Angels in the Outfield

The batters couldn’t hit water if they fell out of a boat. The fielders must be using frying pans instead of baseball mitts. It looks like the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates haven’t got a prayer…until the prayers of a young orphan girl get the Pirates some celestial support!

Comedy and charm form the winning lineup of Angels in the Outfield, starring Paul Douglas as the team’s short-fused manager. “Dogs have fleas, managers have sportswriters,” he grouses to a columnist (Janet Leigh) covering the team.

Adding to the fun are game footage from back in the day (buffs will love to spot the stars); support from Keenan Wynn, Spring Byington and more familiar talents; plus unbilled bits by baseball greats Joe DiMaggio and Ty Cobb.

One more footnote about this nifty ’50s diamond: President Eisenhower called it his favorite movie. Batter up!