Iconic Movie Celebrates 25 Years

"The Indians win it! The Indians win it! Oh my god, the Indians win it!"

An ecstatic Harry Doyle jumps out of his chair as speedy Willy Mays Hayes crosses the plate. The Cleveland Indians are the American League Champions.

Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?

That's because it is.

The iconic cover of Major League
Credit: (IMDb)

Major League, which celebrated its 25th anniversary earlier this month, is widely considered to be one of the greatest baseball movies of all time. Released on April 7, 1989, the film grossed nearly $9 million during its opening weekend on the silver screen.

"It's hard to believe that it [the movie] has been been out for 25 years," Sam Frank, a baseball enthusiast, said. "It is definitely in my top five must-watch sports movies of all-time."

Starring Tom Berenger (Jake Taylor) and Charlie Sheen (Ricky Vaughn), the film tells the improbable story of a Cleveland Indians team that was built to lose.

"When I saw the script it wasn't like catnip, it was like crack," Charlie Sheen said in an interview with SI.com.

After a former showgirl, Rachel Phelps (Margaret Whitton), inherits the team from her late husband, plans to move the team from the chilly Cleveland to the warmer climates of South Beach begin to swirl. However, in order to make the move official, Phelps must first lower the attendance at the games, effectively ending the terms of the team's contract in Cleveland.

Convinced finishing last in the standings will drive the fans away, Phelps orders new manager Charlie Donavan (Charles Cyphers) to create the worst possible team, designed specifically to lose. In order to satisfy his new boss, Donavan proceeds to recruit several misfit players to fill out the roster.

These new players include Jake Taylor, a former professional player who is now washed-up and has extensive knee problems; the mostly-blind ex-convict Ricky Vaughn (known as Wild Thing for his incredibly wild pitches prior to getting glasses); the power-hitting cuban Pedro Cerrano (Dennis Haysbert) who can't hit a curve ball to save his life;  Roger Dorn (Corbin Bernsen), a former star third-baseman with an ego the side of Jupiter; and Willy Mayes Hayes (Wesley Snipes), the man with lightening feet who can't hit the broadside of a barn.

"I like Jake. He's a journeymen, a grinder-type guy," Colorado Rockies Outfielder Michael Cuddyer told the Denver Post. "I'm not much of a Wild Thing guy, and I'm definitely not as fast as Willie Mays Hayes."

Taylor (left) calms down Vaughn (right) on the mound
Credit: (Nextimpulsesports.com)

After a slow start to the season, the team surprisingly starts to win.

Outraged, Phelps decides to remove all of their luxuries in hopes of demoralizing the team into losing. However, despite the less than desirable conditions, the team remains relentless and continues to improve.

Hoping to pump up his players even more, Dovavan decides to tell the team about Phelps' plan to move to Miami and release all of the players on the team following the season. The team decides to get back at Phelps by winning the pennant and not allowing her to move the team.

After playing well down the stretch, the Indians are able to finish the season in a two-way tie for the division title with their rival New York Yankees, forcing a tie-breaker for the pennant.

Hayes (left) talks to Yankees slugger Clu Haywood(right) at first
Credit: (Craveonline.com)

Following a Hayes single and stolen base with two outs in the ninth, Taylor comes to the plate with a chance to win the game for the Indians against the Yankees best pitcher. After pointing to the stands to single a home run was coming, Taylor decides to bunt down the third baseline, right as Hayes takes off for third. The play catches the Yankees off guard, allowing Taylor to reach first, scoring Hayes, in one of the most dramatic sports finishes of all time.

"The ending had me on the edge of my seat," Matt Cunningham, a fan of the movie, said. "I kind of knew that they were going to win, but I wanted to see how. Once Taylor bunted the ball, I knew it was going to be a close play."

Since its release in 1989, Major League has seen two successful sequels in Major League II and Major League:Back to the Minors. Given the series' incredible popularity, there have been rumors of the possibility of another movie in the near future.

LINK LIST:

Topps Commemorating Baseball Cards for Major League Characters

Watch the Movie Online on Amazon.com

15 Things You Didn't Know About the Movie

Angels Extend Mike Trout

Mike Trout

In a move that no one saw coming, the Los Angeles Angels have announced an agreement to a six-year extension with all-star center-fielder Mike Trout worth $144.5 million earlier this month. The new deal is set to begin after the 2015 season and includes a full no trade clause.

At the tender age of 22, Trout is widely considered to be one of the best players in the game after two near-perfect seasons for the Angels in 2012 and 2013. In his first full season in the majors, Trout hit a staggering .326, launching 30 HRs and stealing nearly 50 bases. His impressive offensive showing made him an easy decision for Rookie of the Year, which he won with all 28 first place votes. Trout also finished second in the American League Most Valuable Player voting behind Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera. After a remarkable rookie campaign in 2012, many felt Trout's numbers would drop off as pitchers became more accustomed to pitching to the New Jersey native. However in 2013, Trout continued to show why he is one of the best in the game, turning in a 27 HR and 110 RBI season for the Angels. As a result of his efforts, Trout once again finished second in the MVP voting behind Cabrera for the second year in a row.

Given his incredible start to his professional career, many people expected Trout to hold out and secure more money in free agency. However, understanding how important he is to the team future, Angels General Manager Jerry Dipoto did whatever he could to keep Trout in an Angels uniform for years to come.

After trading away star outfielder Mark Trumbo to the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this offseason, the Angels will definitely count on another stand-out season from their fan favorite if they want to make the playoffs this season.

Red Sox Extend David Ortiz

David Ortiz

After a lengthy discussion period, the Boston Red Sox announced that they've agreed to an extension with veteran designated hitter David Ortiz to a one-year, $16 million deal for the 2015 season. The deal also includes an mutual option for 2016 and a team option for 2017.

Ortiz, 38, is coming off year another amazing year for the Red Sox which saw him hit 30 HR and drive in 103 runs. His offensive contributions earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team for the ninth time in his career and played a significant role in Boston's run to a third World Series in the last 10 years. Ortiz also finished in the top 10 in the AL MVP race for fifth time in his career.

With Ortiz locked up for the next couple of years, the Red Sox will most likely turn their attention to extending ace Jon Lester who will be a free agent by seasons end.

MUST SEE: Felger and Mazz

Whenever I get some free time, I enjoy listening to sports radio talk shows. Perhaps my favorite part during the show happens when other people call in and complain about major pressing issues in sports. It's always interesting to see their different reviews of what is happening.

Actually, now that I think about it, my favorite part is the responses the HOSTS of the show have to these callers.

Many times these hosts will find a comical way to respond to the debates brought up by callers, as a way to make the show more interesting.  At least thats how it happens on my all-time favorite talk show, Felger and Mazz.

Mike Felger and Tom Massarotti
(Credit:www.thebostonjam.com)

Based out of Boston, Felger and Mazz is a weekday sports talk show hosted Mike Felger and Tom Massarotti. While the main point of the show is to review the major issues in sports, Felger and Massarotti can often go on long tangents making fun of callers that ask ridiculous questions.

Although I am a bit of a sports nerd, I think that many of you will find this show to be very interesting and at times comical.

If you are interested, you can watch previous videos here.

Braves Sign Ervin Santana

Ervin Santana

In an act of shear desperation, the Atlanta Braves agreed to a one-year $14.1 million deal with free agent righty Ervin Santana earlier this month. The contract is exactly the same as the qualifying offer that Santana previously rejected from the Royals in November. By declining the offer and signing with the Braves, Santana forces his new team to forfeit its first round pick in the upcoming amateur draft scheduled to be held in early June.

Santana, 31, is coming off an impressive year with the Royals, who finished 10 games over .500 and barely missed the playoffs in 2013. Despite the losing record, Santana threw a respectable 3.24 ERA in 211.0 innings of work. However, given the draft pick compensation attached to his signing, many teams were reluctant to sign the nine year veteran. Had it not been for several injuries in the starting rotation, the Braves probably never would have signed Santana.

As if losing fan favorite Tim Hudson to free agency wasn't enough, the Braves took another significant hit to their rotation when they announced that projected opening day starter Kris Medlen would require season-ending Tommy John Surgery after taring a ligament earlier this offseason. The news came days after fellow Braves righty Brandon Beachy began experiencing pain in his biceps recently repaired elbow. 

In order to compete with the Nationals' highly-impressive rotation in Washington, the Braves gave in and signed Santana to the deal.

Given the injuries, Santana is expected slide into the number two slot in the Braves rotation behind previously extended righty Julio Teheran.

Cardinals Extend Matt Carpenter

Matt Carpenter

Earlier this month, the Cardinals took a major step towards remaining competitive for years to come when they agreed to a six-year, $52 million extension with all-star infielder Matt Carpenter. The contract also includes a $18.5 million option for the 2020 season with a $2 million buyout. 

Carpenter, 28, is coming off of his best year as a pro, which saw him hit .318 in 157 games for the Redbirds. He also drove in 78 RBIs for the National League Champions. Carpenter's impressive season helped the Cardinals win the highly-competitive NL Central, which included two other playoff teams in 2013. His production was rewarded with a fourth place finish in the NL MVP voting, something Cardinal's fans surely hope he improves on in 2014.

After trading fan-favorite David Freese to the Angels earlier this offseason, the Cardinals plan to move Carpenter to third base in order to make way for prized prospect Kolten Wong at second. With the addition of newly signed shortstop Jhonny Peralta, the Cardinal's left side of the infield is said to be vastly improved over the already-impressive defense that led them to the World Series in 2013.

Orioles Sign Ubaldo Jimenez

Ubaldo Jimenez

The Baltimore Orioles get a much needed boost to the top of their rotation, agreeing to a four-year $50 million deal with free agent righty Ubaldo Jimenez on Wednesday. The deal comes just two days after signing Korean pitcher Suk-Min Yoon to a three-year, $5.75 million deal on Monday.

Jimenez, 30, got off to a shaky start  for the Cleveland Indians in 2013 posting a 4.56 ERA in the first half the year. However, after reworking his mechanics, the one-time ace put up an impressive 1.82 ERA to finish the season, helping the Indians reach the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

With Jimenez leading the way, the Orioles are expected to have a much improved rotation from a team ranked eighteenth in the league prior to the start of last year.

Jimenez is expected to join Chris Tillman and Wei-Yin Chen at the the top of the rotation, with righties Bud Norris, Miguel Gonzalez and Yoon, all vying for the final two spots in spring training.