Here’s a movie tribute to mark on your calendars: On May 6, the Fort Myers Miracle (High; A Florida State League) will host Bad News Bears night at Hammond Stadium.
The promotion will offer a little bit of everything. Along with outfitting the team in Bad News Bears-themed jerseys, the Miracle will welcome cast member Gary Lee Cavagnaro, who played catcher Mike Engleberg in the film. As part of his appearance, Cavagnaro will sign autographs and pose for photos with fans. Every fan in attendance will receive a free card for the autograph session.
As an interesting aside, Cavagnaro has appeared in a professional game. Back in 2005, he and fellow Bad News Bears star Dave Pollock, who played Rudi Stein in the film, played one inning for the Brockton Rox (independent; Can-Am League). The Rox had signed Cavagnaro and Pollock to raise money for charity, with the team wearing Bears-style jerseys that night.
Following the Miracle’s game, the Bears’ jerseys will be auctioned off. In addition to the special uniform tops and Cavagnaro appearance, the Miracle will be incorporating select music and move clips from 1976, the year of the film’s release.
The night is sponsored by Panini America, which has done promotional work with Cavagnaro in the past. For those who are interested in getting to know more about Cavagnaro in advance of his Fort Myers appearance, the above video features some of his interesting insight into the film.