Can-Am Brockton Rox

Original "Bad news Bears" stars to play for Rox

Published on July 21, 2005 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


BROCKTON - The Brockton Rox will hold a press conference at The Shaw's Center at noon on Monday, August 1 to announce the signings of near-sighted hurler Rudi Stein (David Pollock) and chubby catcher Mike Engleberg (Gary Lee Cavagnaro) from the original cast of "The Bad News Bears."

The two actors will be reunited as the starting pitcher and catcher for the Brockton Rox in that evening's game against the Elmira Pioneers - as a highlight to Century 21 Little League Night -- at Campanelli Stadium. They will be making their first professional baseball appearances.

"I hope that Stein has gained some control of the zone as he's gotten older," said Rox manager Ed Nottle. "Engelberg could stand to lose a little weight since the last time I saw him. And I hope he understands that chocolate is considered a foreign substance in professional baseball."

It is the 30th anniversary of the landmark 1976 comedy about a hard-luck group of Little League players in Southern California. Engleberg, the overweight catcher, keeps getting chocolate all over the ball. His bespectacled pitcher, Rudi Stein, can't get it over the plate.

"I was the original Steve Blass or Rick Ankiel -- with none of the talent," said David Pollock. "Thirty years later, we're looking to have the same kind of fun we had in the movie. I can't wait."

Said Cavagnaro, "I'm not the same overweight kid everyone laughed at in the Bad News Bears. I have less flexibility and I'm slower. But this is the best summer job a guy could have."

Pollock starred in the sequels Bad News Bears in Breaking Training (1977) and Bad News Bears Go To Japan (1978). His film credits also include Every Little Crook and Nanny (1972), Freaky Friday (1976) and American Hot Wax (1978). Cavagnaro went on to appear in Drive-In (1976) and Crisis at Central High (1981).

The Rox are owned by actor-comedian Bill Murray, Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels, actor Jimmy Fallon and Van Schley. The team is consulted by the Goldklang Group, headed by Mike Veeck and Marv Goldklang. It's not the first time the Rox have signed a media personality to play for the team. In 2003, Biff Henderson of the David Letterman Show batted as the designated-hitter in the bottom of the first inning of a Rox home game.

The Rox plan to use the event to support a charitable cause. The team will be wearing replica Bears jerseys with an in-game jersey auction to benefit Easter Seals. The Rox and Century 21 have already combined to raise over $75,000 for Easter Seals this season. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

For tickets, call the Rox ticket office at (508) 559-7070 or visit the team's website at www.brocktonrox.com. For media requests, please contact the Rox Media Relations Department at 508-559-7000.

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Canadian American League Stories from July 21, 2005


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