Baseball Movies in the 80s: Major League


MOVIE STATS
Released: April 7, 1989
Distributor: Paramount
MPAA Rating: R
Total Run Time: 107 mins.
Cast: Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernsen, Margaret Whitton, James Gammon, Rene Russo, Wesley Snipes, Charles Cyphers, Chelcie Ross, Dennis Haysbert, Andy Romano, Bob Uecker, Steve Yeager, Peter Vuckovich, Stacy Carroll 
Plot: The new owner of the Cleveland Indians puts together a purposely horrible team so they'll lose and she can move the team. But when the plot is uncovered, they start winning just to spite her.
Weeks as Box Office #1: 2 weeks
Box Office Rank: #26 overall in 1989
US Domestic Gross: $49.8 million
Budget: $8.8 million
Sequels: 2

RD80s take:
As far as baseball movies go, it doesn't get much funnier than this gem from 1989. I watched it as a teenager (which was a little coarse for my young ears) and still revere it now as one of my favorite baseball movies of all time. With Sheen's antics, Berenger and Russo's love story, and Uecker's commentary, the worst team ever gives us some great laughs and even shows us a little heart. Here is of my favorite scenes is disbelieving pitcher Eddie Harris takes a swig of voodoo practitioner Pedro Cerrano's rum that is set aside for his god Jobu. Heading out onto the field, Harris catches some bad karma and a flying bat to the back of the head.



Memorable lines:
Jake Taylor: I play for the Indians.
Chaire Holloway: Here in Cleveland? I didn't know they still had a team!
Jake Taylor: Yup, we've got uniforms and everything, it's really great!

Willie Mays Hayes: The American Express Card. Don't steal home without it. 

Willie Mays Hayes: Willie Mays Hayes. I hit like Mays, and I run like Hayes.

Harry Doyle: Just a reminder, fans, comin' up is our "Die-hard Night" here at the stadium. Free admission to anyone who was actually alive the last time the Indians won a pennant.

Harry Doyle: Heywood leads the league in most offensive categories, including nose hair. When this guy sneezes, he looks like a party favor. 

Harry Doyle: JUST...a bit outside. 

Harry Doyle: And Heywood crushes one towards South America!

Pedro Cerrano: Hats for bats, keep bats warm. 

Willie Mays Hayes: What the hell league you been playing in?
Rick Vaughn: California Penal...
Willie Mays Hayes: Never heard of it. How'd you end up playing there?
Rick Vaughn: Stole a car.

Pedro Cerrano: Is very bad to steal Jobu's rum. Is very bad.

Eddie Harris: Up your butt, Jobu.


Thanks to BoxOfficeMojo, IMDB, and Wikipedia

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