This week on Episode 313 of the InSession Film Podcast, inspired by High Flying Bird where a sports agent attempts to figure out how to solve an NBA lockout, we thought it would be fun to look at sports movies in a similar way by discussing the best non-athlete characters that make the genre as alluring. They are just as memorable as the players themselves despite less screen time. Anyone whose seen Major League will have no problem remembering “juuuuusssstt a bit out” from the great Harry Doyle. So, this was a really fun topic to explore, and hopefully that comes through in our discussion. That said, here are our lists:
(Note: Please keep in mind that we each had different criteria for our selections)
JD
1) Paddy Conlon – Warrior
2) Ray Kinsella – Field of Dreams
3) Coach Herman Boone / Coach Bill Yoast – Remember the Titans
Ryan
1) Billy Beane – Moneyball
2) Paddy Conlon – Warrior
3) Annie Savoy – Bull Durham
Vern
1) Rocky – Creed
2) Cassidy – The Wrestler
3) Brooke Cavendar – Whip It
Honorable Mentions (Combined)
Dickey Eklund – The Fighter
Ivan Drago – Creed II
Harry Doyle – Major League
Charlene Felming – The Fighter
Jimmy Dugan – A League of Their Own
Jerry Maguire – Jerry Maguire
Paulie / Mickey – Rocky
Sheryl Yoast – Remember the Titans
Gordon Bombay – The Mighty Ducks
LaVona – I, Tonya
Frankie Dunn – Million Dollar Baby
Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris – Million Dollar Baby
Bailey Pruitt – Mystery Alaska
Jack Lengyel – We are Marshall
Herb Brooks – Miracle
Jake Shuttleworth – He Got Game
Brian Clough – The Damned United
Chubbs – Happy Gilmore
Lou Brown – Major League
Leslie Wright – Just Right
Joe Gould – Cinderella Man
Tom Smith – Seabiscuit
Charles Howard – Seabiscuit
Tony D’Amato – Every Given Sunday
Gene Hackman – The Replacements
Gene Hackman – Hoosiers
Patches O’Houlihan – Dodgeball
Charles Bilingsley – Friday Night Lights
Billy Bob Thorton – Bad News Bears
Hopefully you guys enjoyed our lists and if you agree or disagree with us, let us know in the comment section below. There are many, many non-athlete characters in these films and there’s a good chance that we missed out on a few selections that could make your list. That being said, what would be your Top 3? Leave a comment in the comment section or email us at [email protected].
For the entire podcast, click here or listen below.
For more lists done by the InSession Film crew and other guests, be sure see our Top 3 Movie Lists page.
