The fantasies that flow within a child’s mind are something special that I believe most people lose as they get older (when doubt, reality and logic come into play). Kids have the innate ability to dream about being a professional athlete, a space cowboy or any other bizarre profession (that would baffle the adult mind). The 1993 family sports film Rookie of the Year captures this unbelievable concept of a childhood wish becoming amazing reality.
The plot follows lousy little-league baseballer Henry Rowengartner (Thomas Ian Nicholas – of the American Pie franchise), who breaks his shoulder stepping on a ball. He is put in a cast, where, upon its removal, he is taken to a Chicago Cubs game and learns that he can throw harder than anyone in human history (after catching the opposing team’s home run ball and throwing it back, without a bounce, to the catcher at home plate). He is quickly signed by the struggling major league team – hoping that he will be able to bring fans back into the half-empty stadium.
At first, Rowengartner does not fit in with the group of 30-something professional athletes (yet he never seems to clue in – always smiling and being utterly excited by the experience). Surly veteran pitcher Chet Steadman (Gary Busey), who is the youth’s hero, seems especially uninterested in the new rookie. Yet, when the ailing veteran is told that he must mentor the pre-teen over eccentric pitching coach Brickma (Daniel Stern) by manager Martinella (Albert Hall), Steadman slowly falls under the child’s charm as the new sensation takes over the baseball nation.
The little bit of drama that does exist comes from the overzealous boyfriend of Rowengartner’s mother Mary (Amy Morton) – Jack Bradfield (Bruce Altman), who, as Henry’s manager, is trying to capitalize on his client’s newfound stardom by booking him to be the face of numerous brands (including Pepsi). This causes a strain between Rowengartner and his friends – who struggle to deal with their buddy’s newfound fame. Bradfield is also worried about a burgeoning relationship between Steadman and Mary, so he secretly plans on selling Rowengartner to the Yankees, while also getting overzealous general manager Larry Fisher (Dan Hedaya) to bench Steadman for the rest of the year. Fisher is also attempting to supersede his kind uncle who owns the team, Bob Carson (Eddie Bracken) – by making the deals with Fisher behind his back.
Of course, as these things usually go, Rowengartner’s first foray into the big league is iffy at best – yet he is lucky to come away with the save. Then, he really begins to flourish, blowing pitches by numerous stars (including Barry Bonds) as well as succeeding as a batter in one humourous scene. He also brings little league antics to the majors, throwing the professional athletes for a loop.
In the final match, Steadman gets the call, despite Fisher’s decree, and Rowengartner heads in to close out the game in the seventh inning after the veteran throws out his arm. His first two innings are uneventful. As he takes the mound in the ninth, he has a horrible spill on a baseball (much like at the beginning of the flick) and must try to close out the game without his cannon of an arm. What follows is not in the least bit likely, but it sure is fun (also keep an eye and ear open for numerous baseball errors that show that research was clearly not done for this film – here’s a hint for one example: try to figure out if they are trying to win their division, going to the World Series or are making the playoffs. . . or all three at the same time).
Rookie of the Year is by no means a superb movie, but it is a fun family film that will capture the imagination of kids, while also bringing some laughs to the adults who are along for the ride. Stern, who also directs the film, stands out in his role. His character’s eccentric actions, hilarious lines, bizarre schemes and unlucky predicaments are superbly entertaining – keep an eye open for him getting stuck twice, a scene that focuses on a pinball machine as well as his spiels on hot ice and managing resources. John Candy is also entertaining as an argumentative commentator who also has his fair share of catchy dialogue. Actually, the movie is surprisingly well cast, with each actor portraying their role in a near perfect way.
Rookie of the Year is an absurd, yet entertaining sports comedy that generally succeeds in making its audience laugh. It has stuck with me since my first viewing (nearly twenty years ago) and though it is not as exciting as when I was a child, its entertaining cast, funny dialogue and feel good vibe still makes for an enjoyable watch. You definitely won’t strike out if you give this movie a chance at the plate.