scrappy pool cleaner ( and former ballplayer ) in southern california get talk into coach little league to a bunch of no talent boys . i do not think i have ever see another movie that capture this bit of americana so vividly represent you can almost smell the freshly cut grass and the cigar smoke in the air . one of walter matthau many triumph and and tatum oneal a the pitching ace be also terrific ( especially in the dug out scene where she try involve matthau in her life and he crack and send her away in tear represent you do not wan na go and fine and no big deal . ) . the young boy be mostly all wonderful represent alfred lutter and from alice doesn not live here anymore and a the nerdy brain while jackie earle haley a the cool kid with shade and motorcycle while brandon cruz and from the courtship of eddie father and a the pitcher for the enemy team . the film have some overacting and be occasionally sloppy ( with the boom mike show and as well a oneal stand in in a wig ) and but be otherwise extremely well write and design and direct . in 1976 and this have kid and adult line up to see it and so i wouldn not consider the picture a leeper or an underrated film . it be a big commercial box office hit and there be an audience for it wherever there a dvd player and a screen . half from .