Remembering "Angels in the Outfield"

I was recently asked to speak in a sacrament meeting about the ministry of angels. This led me to many wonderful talks and scriptures and experiences that I have had in being ministered to by angels. But it also led me to reflect on a favorite childhood movie of mine, “Angels in the Outfield.” So, I thought I’d use this post to share some things that stood out to me from the movie and who knows, maybe it will inspire a host of people to watch or rewatch it at some point in the next 10 years. 

First of all, it has a pretty star studded cast! I’m pretty sure I remember reading or hearing somewhere that it was Matthew McConaughey’s first movie (feel free to fact check me on that, I’m okay with that). Also, a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt, like before 3rd Rock from the Sun Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I remember learning that sometime after The Dark Knight Rises came out and my mind was blown. Danny Glover, Tony Danza, Brenda Fricker, Adrien Brody, Neil McDonough and Christopher Lloyd to name a few. It is always amazing to me to see what actors and actresses have done over the course of their careers and this was an introduction, for me, to many of these people. 

Secondly, it deals with some much deeper topics than just baseball. There is foster care, adoption, prayer, upcoming death, and believing in something that only you cane see. Foster care and adoption hit close to home as both have been a part of family members’ lives. 

Lastly, does have to do with baseball. I grew up in southern California and while I consider myself a Dodger fan, I did go to Angels games as well. I recall going with my late grandfather and having ice cream served in a small plastic baseball hat. I went to one of the world series games that the Angels eventually won. And I knew someone who housed the guy who Mike Trout replaced in the minors, so practically relatives.

I love going down memory lane. I love remembering movies of my childhood and Angels in the Outfield will forever be one of those films that I remember with fondness.