Angels in the Outfield (1994 film) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Angels in the Outfield
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	William Dear
Produced by	Irby Smith Joe Roth Roger Birnbaum
Screenplay by	Holly Goldberg Sloan
Starring	Danny Glover Tony Danza Brenda Fricker Ben Johnson Jay O. Sanders Christopher Lloyd
Music by	Randy Edelman
Cinematography	Matthew F. Leonetti
Editing by	Bruce Green
Studio	Walt Disney Pictures Caravan Pictures
Distributed by	Buena Vista Pictures
Release date(s)	July 15, 1994 (1994-07-15)
Running time	102 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$31 million
Money made	$50.2 million

Angels in the Outfield is a fun family film from 1994. It's a sports film with a touch of fantasy and comedy-drama. The movie was directed by William Dear. It's a new version of an older film from 1951 with the same name.

The film stars Danny Glover, Tony Danza, and Christopher Lloyd. You'll also spot some actors who became very famous later on. These include Joseph Gordon-Levitt (who plays the main kid), Adrien Brody, Matthew McConaughey, and Neal McDonough. After this movie, two TV sequels were made: Angels in the Endzone and Angels in the Infield. The film came out just before a big baseball strike in 1994. That strike made the league cancel the playoffs and the World Series.

The Story

Roger's Wish

The movie is about a young boy named Roger Bomman. He lives in a foster home. Roger and his friend, J.P., love baseball. They often sneak into games to watch the California Angels. This team isn't doing very well.

Roger still sees his father sometimes. He asks his dad when they will be a family again. His father jokes, "I'd say when the Angels win the pennant." A pennant means winning their league championship. Roger takes his father's words seriously. He prays for God to help the Angels win.

Angels Appear

One day, Roger and J.P. are at a game. The Angels are playing the Toronto Blue Jays. Roger sees a group of angels helping the team. The angels are led by one named Al. Roger can see them clearly, but no one else can. Everyone else thinks the amazing plays are just lucky accidents.

Roger's special ability to see the angels helps the team. The Angels' manager, George Knox, is a bit doubtful. But he keeps Roger around. He sees Roger as a good luck charm and a helper. With this special help, the Angels start winning games. They make a surprising comeback and climb to the top of their division.

Challenges and Faith

Later, Roger's father decides he can't take care of him anymore. He believes it's best for Roger. Roger is very sad about this. His friend J.P. accidentally tells a sportscaster, Ranch Wilder, about Roger's secret. Ranch Wilder doesn't like George Knox. He hopes to ruin George's baseball career.

Ranch tells the news reporters that George is winning because of Roger's advice. The team owner, Hank Murphy, gets upset. He threatens to fire George. Roger then tells his caretaker, Maggie Nelson, about his special ability. At a press conference, Roger, Maggie, and the whole team defend George. They show their faith in him. Mr. Murphy is touched and lets George stay as manager.

The Final Game

The Angels play their last game of the season. They are playing against the Chicago White Sox. This is a very important game. But none of the angels show up to help the team.

Al, the main angel, finally appears to Roger. He explains that championships must be won by the team alone. The angels can't interfere in the final outcome. Al also tells Roger that he is there to check on pitcher Mel Clark. Mel is very sick and doesn't have much time left. He will soon become an angel himself.

Mel struggles in the last part of the game. But he gets encouragement from George, his teammates, and the fans. The Angels manage to win the game on their own! They win the division title and the pennant. Mr. Murphy fires Ranch Wilder for being mean to the team. In the end, George adopts Roger and J.P. He wants to be a father to them. J.P. sees Al flying away and says, "I knew it could happen." Al replies, "We're always watching."

Cast