I don’t remember this one in theatres, but when it came to home video, this thing was huge! It was a go-to film to play in the store, because it had great tunes and quotable dialogue, and it’s just so much fun.

And I think the last time I saw it was probably sometime in 1994, at the latest 1995, but wow, it remains a delight, and honestly, I was stunned at how much of the dialogue I remember, not to mention an impactful appearance by Marlee Shelton.

Some of the things that happen in the film, especially around Shelton’s character, are a little problematic seen through the lens of today, but if you take into account when the story is supposed to take place, 1964, it’s very much in keeping with the time.

Scott Smalls (Tom Guiry) has moved to a new town at the start of the summer, and he has no friends. He’s a bit of an egghead, but his mom (Karen Allen) loves him, and his new stepdad (Denis Leary) is a busy guy, but is trying to connect with him. Even if Scott has no baseball skills at all, and his stepdad loves his ball.

He even has one signed by Babe Ruth, and that will be important to the story.

Smalls ends up palling around with a group of kids led by Benny (Mike Vitar), who is going to be a helluva MLB player if his childhood is any indication. From Benny and the others, he learns the joys of baseball, forges lifelong friendships, and faces the fear of the Beast, a giant dog who has never let a baseball go.

There’s lots of fun baseball, lots of fun interactions between the kids, and lots of chemistry and joy between them.

The film is lovingly made, intent on bringing the era to authentic life. It’s filled with lots of great music, great costumes, and just has a really fun feel to it.

None of the kids are great actors; hey, they’re kids at this point, but the chemistry between them feels authentic, and that makes it really joyous to behold. Throw in a fun little adventure with the Babe Ruth ball, and you have a baseball coming-of-age story that works wonderfully, and will entertain all.

And the young cast is supported by Allen, Leary, Art LaFleur and a wonderful appearance by James Earl Jones.

The film has spawned a couple of sequels, but they can’t match the heart of the first film, and I wouldn’t recommend them.

Watching this one afresh for the first time in three decades… it’s magic. And I’m still saying “you’re killing me Smalls!”