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April 16, 2003

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These are just some of the films that have made Tim Robbins one of the biggest stars in Hollywood over the past decade.

But it hasn’t been his acting but his activism that has put Robbins back in the headlines recently.

Later this month the Baseball Hall of Fame was set to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the film Bull Durham. The film which starred Robbins and his future wife Susan Sarandon chronicled life in the minor leagues. It has since become a baseball classic.

But the celebration in Cooperstown has been called off.

Last week Dale Petroskey, the president of the Baseball Hall of Fame, announced the decision.

Petroskey, who served as an assistant press secretary in the Reagan White House wrote to Robbins:

“In a free country such as ours, every American has the right to his or her own opinions, and to express them. Public figures, such as you, have platforms much larger than the average American’s, which provides you an extraordinary opportunity to have your views heard — and an equally large obligation to act and speak responsibly.

Petroskey went on to write: "We believe your very public criticism of President Bush at this important — and sensitive — time in our nation’s history helps undermine the U.S. position, which ultimately could put our troops in even more danger. As an institution, we stand behind our President and our troops in this conflict. As a result, we have decided to cancel the April 26-27 programs in Cooperstown commemorating the 15th anniversary of Bull Durham.

• Tim Robbins, actor and activist.