Being a diehard Yankee fan, it's only natural that my favourite baseball movie is 61*.  61* highlights the story of Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle and their season to break the Babe's single season home run record.  The role of the press in the creating a rivalry between Mantle and Maris is covered, and the effect that the press coverage had on the fans can be seen throughout the movie.  There is constant tension throughout the movie -- the baseball commissioner's decision to allow the record to stand without designation if only beaten during the original 154 game season, the tension that exists as Maris tries to balance his career and his home life, and the tension of those who think the records should be left well enough alone.

The spirit of the movie can always get me ready for baseball season, though there's nothing like heading out to the ballpark and watching my Yanks in action.