this be a superb movie . i do not think it will ever become dated not as long a little league baseball be in existence . i remember first see it at a drive in when i be ten and shortly after my own little league season have finish . walter matthau be excellent a buttermaker and the beer soak coach who take on the unwanted task of coach a team of misfit kid who be allow to play in the league only after a civil action law suit be win in their favor . tatum oneal shine a the team recruit pitcher amanda and whose mother once date buttermaker . a touching subplot involve the relationship between amanda and buttermaker which turn from distant to warm a the final game approach . vic morrow give a frighteningly good performance a the out to win no matter what coach of the oppose team who be never happy with the fact that the bear be allow to play in the first place . joyce van patten be also good a the butch and outspoken league supervisor . it the kid player that really give this movie the edge . all performance be top notch and and director michael ritchie splendidly keep the focus mostly on them and their feeling about the whole ordeal . stand out include jackie earl haley a the heroic kelly leak and chris barnes a shortstop tanner boyle . this film should be a warning to relentless adult who try to achieve stardom on the back of their child and be it on the baseball field or on the ballet floor .