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What was the title of the 1993 film about a young boy with an incredible fastball pitch, who earns a spot pitching for the Chicago Cubs?

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ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - entertainment illustration
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR — entertainment

A freak accident becomes a dream come true for 12-year-old Henry Rowengartner. After breaking his arm and having it heal with unusually tight tendons, he discovers he can suddenly throw a baseball over 100 miles per hour. When he launches a ball from the Wrigley Field bleachers all the way to home plate, he is discovered and promptly signed to his favorite team, the struggling Chicago Cubs. This is the central plot of the beloved 1993 family sports comedy, Rookie of the Year.

The film was the directorial debut of actor Daniel Stern, who was famously known for playing the bungling burglar Marv in Home Alone. Stern also co-stars in the movie as the team's eccentric pitching coach. The story follows Henry, played by Thomas Ian Nicholas, as he navigates the surreal experience of being a kid in the major leagues. He is mentored by the aging veteran pitcher Chet "The Rocket" Steadman, played by Gary Busey, who teaches him how to be a professional.

Tapping into the ultimate childhood fantasy, the film became a 90s classic for its blend of humor, heart, and baseball action. Its climax famously sees Henry lose his super-powered arm mid-game, forcing him to outsmart the final batter with a slow, tricky "floater" pitch to win the championship for the Cubs.