The Rewatchables ‘The Bad News Bears’ (1976) Wth Bill Simmons and Van Lathan
Jun 25, 2024
Bill Simmons and Van Lathan revisit 'The Bad News Bears' movie, dissecting its impact on youth sports culture, Walter Matthau's legacy, iconic scenes, character development, and the controversial inclusion of Kelly Leake in the baseball team. They analyze the portrayal of the New York Yankees as villains, discuss memorable moments, and explore the enduring qualities of the characters. The hosts reflect on the film's influence on viewers and its place in sports movie history.
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Origins Of The Youth-Sports Template
- The Bad News Bears remains a near-perfect kids sports movie because it treats youth-sports culture honestly and without self-awareness.
- Its portrayal of overbearing parents and flawed coaches created a template repeated by many later films.
Real-Life Youth-Sports Meltdown
- Van Lathan recounts a chaotic real youth-soccer game where a dad publicly confronted the coach and left with his child midgame.
- The story illustrates how common and extreme parental behavior in youth sports has become.
Kids Versus Adult Ego In Sports
- The film's central theme contrasts making sports about kids versus making it about adult validation and wins.
- Buttermaker's arc shows that when adults prioritize ego, they damage children's experience and development.