On R List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
Rookie of the Year (1993)
Rate:
6
Viewed:
5/25
5/25:
If you liked Major League and want to find something similar,
Rookie of the Year will do.
It's a solid '6' picture with occasional editing overload. I didn't realize Daniel Stern directed it, being the
only one of his career. He plays a funny character who finds himself stuck between two barriers for the longest
time. Thomas Ian Nicholas isn't the greatest actor in the world, but he's passable enough to keep the show
moving. Gary Busey helps him out whenever he can.
Because of Uncle Buck, it's natural to think of the Chicago Cubs and John Candy
although everybody knows that broadcaster position was completely owned by Harry Caray at the time. However, I
have to say John Candy wasn't funny as he should've been. The writers have to either give him very good lines
or let Bob Uecker take over the role.
A lot of people may be amused by Henry Rowengartner as the youngest player in MLB history, but there's
some truth in that. Joe Nuxhall made his debut at age 15 in 1944, pitching for the Cincinnati Reds, because of
manpower shortage due to WWII. On the other hand, thanks to Bill Veeck's ever-showmanship, Eddie Gaedel of the
St. Louis Browns was the shortest player ever at 3'7"; it was impossible to strike him out because
of the strikeout zone being too close to the ground, so he batted once, was walked, and never played again. By
the way, the "hidden ball trick" is illegal.
All in all, Rookie of the Year can proudly brag that it's the only film that shows Barry Bonds getting
struck out by a 12-year-old kid.