker

Though he's known more for his comedic work, Cedric the Entertainer could easily pull off Dusty Baker.  First, look at this picture of him. The baseball cap and facial hair are an almost perfect match for Baker.

More importantly, Cedric recently broke out of his comfort zone and appeared in a dramatic role in the Broadway revival of David Mamet's American Buffalo. I actually saw him perform in this, and even though I went in with low expectations, the man blew me away. His range is magnificent, and he could easily play Dusty Baker.

Cleveland Indians: Valente Rodriguez as Manny Acta

Valente Rodriguez is known for one role, that of Ernie on George Lopez. As the bumbling, dorky best friend of the protagonist, Rodriguez gave fans of the show tons of belly laughs and, if he shaved his head, could look a lot like Manny Acta.

More importantly, the dorky best friend is how I view Acta among most of the managers. He's goofy-looking, has a team of young and inexperienced players with which to work and just seems like the face in the crowd compared to the other managers.

Yet, like all dorks, he will eventually redeem himself by taking the Indians back to the playoffs, and soon. When the movie is made, I would love to see if Rodriguez is cast.

Colorado Rockies: Chris Cooper as Jim Tracy

Looking at Jim Tracy, he has the face of a scrappy and intense manager who has seen it all.  His smile gives off a certain Midwestern appeal, and to combine that with intensity, we need Academy Award winner Chris Cooper.

Cooper won his Oscar playing an orchid thief in Adaptation and has also wowed critics with his performances in the highly-underrated October Sky and the critically acclaimed American Beauty. He and Tracy look like they could be related, and should there ever be a movie about the Colorado Rockies teams of the past few years, this is the man to play Tracy.

Detroit Tigers: Burt Reynolds as Jim Leyland

As a fellow B/R buddy of mine remarked in a recent piece, the only actor out there who can truly rock the mustache is Burt Reynolds. As a result, he is the perfect man to play Tigers skipper Jim Leyland.

The two don't exactly look alike, but Reynolds' cocky attitude and intensity are perfect for the role of the passionate Leyland. Both look like they've been through hell, so that should be enough.

Houston Astros: Michael Chiklis as Brad Mills

The Houston Astros manager's most noticeable quality is his completely bald head, so why not bring in an actor who is known for the same thing? If you think about it, there really isn't anyone besides Michael Chiklis, star of the now-defunct show The Shield. Also, let's not forget his turn as The Thing in Fantastic Four.

Chiklis is known for his intense and gritty roles, but I'm sure he could tone it down to play the manager of a young and inexperienced team like the Astros. Plus, he just looks like someone who would be in baseball if he wasn't an actor.

Kansas City Royals: Will Ferrell as Ned Yost

Look at this picture of Will Ferrell, and now look at this one of Ned Yost. I don't know about you, but I see a pretty significant resemblance.

On top of that, Yost manages the Royals in such a way that they do decently to start, but then lose focus down the stretch. Ferrell has made a career out of playing characters who lose focus, namely in Anchorman and Talladega Nights, so he is actually a perfect choice in this case.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: John Goodman as Mike Scioscia

It's no secret that in his time as an MLB manager, Mike Scioscia has become a bit heavy.  Thus, the idea that Hollywood heavy John Goodman could play the Angels skipper is borderline genius.

More importantly, in spite of the fact that his team is known for playing smallball, Scioscia is known for being loud and boisterous during games, especially when a call does not go his way. Something just tells me that Goodman would capture Scioscia's mannerisms and personality perfectly, and that even Scioscia himself would approve of this casting choice.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Kevin Spacey as Don Mattingly

Though many of us may recognize him as the deceitful Verbal Kint in The Usual Suspects, Kevin Spacey's work ranges from that to a jaded suburban husband in American Beauty to singer Bobby Darin in Beyond the Sea. That being said, why not expand the man's range more and have him play Donnie Baseball himself?

Think about it. Spacey and Mattingly are around the same age, and they kind of look alike, albeit not 100 percent. Still, both kind of have an underlying intensity to their personalities, an intensity that Spacey hides so well in his work that he could easily play the embattled Dodgers manager.

Miami Marlins: Ozzie Guillen as Himself

I'm sorry, but there is no actor who can perform as Ozzie Guillen and do it proper justice  The new Marlins skipper is in a league of his own and is dramatic enough an individual (as evidenced by his famous Twitter feed) that he could easily play himself with the proper acting coach.

To be honest with you, a TV movie starring Guillen as himself could break records in terms of ratings.

Milwaukee Brewers: James Rebhorn as Ron Roenicke

James Rebhorn has been a steadily working character actor for nearly two decades, and when it comes to Brewers manager Ron Roenicke, I actually see quite the resemblance.  Both have the lanky build, and Rebhorn has the versatility to play a baseball manager. You readers out there may recognize him from movies such as Meet the Parents or My Cousin Vinny.

On top of that, Rebhorn just looks like he could rock a baseball uniform well. His face in this picture just gives off a vibe of someone looking to relive the glory days and get back on the field. In playing Roenicke, perhaps that potential dream could come true.

Minnesota Twins: Larry the Cable Guy as Ron Gardenhire

Take a look at this picture of Larry the Cable Guy, and then see this one of Twins skipper Ron Gardenhire. I don't know about you, but all I can think of is Gardenhire driving a pickup truck down a road and screaming, "GIT-R-DONE!!!!"

New York Mets: Larry David as Terry Collins

Though he himself is a Yankees fan, Larry David's personality just seems perfect for that of embattled New York Mets manager Terry Collins. On his hit show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, David plays a version of himself, one that is a lovable kvetch who always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Such is the case with Collins, who took the job of managing the Mets when the team was at a low that I can't even describe. Throw in the possible involvement of team ownership in the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme and the departures of key players in Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes, and David's rantings would be perfect for the intense Collins.

New York Yankees: Michael Keaton as Joe Girardi

Casting Joe Girardi is tough, but when push comes to shove, Michael Keaton is the best option. The two have very similar facial features, and the only issue is that Keaton might need to wear a prosthetic nose should he ever be called upon to play the Yankees skipper.

More importantly, both people are extremely intense. Keaton played Batman twice, and Girardi has become extremely impassioned during some famous ejections of his. Combine the two together, and you've got a perfect celebrity-manager match.

Oakland Athletics: Tim Daly as Bob Melvin

Bob Melvin is one of the most awkward and nerdy-looking people in baseball, so it's only right that his celebrity counterpart be someone in Hollywood who is just the same. Enter Tim Daly, who found stardom starring on the hit sitcom, Wings.

The fact is that like Melvin, Daly has a sort of doofy aura about him. He has an "aw shucks" attitude, and that's the perfect attitude to associate with a small market team like the Oakland Athletics. Combine that with the fact that they have a similar build, and this pairing just makes sense.

Philadelphia Phillies: Gene Hackman as Charlie Manuel

Charlie Manuel is a good ol' boy from Virginia who has a sort of grizzled nature to him. He has been in baseball for a long time and has lots of knowledge to share. Thus, the man to play him is Gene Hackman, who actually got himself nominated for an Oscar playing a Southern good ol' boy in Bonnie and Clyde.

More importantly, Hackman should play Manuel simply because he has the same gruff nature as the Phillies manager. He has been in his industry for nearly five decades and has a long history of playing the grizzled everyman-type, from The French Connection to Unforgiven.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Michael Douglas as Clint Hurdle

This may be an unconventional choice, but Michael Douglas could actually pull off Clint Hurdle well if he put on a few pounds. On top of that, both men are very similar in that they've "been around," for lack of better word. Douglas has a film and TV career that spans over four decades, and Hurdle has been in baseball in some way, shape or form since 1977.

These two are a perfect match based on what I like to call the experience factor. Both have been in their field for a long time, and their knowledge in said fields is incredible. Put the two together, and the pairing just works.

San Diego Padres: Ray Liotta as Bud Black

This one proved to be tough because Bud Black doesn't exactly have a celebrity doppelganger, but an online lookalike generator suggested Ray Liotta. Though I don't agree with it 100 percent, I can see the resemblance between the two.

Liotta is known for intense roles like those in Goodfellas and Narc, but portraying Black could truly test his versatility. Baseball can be an intense game, but I doubt it would reach the level of intensity we expect from him. Yet, let's not forget that Liotta already has some baseball experience, having played Shoeless Joe Jackson in Field of Dreams.

San Francisco Giants: Robin Williams as Bruce Bochy

All I can say is look at this picture of Robin Williams to the left, and this one here of Bruce Bochy. I don't know about you, but all I can think of is "twins."

Seattle Mariners: Jason Lee as Eric Wedge

Last season, his first with Seattle, Eric Wedge became legendary for being a master of the mustache. I'm talking in a way that nearly puts Burt Reynolds to shame. Thus, to play the 43-year-old Wedge, the obvious pick is the mustachioed actor people call when Reynolds isn't available.

That's right. I'm talking about Earl himself, Jason Lee. He first brought the 'stache back when his now-defunct show, My Name Is Earl, debuted, and people were hooked.

In fact, people were so hooked that Lee kept the mustache up until fairly recently. Thus, with some weight gain, he could easily portray Wedge.

St. Louis Cardinals: Aaron Eckhart as Mike Matheny

As an ex-catcher, it's no secret that new Cardinals manager Mike Matheny has a deep knowledge of the game and is intense to boot. Hell, we're talking about a guy who went on the DL after cutting himself with a hunting knife he got for his birthday.

That being said, we need to pair Matheny with an actor who is both intense and has some sports knowledge. Well, I don't think there's a better choice than Aaron Eckhart.

Most may know him as Harvey Dent/Two-Face from the legendary film The Dark Knight, but the movie that should stick out most in this case is Any Given Sunday. In that film, Eckhart plays Nick Crozier, the offensive coordinator of a struggling football team that eventually comes back to make it to the playoffs.

That being said, there's no reason to believe that Eckhart could play a manager working with a team fresh off a championship.

Tampa Bay Rays: Kurt Russell as Joe Maddon

Look at the picture of Kurt Russell, and then take a look at this shot of Joe Maddon. Enough said.

Texas Rangers: Sherman Hemsley as Ron Washington

I take one look at Ron Washington, and I immediately think that he never got the memo when the 1970s ended. Thus, I'm pairing him with a '70s icon, Sherman Hemsley. This is the man who made The Jeffersons a hit show, and if you look at this picture of him, the resemblance to Washington is borderline uncanny.

I guess this means that if the Rangers ever win a World Series, the championship theme song could be this song.

Toronto Blue Jays: Matt Dillon as John Farrell

I don't mean to sound vague, but Matt Dillon just has a face that looks like it could be in baseball. Combine that with the fact that he has a similar hairstyle to Blue Jays manager John Farrell, and this could be a perfect casting decision.

On top of that, adding onto the baseball-face idea, Dillon just looks as though he's spent a lot of time on the field. There's something in that stare that only a true sports fan could make.  Given how Dillon does it perfectly, he is the man to play Farrell.

Washington Nationals: Martin Sheen as Davey Johnson

I know we've already included Martin Sheen once on this list, but the resemblance between him and Davey Johnson is just too good to not mention. Both kind of have the crazy eyes going on, not to mention the grizzled look of having been in the business for too many years to count.

On top of that, it should be noted that Sheen is no stranger to fans from DC considering how he played President Jed Bartlett on The West Wing for seven years. That being said, he could capture both Johnson's and Washington D.C.'s vibes perfectly.