Major League the movie turns 25: some quick thoughts

Apr 8, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians right fielder David Murphy (7) is greeted by designated hitter Lonnie Chisenhall (8) and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (13) after hitting a three run home run during the fourth inning at Progressive Field. The Indians beat the Padres 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Just over 25 years ago today the movie Major League hit theaters. So what does it have to do with the Texas Rangers you may ask?  While watching it again, for what was probably the 25th time it made me think about a few things.

0-162: When Ian Kinsler set off a fire storm about the Texas Rangers going 0-162, it reminded me of this part in the movie.

I couldn’t help but thing somewhere in the Rangers clubhouse is a cardboard cutout of Kinsler with pieces they peel away for each win.  Now before your imagination runs wild, I would imagine it would be some kind of embarrsing photo of Kinsler, maybe of him in a bikini.  Who knows, maybe Ron Washington or Jon Daniels has one stashed away in their office.

Fair weather fans: Also, the movie reminds me also how quick fans can turn and how ugly they can be.  I’m sure everyone has a guy they know that’s like the Randy Quaid character in the movie.  The best clips of Quaid came from Major League 2, check it out below.  While it was very comical though in the movie, it can sometimes be annoying in real life, especially at the ballpark.   One thing you might notice at the beginning of the movie is that the ballpark is nearly empty.  I appreciate the fact that the Texas Rangers do not have that problem.  For the past several years the ballpark has been filled to capacity on Opening day and for back-to-back years they have drawn over 3 million fans.

Just a bit outside: Another favorite part of the movie for me is the part Bob Uecker plays as Harry Doyle.  I love the calls he does during the games his sidekick Monte.  Ever since that movie, people to this day quote Harry Doyle during baseball games.

But no one calls a game better in real life than the great Eric Nadel.  I’ve always love hearing him on the radio and enjoy the work he does.

Eric Nadel – Texas Rangers win the 2010 A.L. Pennant