‘You’re killin' me, Smalls!’: Meet actors from ‘The Sandlot’ at these Louisville events

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In celebration of summertime, baseball and the 30th anniversary of the film classic, "The Sandlot," members of the original cast of the 1993 friendship flick are headed to Louisville for a weekend of family friendly events.

If you remember phrases like "You're killin' me, Smalls!" and "Some lady name Ruth. Baby Ruth," or "Remember kid, there's heroes and there's legends; heroes get remembered, but legends never die," then this weekend is your chance to rub elbows with a few of the actors who made those lines forever famous.

Actors Grant Gelt , Victor DiMattia and Shane Obedzinksi will swing through Louisville to celebrate Fourth of July weekend with a number of fun, baseball-related events plus the kickoff of their Play Forever Project, which is launching the “30 for the 30th” national fundraising campaign.

This initiative aims to impact 30 communities nationwide through a combination of sports equipment, education, healthy food access, scholarship, gender equity programs and restoration projects wherever we can have the most impact.

Here's what to know about "The Sandlot" anniversary celebration that includes fun, festivities, and of course, fireworks.

A super fun fundraiser at Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

'The Sandlot' 30th anniversary block party weekend in Louisville, Kentucky takes place July 1-3, 2023
'The Sandlot' 30th anniversary block party weekend in Louisville, Kentucky takes place July 1-3, 2023
  • When: Saturday, July 1, 12 – 4 p.m.

  • Where: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 West Main St.

  • Cost: Tickets start at $30 for adults and $15 for children.

  • Information:  playforever.org

What: Kickstart the holiday weekend with an exciting and exclusive experience at The Sandlot Louisville Slugger Museum Fundraiser. This action-packed event offers a range of activities, including a private Q & A session with multiple cast members, photo ops, snacks, commemorative merchandise and a raffle for a chance to win limited-edition items. Enjoy all things Sandlot and baseball at the museum while also making a difference, as 100% of all ticket sales will directly benefit the Play Forever Project.

A Louisville Bats' Kids Day at Slugger Field

The Sandlot
The Sandlot
  • When: Sunday, July 2, 12 – 4 p.m.

  • Where: Slugger Field, 401 East Main St.

  • Cost: Suite tickets start at $50

  • Information: playforever.org

What: Round up the kids and head down to Slugger Field for an action-packed day of baseball, family friendly activities, and a chance to hang out with "The Sandlot" cast during the Louisville Bats' Kids Day.

The cast will host a select group of fans in Slugger Field’s Party Suite during the game, where you'll meet the cast members and get their autographs on exclusive Bats items, eat plenty of ballpark snacks, get all the inside scoop on the film and help raise money for the Play Forever Project.

Enjoy the kid-dedicated day and be sure to cheer on the Louisville Bats as they face off against the Indianapolis Indians.

Waterfront Park Movie Night and Fireworks 

  • When: Monday, July 3

  • Where: Great Lawn in Waterfront Park, 231 E Witherspoon St.

  • Cost: Free

What: Conclude the festivities in the most spectacular way with a screening of "The Sandlot" at 6:30 p.m. followed by a fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Join in the fun and make your way to the free event at the Great Lawn in Waterfront Park to enjoy the iconic film and the opportunity to hear from the original cast.

Following the movie, witness the night sky illuminate with a dazzling array of red, white and blue during the post-game fireworks show at nearby Slugger Field.

What is The Play Forever Project?

The Sandlot
The Sandlot

Play Forever was founded by "The Sandlot" cast members Grant Gelt, aka “Bertram Grover Weeks;” Victor DiMattia, aka “Timmy Timmons;” and supported by Shane Obedzinski, a.k.a. "Tommy Repeat Timmons." Its mission is to remove obstacles and equip young athletes and youth interested in a career in sports with the support they need to play forever.

The project recognizes the many financial, social and cultural barriers to participating in sports, and Play Forever will support all genders, races, orientations, and abilities from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 'The Sandlot' stars celebrate 30th anniversary with Louisville Bats