Rookie of the Year (film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rookie of the Year |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Daniel Stern |
| Produced by | Bob Harper (producer) |
| Written by | Sam Harper |
| Starring |
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| Music by | Bill Conti |
| Cinematography | Jack N. Green |
| Editing by |
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| Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
| Release date(s) | July 9, 1993 |
| Running time | 103 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $31 million |
| Money made | $56.5 million |
Rookie of the Year is a fun comedy film about baseball that came out in 1993. It stars Thomas Ian Nicholas as a young boy who suddenly gets an amazing pitching arm. Gary Busey also stars as a veteran baseball player. The movie is about a kid's dream of playing in the major leagues coming true in a very unexpected way.
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The Story of Henry
Henry Rowengartner is a 12-year-old boy who loves baseball but isn't very good at it. He plays in a Little League team. One day, while trying to catch a fly ball, he breaks his arm.
When Henry's cast is removed, the doctor finds something strange. Henry's arm muscles have healed "a little too tight." This makes him able to throw a baseball with incredible speed and power!
Henry Joins the Cubs
At a Chicago Cubs game, Henry throws a home run ball from the stands all the way to home plate. This amazing throw catches the eye of the Cubs' general manager, Larry Fisher. The Cubs team is not doing well, and they need something exciting to help them.
The Cubs manager, Sal Martinella, visits Henry's home. He uses a special radar gun and sees that Henry can throw over 100 miles per hour! Because of his incredible arm, Henry is signed to play for the Chicago Cubs.
Life in the Major Leagues
Henry's first game is exciting but also a bit tough. He gives up a home run and throws some wild pitches. But he also gets his first save, which means he helps his team win the game.
Henry learns a lot from Chet "Rocket" Steadman, an older pitcher on the team. Steadman teaches Henry how to control his super-fast pitches. Henry quickly becomes a star, striking out many batters.
Henry's life changes a lot. He has to balance playing in the major leagues with being a normal kid. His friends get a little jealous of his fame. His mom, Mary, tries to keep him grounded and protect him from people who want to use his talent for money.
The Big Game
As the season ends, the Cubs are doing great, thanks to Henry. In the last game of the season, the Cubs play the New York Mets. If the Cubs win, they will go to the championship series.
"The Rocket" Steadman pitches a fantastic game, but he hurts his arm. Henry has to take over pitching. He easily strikes out batters in the seventh and eighth innings.
Then, something unexpected happens. In the ninth inning, Henry slips on a baseball. This accident reverses the effect of his first injury, and his arm strength goes back to normal! He can no longer throw super fast.
A Clever Plan
Henry tells his teammates that his arm is back to normal. He comes up with a clever plan to win the game without his super speed. With his teammates' help, he uses tricky plays to get batters out.
For the final batter, Heddo, Henry's mom signals him to throw a "floater" pitch. This is a very slow, high pitch. Henry throws it, and Heddo misses, striking out! The Cubs win the game and the division title!
Back to Normal Life
The next spring, Henry is back to playing Little League baseball. His mom, Mary, and Chet "Rocket" Steadman are now a couple and coach his team.
At the end of the movie, Henry shows off a Chicago Cubs World Series championship ring. This means he helped the Cubs win the World Series, even if we don't see that part!
Cast
- Thomas Ian Nicholas as Henry Rowengartner
- Gary Busey as Chet "Rocket" Steadman
- Amy Morton as Mary Rowengartner
- Patrick LaBrecque as George
- Robert Hy Gorman as Clark
- Bruce Altman as Jack Bradfield
- Dan Hedaya as Larry "Fish" Fisher
- Albert Hall as Sal Martinella
- Eddie Bracken as Bob Carson
- Daniel Stern as Phil Brickma
- Tom Milanovich as Heddo
- Neil Flynn as Stan Okie
- W. Earl Brown as Billy Frick
- Ian Gomez as Odd Bellman
- Andy Berman as Ernie
- Colombe Jacobsen as Becky Fraker
- John Candy as Cliff Murdoch (uncredited)
- Barry Bonds as himself
- Bobby Bonilla as himself
- Pedro Guerrero as himself
Filming Locations
The movie was filmed in real places! Some scenes were shot at Wrigley Field in Chicago, which is the actual home stadium for the Chicago Cubs. Other parts were filmed at O'Hare Airport. The game against the Los Angeles Dodgers was filmed at Comiskey Park.
Images for kids
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Theatrical release poster
See also
In Spanish: El novato del año para niños
