Tiger Town

Ellen Adair and Eric Gilde discuss the 1983 Disney movie “Tiger Town.” They introduce the film (1:52), with an overview of the story, cast, and filmmakers. They review the 20-80 baseball scouting grades for rating the film (6:16). Amount of Baseball (12:47) considers photos of baseball, tight shots, and slow-mo, with reference to Wesley Snipes in “Major League.” Don’t hate the player comp. Baseball Accuracy (10:36) discusses the “Angels in the Outfield Without the Literal Angels” premise and the quantum physics observation principle, Roy Sheider’s age and athleticism, the Tigers’ record of the previous 30 years, Al Kaline, and the 1968 World Series vs. the Cardinals (Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Orlando Cepeda, Roger Maris). Eric shouts-out to Gate Brown, and Ellen breaks down the Tigers’ required second-half winning percentage. Billy Young’s batting average and RBI are problematic. The scouts also examine Alex’s Dream Ballet, weekday games for the 1983 Tigers, Sparky Anderson, and score discrepancies in the final game. Storytelling (43:53) considers the various beliefs and superstitions and many issues with the cinematic storytelling. Why is the dad both unemployed and dying, and why the structural suddenness of his death? Why isn’t there a B plot? Are we in the MOMA? From whence this disposable income? Why not help anyone else? The ride to the stadium is long but that bike deal is absolutely INSANE. The Score (1:11:46) debates the usage of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” the Renn Faire music, and the drum solo. In Acting (1:17:21), they assess Justin Henry’s performance as a young actor, Roy Scheider’s limited involvement, and the atrocious scenes with mom. Delightfulness of Catcher (1:21:11) doesn’t offer much, but Delightfulness of Announcer (1:21:27) appreciates the inclusion of Ernie Harwell, Al Ackerman, and Ray Lane. Lack of Misogyny (1:24:32) bemoans the lack of development or consistent point-of-view for the mother, with a brief digression about the “Star Spangled Banner” record. No spoilers on the following segments: Yes or No (1:28:51), Six Degrees of Baseball (1:32:18), Favorite Moment (1:33:13) Least Favorite Moment (1:35:48), Scene We Would Have Liked to See (1:37:15), Dreamiest Player (1:38:34), Favorite Performance (1:39:06), Review Thank You (1:40:10) and Next Time (1:40:22).