{Editor's Note: This is a semi-regular series of high-water mark performances that spans movies, television, books and life its ownself.}
I was recently reminded about the greatness of "Bull Durham," and more specifically Kevin Costner's role as Crash Davis when a wise person quoted the film and said "The world is made for people who aren't cursed with self-awareness."
It's one of several astute observations on life that are peppered throughout the movie in which Costner gave what will probably be the performance of his career. 
He was very good in "Fandango." He was excellent in "No Way Out." He was even better in "Tin Cup." We need not mention "Waterworld," "3,000 Miles to Graceland," and the awesomely deplorable "The Postman."
"Bull Durham" came along at that perfect nexus where a star is still on the rise, and then they manage to snag a juicy role in a movie that fits them perfectly - and Crash Davis was that role.
This was before the overwhelming hubris that nearly did Costner in, and his portrayal of a mostly washed-up minor league baseball player with too much self-awareness hit all the right notes in a movie that had more than a few.
Susan Sarandon definitely rivaled Costner as his love interest, and I remember thinking when I saw the movie for the first time around middle school, that their interaction was the first "adult relationship" I had seen onscreen. 
It just felt right that Costner would tie Sarandon up and paint her toenails, or that he would casually stroll around in her blue Kimono while eating Wheaties before ultimately deciding that he would rather screw her on the wood table than finish his breakfast of champions.
Those kind of games seemed adult and sexy as hell.
Besides the relationship side of the movie, Costner also managed to nail the sports scenes which can be daunting for some actors who look about as athletic and believable as Clay Aiken at a strip club.
Tim Robbins is a good example because despite turning in some fine acting in "Bull Durham" his pitching delivery left a lot to be desired. Where Robbins failed, however, Costner excelled as I never doubted that he could play catcher and hit home runs for the Durham Bulls. 
The film also gave Costner the ability to flex his emotional muscles as his character was alternately cocky, humbled, angry, joyous, stern, comedic, melancholy and authoritative.
Costner never made a false move while navigating through any of these emotions, and he also got to give a great speech to Sarandon about his beliefs which he listed as:
"Well, I believe in the soul, the cock, the pussy, the small of a woman's back, the hanging curve ball, high fiber, good scotch, that the novels of Susan Sontag are self-indulgent, overrated crap. I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter. I believe in the sweet spot, soft-core pornography, opening your presents Christmas morning rather than Christmas Eve and I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days. Goodnight."
That's a hell of a way to say goodnight, but a great speech to deliver by an actor who hasn't hit a high-water mark like this one since he was leading the Bulls to victory and teaching Nuke about getting to the Show and the value of a good cliche.
-BDS
"Why, Crash, how you do make speeches..."
Clay Aiken in a strip club- wow now thats funny-
As far as speeches by Kevin Costner- Personally- He wouldnt even have to talk to me- If ya know what I mean ; )
hehe..great flick. I LOVED "Fandango" as well and consider it one of his best films. I still quote from it.. "chili dog and a malt" ;)
I've never seen this movie if you can believe it. Perhaps one day i'll rent it.....
I definitely need to see this movie again..
Must have been too young to appreciate the sexuality of Costner, and especially of that speech.
I remember parts of the speech, but must have missed the parts of anatomy mentioned besides "the small of a woman's back"
I remember that very clearly, and is that why it turns me on to be touched there??
Hmmmm...
Who doesn't love slow, long, wet kisses that go on for 3 days.
personally, i prefer Dances with Wolves as Costner's best work. There's something about the way he says, "Tatonka" that really makes me believe he is in touch with the native american spirit.
I also think his horse, Cisco, did a wonderful job as his co-star and comic relief.
Okay, okay. you got me. i never saw Bull Durham! But after your recommendation, I'll put it on my netflix list....
:)
mmmmmmmm mm mm MMMMMMMMMM mmmmmmmmm
Melissa - Nice one Annie.
D - I thought the Aiken visual was a good one too, and I do think I understand what you're implying about Costner.
Jlee - Fandango was a minor classic that not many people saw and yet I like it more every year.
Miss Ash - You should rent it as it's well worth the money.
Kayla - Sometimes you miss certain elements about movies the first time over, so I would say re-visit it again to explain just how you missed the first part of that speech and maybe test your theory about the rest.
Sarcastic - I agree as long as wet doesn't turn to slobber.
Cassie D - Put it on the list, and although I think Wolves is a very good movie, it's a bit long and little self-important for me to put at the top. But that's just me.
Nancy Drew - That's a lot of m's for one comment.
I haven't seen that movie, I have liked a few Kevin Costner movies in the past and think he is very talented, same goes for Susan Sarandon. SHe is great for chick flicks!
I've missed most of those chick flicks, but I do think Sarandon is a very good talent.
You should pick up Bull Durham sometime.
I feel that I must assert Costners performance in 'Dances with Wolves' as the best of his career. The self awareness he experiences in that movie is profound.
I also appreciate his play in 'Wyatt Earp'.
I liked the idea of 'The Postman', but his part fell flat.
I'll give you Wyatt Earp and Dances, but The Postman is utter garbage.
Dennis Quaid was also good in Earp, but that movie moved too damn slowly.