Skip to content
MovieCove
Rookie of the Year

Rookie of the Year

The Chicago Cubs needed a miracle... They got Henry Rowengartner.

1993103 minPGMidcredits score: 49th percentile of all films
Director
Daniel Stern
Starring
Thomas Ian Nicholas, Gary Busey, Albert Hall, Amy Morton

When the cast comes off his once broken arm, a 12-year-old boy can throw a 100-mile-an-hour fastball, and the Chicago Cubs want him as their new pitcher.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Rookie of the Year?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Rookie of the Year streaming on Disney+ and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Rookie of the Year?

Rookie of the Year earns 6 badges, led by Word-of-mouth hit and Box Office Hit.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Rookie of the Year worth watching?

Rookie of the Year's Midcredits score is the 49th percentile of all films, from 76K ratings across 6 sources. 44% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

49th percentile

Better received than 49% of films

55th percentile among Comedy52nd percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)53rd
Approval (how many liked it)44th

62 /100

53rd percentile of all films

61st percentile among Comedy57th percentile among 1990s

Critics 53 · Audience 63

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

44% liked it

44th percentile of all films

48th percentile among Comedy46th percentile among 1990s
44% rated it 7–1056% rated it 1–6

Critics 43% · Audience 53%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 1 noms overall

94th percentile

76K ratings across platforms

93rd percentile among Comedy91st percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 7% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$10M
Opening weekend$9.1M
Domestic gross$54M
Worldwide gross$57M

Returned 5.7× its budget — 92nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A silly, unrealistic kids' baseball fantasy that prioritizes fun and wish-fulfillment over realism.

Fans praised

  • Fun family fantasy that captures childhood baseball dreams
  • Likable lead and warm performances from Thomas Ian Nicholas and Gary Busey
  • Lighthearted, nostalgic tone with good-hearted humor

Detractors panned

  • Unrealistic premise and slapstick overacting by Daniel Stern
  • Poor directing and lack of emotional authenticity
  • Cheap plot mechanics and predictable story

What stands out

ActingDivisive65

Thomas Ian Nicholas charming as lead; Gary Busey solid; Stern's over-the-top performance divisive

CharactersDivisive60

Henry likable but inconsistent; villains cartoonish; mentor Chet Steadman appreciated

HumorDivisive60

Goofy slapstick and one-liners land for families but feel forced to detractors

EndingDivisive60

Feel-good resolution with Henry's clever final out, though deemed predictable by some

Emotional impactDivisive60

Heartwarming moments between Henry and his mom, and friendship themes

DialogueDivisive55

Some memorable one-liners but often broad and dated

Plot and storyDivisive50

Wish-fulfillment fantasy; predictable and reliant on coincidence

OriginalityDivisive40

Derivative of other baseball fantasies; premise seen before

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 8 points apart
  • Critics vs users 7 points apart
  • US vs non-US 9 points apart

Watch experience

What is Rookie of the Year like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle and funny and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulHopefulThrilling
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
PlayfulWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its fantasy premise with earnest sincerity, never winking at the audience; the comedy comes from character and situation.
The rideThe film maintains a light, upbeat feel throughout, with the climax carrying the highest emotional stakes.
StructureThe story unfolds linearly from Henry's accident through his rise, the conflict with Jack, and the climactic playoff game.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopefulFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe film ends on a triumphant note, with Henry saving the playoff game and his friendships restored, leaving the viewer smiling and believing in dreams.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rags
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3% (this title): Underdog triumph 2% (this title) · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rags to riches: A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition. · Underdog triumph: Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).

3% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeHenry's freak accident gives him a 103 mph fastball, launching him from a baseball dreamer to a Cubs pitcher; the story follows his adjustment to fame and the cost to his friendships.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsComing of age · 5% of filmsFriendship · 9% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe story centers on Henry's relationship with his mother, his surrogate father figure in Chet, and his waning friendship with his peers.
StanceThe film affirms the importance of family and following one's dream with a triumphant, feel-good attitude.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernPopSupportive music · original score · Bill Conti
Setting1990s Chicago, centering on Wrigley Field and the Cubs franchise
MusicBill Conti's uplifting orchestral score underscores the sports triumph narrative.

Content guide

Is Rookie of the Year okay for kids?

PG

Rookie of the Year is rated PG: “Rated PG for some mild language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (14/100), sexual content at minimal (14/100), language at mild (34/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at minimal (8/100). Its frightening material has too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 21% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 4 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaG
  • Germany6
  • South KoreaALL
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 6% of all filmsHeavier than 21% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 14%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 26%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 68%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 69%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (8 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 68% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Rookie of the Year have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Rookie of the Year?

Cast

Thomas Ian Nicholas
as Henry Rowengartner
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Gary Busey
as Chet Steadman
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Albert Hall
as Martinella
Amy Morton
as Mary Rowengartner
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Dan Hedaya
as Larry 'Fish' Fisher
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Bruce Altman
as Jack Bradfield
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Eddie Bracken
as Bob Carson
Robert Hy Gorman
as Clark
Patrick LaBrecque
as George
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Daniel Stern
as Brickma

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Rookie of the Year?

Movies like Rookie of the Year include Angels in the Outfield (1994), Little Big League (1994) and Necessary Roughness (1991). Of the 12 closest matches, several are family adventures, and several are coming-of-age films.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its story type: sports underdog. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Rookie of the Year?

1.3K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: sports underdog. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.