It’s Mighty Monday’s and Ryan is here to help review a throwback Disney sports comedy, Rookie of the Year.

After a freak accident leaves 12-year-old Henry Rowengartner with an unusually powerful pitching arm, his life changes overnight. The struggling Chicago Cubs discover his talent and sign him to the big leagues, thrusting Henry into the wild world of Major League Baseball. Between learning how to balance fame, friendship, and family, Henry must figure out if he has what it takes to be more than just a rookie sensation.

July 7, 1993 | Theatrical Release

• Thomas Ian Nicholas as Henry Rowengartner
• Gary Busey as Chet “The Rocket” Steadman
• Daniel Stern as Brickma (and Director)
• Albert Hall as Manager Sal Martinella
• Amy Morton as Mary Rowengartner
• Eddie Bracken as Bob Carson

The movie kicks off, and there’s no mistaking it—this is a baseball movie. John Candy is at Wrigley Field for the first game of the season, and, well… the Cubs aren’t doing so hot.

Cut to young Henry Rowengartner, who, despite absolutely loving baseball, also isn’t very good—just like his beloved Cubs. But it’s okay, because he has a loving and supportive mom at home, who is dating this goober named Jack, whom Henry absolutely hates.

The next day at school, a classmate hits a fly ball to see if Henry can catch it. He’s running, things are looking good… until he slips on the grass. His arm is badly injured and has to be in a cast for four months. When the cast finally comes off, the doctor tests Henry’s arm—but suddenly it snaps forward and hits the doctor in the face. Luckily, it’s nothing serious; the tendons just healed a little tight.

To celebrate being out of the cast, his mom gives him and his two best friends tickets to a Cubs game. During the game, the opposing team hits a home run… and, naturally, Henry throws it back. But this isn’t just any throw—the ball rockets all the way to the catcher!

The Cubs’ management is shocked to learn the incredible throw came from an 11-year-old boy. Desperate to save the struggling team, general manager Larry “The Fish” Fisher recruits Henry. They sign him to a contract and, in front of a sellout crowd, make him pitch in the first game. It doesn’t go perfectly… but the Cubs still win.

Before long, Henry starts hitting his stride. With the wins come sponsorships, fame, and attention—but he begins to drift away from his friends. Realizing he’s lost sight of what matters, Henry decides to retire at the end of the season. Meanwhile, the team’s owner realizes the Fish isn’t exactly the best manager and decides it’s time for a change.

It all comes down to the final game. Henry steps in to save the day, but during play, he slips and lands hard on his arm. His arm is suddenly “fixed”—but not quite the right way. Thanks to clever plays and some help from his mom, the Cubs pull off a victory. In the end, Henry returns to being just a normal kid, ready to enjoy life beyond baseball.

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