A League of Their Own

The end of summer always makes me think of baseball season, and how the World Series is probably upon us. Not being much of a sports fan myself, I have no idea what month it actually takes place in, but fall sounds about right.

Although I have zero interest in sports, I do have a strange fascination with sports movies. Particularly baseball, though I have been known to get pretty weepy watching football movies like Rudy, and don’t even get me started on Friday Night Lights. Growing up, I loved watching baseball movies like Major League, The Sandlot, and Bad News Bears. Something about the close-up of the catcher’s hand-signals and the corresponding nod of the pitcher, or the crack of the bat as it met its ball in the bottom of the 9th- riveting! Thus it’s always a letdown to see actual baseball being played. No quick cuts to the stands to see the third baseman’s estranged father rooting for him, no tough but fair coach giving an inspiring pep-talk midway through the game, and if the pitcher and catcher are currently fighting over the same girl, I can’t tell.

In my opinion, the greatest baseball movie of all time has to be A League of Their Own .  This film tells the story of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League, formed during the second World War.   A League of Their Own has all the elements for an amazing cinematic experience- historical drama (the background of World War II), humor (the locker room peeing scene- a classic), swing dancing, cute uniforms, drunken bar singing (Marla Hooch, anyone?) and let’s not forget- Tom Hanks. I could go on and on, but frankly, if you’ve seen the movie, then you understand. And if you haven’t seen it, go out right now and buy it.  Trust me.

When I watch a favorite movie like this one, it’s undoubtedly improved by the serving of a sweet, girly summertime cocktail. I swear, Rosie O’Donnell gets funnier the more of these you have. When viewing A League of Their Own, nothing beats The Rockford Peach Fizz.

Rockford Peach Fizz

1 part peach schnapps

1 part orange juice

1 part sparkling peach soda (I use Izze brand, but use whatever you can find. Peach flavored sparkling water is also a good option, with less sugar.)

Combine Peach Schnapps and Orange Juice in a champagne flute. Top with Peach soda. Garnish with mint or fresh peach slices

A variation on the Fuzzy Navel, this drink takes its name from the main team portrayed in the movie, The Rockford Peaches. The Racine Belles just can’t hold a candle to this amazing group of women. So let’s raise a glass to Queen of Diamonds Dottie Hinson, All the Way Mae, Bettie Spaghetti, Marla Hooch (what a hitter!) and all of their amazing teammates who make this film one of the finest examples of summertime sports movies out there. Cheers!