The MLB has already passed on having Charlie Sheen throw out the first pitch at the World Series, but it’s not too late to bring Bob Uecker into the broadcast booth.
The 1989 comedy Major League, in which the Cleveland Indians’ band of outcasts and misfits somehow win the American League pennant, has clearly resonated with fans this post-season, as the Indians get set to take on the Chicago Cubs.
Fans initially called for Sheen—who starred in the film as the “Wild Thing” pitcher in one of his more memorable roles—to take the mound for Game 1, and Sheen was more than willing to oblige.
Major League
— Charlie Sheen (@charliesheen) October 20, 2016
continues to be the gift
that keeps on giving!
if called upon,
I'd be honored. pic.twitter.com/ijjAU0Qvbw
Now a Change.org petition is asking for the film’s announcer, Bob Uecker—who actually calls games for the Milwaukee Brewers in real life—to replace Joe Buck in the broadcast booth, and it’s gaining momentum. The petition already has 45,489 supporters.
Bob Uecker is Bob Uecker – a national treasure. And his portrayal of an Indians broadcaster in the movie “Major League” is all-time great.
Replacing Joe Buck with Uecker would put one of the truly great entertainers in the game on its biggest stage.
To his credit, Buck actually welcomed the idea on Twitter—or at least part of it.
Nothing would make me happier than to have Uecker in the booth. https://t.co/BWnpitDmGL
— Joe Buck (@Buck) October 24, 2016
It’s not just the fans who are nostalgic for Major League. ESPN reports that the real Indians took some inspiration from the film as well:
Slugger Mike Napoli and second baseman Jason Kipnis constructed a shrine in an empty clubhouse stall between their lockers like one in the movie. In the film, character Pedro Cerrano practices Voodoo and prays to an idol named, “Jobu” to help him hit curveballs.
Like Cerrano, Napoli and Kipnis have their own “Jobu” and have left gifts, including small bottles of rum and cigars, to keep them out of hitting slumps.
Game 1 of the World Series takes place tonight in Cleveland at 8pm EST.