| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Dan Dailey | ... |
Larry 'Pop' Cooper
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| Anne Bancroft | ... |
Marian Foley
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| Billy Chapin | ... |
Christie Cooper
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| Lloyd Bridges | ... |
Pete Haines
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| Ray Collins | ... |
Fred F. Whacker
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| Richard Egan | ... |
Billy Lorant
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Bob Hopkins | ... |
Bobo Noonan
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| Alex Gerry | ... |
J.R. Johnson
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| Walter Sande | ... |
Barnes
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| Fess Parker | ... |
McDougal
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George Phelps | ... |
Tony
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| John Gallaudet | ... |
Hyams
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Paul Salata | ... |
Larson
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| John Beradino | ... |
Hank Dreiser
(as John Berardino)
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Gene Thompson | ... |
Jim Cary, Pitcher
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Coop's an ex-ballplayer is now a peanut vendor, who takes too much of an interest in the game. But he's passed on his craze for baseball to his son, Christie. When his dad gets fired, Chris makes friends with the former team owner's niece (and her boyfriend Pete), and not only gets his dad's job back, but a batboy position for himself. With his dad's help, Christie begins to make a few suggestions here and there. And as a publicity stunt, the team makes him their youngest manager on record. But when Chris gets sick, Coop has to come to the rescue. Written by Kathy Li
'The Kid From Left Field' is a wonderful baseball film made in the early fifties and breathes the nostalgia of that time period. Child actor Billy Chapin becomes a batboy for the woeful Bisons (a copy of the old St. Louis Browns) and proceeds to inform the players of how they can correct their individual problems. Unbeknownst to the team, Chapin's wisdom is from his father, a washed-up player who has become a peanut vendor and lacks confidence and courage - in spite of his obvious baseball knowledge. Pretty soon, Chapin becomes the nine year old manager of the team with dramatic results that bind father to son; you can't help but root for the Bisons! A baseball fantasy - but filled with much innocence and charm. Surprisingly, this movie has never made it to VHS or DVD. I loved it as a kid - equally as an adult!