and, for the life of me, I cant figure out
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MrScary — 11 years ago(October 25, 2014 10:00 PM)
As others have said, yes it is about friendship, which everybody can relate to.
But to those who grew up playing baseball on side/sand lots, it strikes an additional cord with them. I spend everyday in the summer from ages 7-13 doing pretty much the same thing.
Plus, what 10 yr old boy hasn't fantasized about an older lifeguard? Or tried chewing tobacco? Or camped out in a tree house or a friend's back yard?
And like Smalls, I moved around a lot (army brat), so I can totally identify with him having to make new friends.
The more you can identify with this film, the more you will enjoy it. -
ConsumeConformSubmitObey — 11 years ago(January 21, 2015 10:03 PM)
Childhood, friends, summer vacation, nostalgia. It's more about that stuff to me, rather than just being a baseball movie. Plus I was the perfect age for this movie when it came out. I remember seein it in theaters for my friends birthday.
Why would you question anyone for liking The Sandlot? Youre obviously a huge Friday the 13th fan based on your username. A movie that people would bash for being lame, old, cheesy, boring and generally having no redeeming qualities. That doesn't stop you from enjoying it, right? You don't need to validate why you like something that corny and ridiculous.
And I'm not bashing you for liking Friday the 13th. I love those movies. -
sghoran78 — 10 years ago(May 01, 2015 03:09 PM)
It's not really about baseball. It's about childhood friendships.
The movie perfectly captures a child's overblown imagination too. In the end, the "Beast" turns out to be a loveable, normal-sized dog. I remember there was a run-down house in my old neighborhood, and my friends spent hours spinning tales about how it was probably occupied by vampires, witches who ate children, etc. Those are the kinds of things you forget about until you watch a movie like The Sandlot. -
PopperTheKungFuDragn — 10 years ago(August 26, 2015 02:13 AM)
I wasn't a big fan of the movie the first time I saw it, but I just rewatched it and enjoyed it a lot more this time around.
Sadly, I was a lot like Smalls at that age, but no one pushed me out to make friends and I spent a lot of time alone. This movie and others like this make me nostalgic, I guess you could say, for what I never had, but wish I did.
Very good. But brick not hit back! -
JohnnyCastle — 10 years ago(March 13, 2016 04:22 PM)
Well, I think The Mighty Ducks is a direct comparison and I love it close to the same. But yea I think being about baseball adds to it, America's greatest past-time. It's a beautiful game and many of us can relate to playing in the sandlots or playing with friends on the field. Playing catch with Dad or whatever else.
I don't think as many people relate to playing hockey or anything.
But you really can't figure out why people adore the movie? It definitely isn't because the movie is about baseball you simpleton. If you don't like the movie then keep it moving. It's a fantastic story and movie. -
preachcaleb — 3 months ago(December 03, 2025 09:53 PM)
I'm sure America's love for baseball plays a big part of it, but it's also such a well made movie. The kids are good, the comedy is funny, and like all good kid's movies, it touches on themes of growing up.
I do agree it certainly wouldn't work with say hockey. Most people, especially in the time the movie is set, just wouldn't have played hockey. You need skates, sticks, a puck, ice, and other equipment.
For a good baseball game, you just need a ball, a bat, and some gloves. Then, any empty lot can double as a field.
So many stories, so little time. -
IsraHell — 3 months ago(December 03, 2025 10:59 PM)
Baseball is the backdrop. The story is more about an awkward kid facing rejection and then being accepted. It's about facing fears and making a name for yourself.
I love how unlike most sports movies at the time, it treats the game agaisnt the more professional rivals as an afterthought. It's more about the friendships.