Major League (HBO)

About Major League (HBO)

"Major League" is a sports comedy film that was released in 1989. The plot centers on a fictional Cleveland Indians team, which is composed of misfit and aging players. The new owner, ex-showgirl Rachel Phelps, hopes the team does poorly so she can move them to Miami, but they start winning and become contenders for the pennant.

Making / Production

This movie was written and directed by David S. Ward, and was produced by Chris Chesser and Irby Smith. Much of the film was shot on location in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; it utilized Milwaukee County Stadium as an alternative stadium to stand in for Cleveland Municipal Stadium.

Actors

• Charlie Sheen as Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn - Played an irreverent pitcher with vision problems. Sheen actually played baseball in high school, which helped him in this role.
• Tom Berenger as Jake Taylor - He played the aging catcher who serves as the team's leader. Berenger perfectly captured the grit and determination of a grizzled veteran.
• Corbin Bernsen as Roger Dorn - Bernsen played the prima donna third baseman who eventually learns to be a team player.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Charlie Sheen was a skilled baseball player and allegedly threw pitches as high as 85 mph during filming.
• The film has had two sequels, "Major League II" and "Major League: Back to the Minors".
• Despite being based on the Cleveland Indians, the movie was largely filmed in Milwaukee due to the unavailability of the Cleveland stadium.

Quotes

• "Just a bit outside." - Harry Doyle (Bob Uecker)
• "I feel like a hundred dollars." -Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn (Charlie Sheen)
• "You may run like Mays, but you hit like shit." -Lou Brown (James Gammon)

Music, Soundtrack

• The recognizable theme song, "Wild Thing", plays a crucial role in defining the character of Ricky Vaughn and is used to great comic and dramatic effect in the film.
• The score is also notable for its use of organ music, simulating the sound of live baseball games.
• The film also includes songs from the period it was produced, providing a nostalgic soundtrack for audiences.