Max or HBO Max, Here Are Their Top 5 Baseball-Related Works

Regardless of what it will be called, Max has made waves for sports fans throughout the past 10 years, adding Bleacher Report as well as live NBA, NHL, NASCAR and MLB broadcasts. However, its collection of fictional and non-fictional sports works is equally respectable.

We are in the heart of MLB season, and the noted streaming news had me curious to see what was currently available. It's completely subjective, and in alphabetical order, but here are the top-five baseball movies or shows on Max (without further add-ons):

61* (2001) — Directed by Billy Crystal, this biopic follows the thrilling 1961 Major League Baseball season. New York Yankees Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris and their historic chase of Babe Ruth's single-season home-run mark is at the center. 

Thomas Jane is quite convincing as "The Commerce Comet," and the viewer gets a whirlwind glimpse into both the exciting and dreadful aspects of chasing a cherished record.

Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose (2024) — This four-part docuseries debuted only last year, prior to Rose's passing in September. 

With the recent reversal of his HOF eligibility status, this would be a great watch to brush up on some of the details surrounding Charlie Hustle's bets, behavior and bruising style of baseball. An aged Rose gives a first-person perspective (or his version, anyway) to all the lore, even concluding with a barber-chair interview.

Eastbound & Down (2009) — A cult-classic comedy that catapulted Danny McBride to further stardom, this TV-MA fictional baseball story features a former big-league pitcher desperately attempting to return to the top level.

Due to his detrimental habits, poor decision making, and cantankerous attitude, "La Flama Blanca" makes his own journey all-the-more arduous (and hilarious). Four seasons were produced, but in my opinion, the first is best.

Ferrell Takes the Field (2015)— Whether in Arizona or Florida, MLB Spring Training is always a blast to attend. 

Will Ferrell gets the ultimate experience by riding a helicopter to five different Cactus League ballparks, filling in for 10 different teams at 10 different positions to raise awareness for cancer. The documentary (mockumentary, perhaps) is only 41 minutes, but it's sure to make any baseball fan insanely jealous.

On Base with Mookie Betts (2023) — Los Angeles Dodgers do-it-all superstar Mookie Betts is one of the buzziest players that MLB has to offer. In collaboration with Bleacher Report, the 2018 American League MVP serves as a brilliant and insightful talk-show host.

Betts brings on various guests from all walks of the baseball community, doing a fantastic job to keep things both casual and natural. It's informative, engaging and one of best examples of a current player building his/her media profile. Season 3 is airing now!