what make this movie so groundbreaking when i first saw it in the summer of 1976 be that kid be portray a they really be instead of a the innocent and sometimes mischievous cherub that most movie present . these kid be real . real brat and but real nevertheless . they curse and they act like little jerk and psycho and that the way many boy athlete be . now and this doesn not pack too much of a punch because every movie in the world do this now . but it still fun to watch . it a hoot watch the high spirited tanner in action . you have to admire that kid for have gut . that little side story between walter matthau and tatum oneal could have be leave out without hurt the story . he simply could have find her somewhere and or maybe he be her daughter and but without all the issue . that business just seem to get in the way of the story . also and i half expect her to walk away from him when he throw his beer at her during a game or practice . it would have serve him right if she do . favoite line represent pitcher represent well and well and if it isn not englepuke again . englebert represent how would you like me to stick this bat where the sun never shin . i still fall apart every time i hear that line . the kid exploit and though i be certainly not an advocate of them have lose it punch over the year . still fun to watch and though . positive .