Today has officially been dubbed “Dead Day” at my work since we’re hurting for any type of live sporting event. Some of my coworkers have suggested having a sports-themed movie day, and that got me thinking about some of my favorite sports-centric movie characters. I polled the Ladies to see what movie characters they crushed on as teenyboppers (or as grown women – we don’t judge!).
Follow us after the jump to see our crush-worthy choices!
Raven
Mike Vitar
Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez, The Sandlot
What girl didn't love Benny? Every girl I know who loves sports also loves "The Sandlot."
Luis Mendoza, D2: The Mighty Ducks
I was also happy to see Mike turn up in D2, my most favorite Mighty Ducks movie.
Now
Holy Spinks Ladies! Mike Vitar is still hot, and he's a firefighter...bonus!
Eddie Cahill
Jim Craig, Miracle
I've loved Eddie since Friends, so of course I loved him as Jim Craig in Miracle. Again with the hot goalies!
Now
Well Eddie is doing alright these days. He stars alongside Gary Sinise in CSI: New York!
Austin Nichols
Jake Hammond, Wimbledon
I know Jake was the "bad guy" in Wimbledon, but his character was so based on Andy Roddick. Plus, he was hot!
Now
When Austin isn't "dating" Jake Gyllenhaal, he's playing Julien on One Tree Hill. He so looks like JT in the picture!
Dennis Quaid
Jimmy Morris, The Rookie
I love Dennis Quaid, so I loved him in The Rookie!
Now
Dennis had some hardships recently, but he's bouncing back well. Go Dennis! Eat your heart out, Meg Ryan!
Lady Liz
Devon Sawa
Junior Floyd, Little Giants
I think everyone had a crush on Devon Sawa at some point during their youth. How could we not include him?
Now
This was the most recent photo I could find of Devon. You be the judge.
Jonathan Brandis
Matthew/Martha, Ladybugs
I swear I had every JB picture ever published in a Bop Magazine hanging on my wall as a kid. I loved this kid!
Another picture for old time’s sake…
This is how I will always remember Jonathan!
Most recent headshot…
This would be Jonathan's last promo/headshot. I was very sad when I found he had committed suicide a few years ago. RIP, Jonathan.
Ryan Gosling
Alan Bosley, Remember the Titans
Way before Ryan Gosling was a big star, he played someone's backup (sorta) in Remember the Titans.
Now
Some would argue that Ryan is looking better today than he did in his early days!
Buffalita
Robert Redford
Roy Hobbs, The Natural
Always a classic pick. Redford was rather stunning in this film.
Now
Redford is much older now, but he's still got the hair! Rock it while you can, Robert!
Kevin Costner
Ray Kinsella, Field of Dreams
Field of Dreams is one of the best baseball movies. Costner looked great in this flick, too!
Now
Age has definitely caught up with Mr. Costner, but he's still going strong. Wonder if he'll do another baseball movie in the future?
Games Mistress
Kevin Costner
Crash Davis, Bull Durham
How could you not love Crash Davis? Looks like Buffalita and Games Mistress will have to fight over Costner! Crash would approve!
For a picture of Costner now…see above
Ray Liotta
Shoeless Joe Jackson, Field of Dreams
I'll let Games Mistress explain this pick: "Those eyes!"
Now
Uh, yeah, Ray needs some "Just for Men." I think it would make him look way younger.
Jared Leto
Steve Prefontaine, Prefontaine
Hey remember when Jared Leto was cute? Yeah these were probably the days.
Now
So this was the best looking of the newer photos of Jared. I think he's blonde currently.
Maggie Sox
Paul Walker
Lance Harbor, Varsity Blues
So I was kicking myself for not remembering how hot Paul Walker was in Varsity Blues! Good call, Maggie!
Now
Whoa baby! Walker is still smokin hot!
Charlie Sheen
Rick Vaughn, Major League
Wild Thing!! I loved these movies, and Charile was such a stud back in the day!
Now
Well Charlie may not be a "Wild Thing" anymore, but he's divorced from a star of "Wild Things" and is currently married to a model. Life doesn't suck for him.
CuteSports
Joshua Jackson
Charlie Conway, The Mighty Ducks trilogy
I'm a sucker for hockey movies, and the Duck movies are some of my favorites. Charlie Conway is excellent choice!
Now
Well Charlie grew up and turned into Pacey, and now Pacey is all grown up and looking damn fine!
Josh Lucas
Coach Don Haskins, Glory Road
Josh was one hot coach in Glory Road. For sure!
Now
So we all know Josh is hot, he's just a little too skinny in this recent picture. He could probably lose the facial hair, too. Just sayin'.
Channing Tatum
Duke, She’s the Man
So this was basically the first time we were introduced to Tatum. Thank God for She's the Man!
Now
While it's only been a few years since She's the Man, Tatum has beefed up a little...and he got engaged! boo
Lady Bee
Paul Newman
Reg Dunlop, Slap Shot
"Those baby blues...sigh..." straight from the lips of Lady Bee! Slap Shot is a classic, and we could not leave the late, great Paul Newman off our list!
Recent
While Paul got older, those baby blues never aged! Much love to Mr. Newman!
Honorable Mention:
Vincent LaRusso, Adam Banks, Mighty Ducks trilogy
Thomas Ian Nicholas, Henry Rowengartner, Rookie of the Year
Leonardo DiCaprio, Jim Carroll, Basketball Diaries
Omar Epps, Quincy McCall, Love and Basketball
D.B. Sweeney, Doug Dorsey, The Cutting Edge
Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Joe, Bend It Like Beckham
The Ladies... like it when you
Related
Wow, Junior Floyd got ugly…how sad. I absolutely love some of those movies mentioned. Mostly the childish ones.
But for me, the best movie line EVER, comes from Major League: “I’ve got one thing to say to you Vaughn…STRIKE THIS MOTHERFUCKER OUT!”
And Major League 2 was a piece of shit.
PS Emilio Esteves deserved at least and Honorable Mention!
channing tatum got married over the weekend… making me even sadder :(
I know its not a sports movie, but Taylor Kitch aka Tim Riggins on Friday Night Lights (the tv show) is damn hot!
I completely forgot Paul Walker was in Varsity Blues. His eyes are amazing.
And that pic of Channing Tatum..all I have to say is thank you very much!
Charlie Conway was only my favorite fictional character for like EVER!
These are all awesome picks though- Crash, Wild Thang, Shoeless Joe, Benny The Jet, Ryan Gosling… <3
Crash Davis FTW! That speech on what he believes in will always make me melt. Although I will also cop to Jonathan Rhys Meyers in Bend It Like Beckham.
Oh man I agree so much with the first two. And Paul Walker. And Paul Newman. And most of the others.
Great list!
Awww…Mike Vitar is STILL hot & his dog is cute too. (Damn my weakness for guys w/dogs!)
Ray Liotta & Field of Dreams was the beginning of my White Sox love.
Jonathan Rhys Meyers was the hottest…made me actually like soccer… thats one sexxy meatpie…..mmmhmmm..
I LOVE guys with accents, so of course my choices were the Southern guy and the Irish soccer player – my poor boyfriend!
I was all prepared to get razzed for my “She’s the Man” choice, but I realized that Channing’s abs pretty much left everyone speechless!
Dennis Quaid cheats on his current wife and cheated on Meg Ryan for god knows how many years. He should have no place on this list.
i like Chaning Tatum because eventhough he has a bulky body, he can still dance so well.
Lov mike & jonathan!