If you're already feeling nostalgic for baseball and are dreading a long, long winter without, here's a suggestion that may help: HBO's 2001 film 61*, directed by Billy Crystal.

This is an uplifting (and mostly accurate!) historical drama about the 1961 season, in which 2 Yankees, Mantle and Maris, try to best Babe Ruth's single-season home run record. 

Hiring look-a-likes is a risky proposal. Thomas Jane (The Punisher) plays Mantle, Barry Pepper (Saving Private Ryan) is Maris, and both are great. In fact the entire cast is excellent! 


There's plenty of drama and tidbits to learn, even for anti-Yankee fans, like me. If you are a fan of the game of baseball this is a must-see!