'The Sandlot' cast reunites for charity

By Stephen Iervolino

Like the casts of other classic TV shows and movies, the cast of 1993's beloved coming-of-age baseball movie "The Sandlot" has gotten back together via Zoom for a good cause.

For the film's 25th anniversary, co-star Patrick Renna has re-assembled the cast, along with host and Los Angeles Dodger Justin Turner, as well as other MLB stars including former Dodgers Enrique Hernandez and Andre Ethier. Together, they talk about the making of the movie and its impact.

And in true Sandlot fashion, there's no shortage of trash talk, to boot.

Renna, who played lovable loudmouth Ham Porter, told ABC Audio: "[T]here's no way that we knew it would become what it's meant to so many people...[K]ind of at when the 20th anniversary hit and then the 25th, kind of took on a life of its own. It just went even more crazy, you know?"

Unlike many of his then-kid co-stars, Renna is still recognizable as his "Sandlot" character and he's fine with that.

"I think it's because I can't grow a beard. That's my my big problem," he joked. "I think it's great...it's a icebreaker because there's not many people who don't like the movie. And if they don't like the movie, then I know I am. So it's perfect."

The reunion, live on Renna's YouTube channel, You're Killing Me, is raising money for the Justin Turner Foundation, which has pivoted to feeding families in the COVID-19 crisis.

"It's just a great way to get the guys together, have fun with MLB and also do it for a good cause," Renna said. "Because anything you can do these days to help people, you know?"