The Sandlot, a timeless favorite of mine, came to life during a reunion weekend in Southeast Volusia from December 14-16, 2023. This extraordinary event was more than just a reunion; it was a celebration that brought together fans, cast members, and local sports enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience.
The weekend was packed with exciting activities, including meet-and-greets, two exclusive showings of the movie at NSB High School, and a thrilling softball game at the Edgewater YMCA. The writer, director and narrator, David Mickey Evans, along with Tom Guiry (Scotty Smalls), Shane Obedzinski (Tommy/ Repeat), Victor DiMattia (Timmy), Grant Gelt (Bertram) and Marty York (Yeah-Yeah), took the field with players from the New Smyrna High School varsity girls’ softball and boys’ baseball teams. The cast played against community members who participated after donating to the Table 2 Committee’s fundraising efforts for youth sports in Volusia County.
The homerun derby kicked off the festivities, with each team fielding six players to showcase their batting skills. I proudly participated and hit three home runs. Now, I knew I was ready to take the field with my teammates in a game that I think none of us will forget.
The game itself was a spectacle, marked by a unique solo musical rendition of the national anthem by NSB’s own Dennis “Jammer” Samolinski. If you missed that you have to check it out on the Table 2 website. The back-and-forth match unfolded with plays in the field and impressive home runs from both teams. The camaraderie and sportsmanship were palpable, transcending the boundaries between friends and strangers.
I played on the yellow team, affectionately known as the Mustards, facing off against the red team, we dubbed the Ketchups. The Mustards were coached by baseball legends John Castino (1979 AL Rookie of the Year with the Minnesota Twins), Jack Billingham (Won 2 World Series championships between 1972 and 1977 with the Cincinnati Reds), and Marty Bystrom (Pitcher who played for the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees in Major League Baseball from 1980 to 1985), adding a professional touch to the friendly competition.
The game concluded with a grand home run by Jack Billingham’s grandson, bringing the event to a triumphant close. Despite the final score of 18 to 16 (Ketchups), we were all winners, transported back to our childhood as we played alongside the stars of a beloved movie.
The laid-back atmosphere continued post-game, with the cast and director mingling with players and attendees. A surprise appearance by The Beast, a Hercules look-alike, added an extra layer of excitement, delighting fans and capturing memories in photos.
Local vendors, including Bagel Barn Cafe and Deli on Wheels, The Ice Queen Truck, Dog Side of the Moon and Pura Vida Kettle Corn, contributed to the occasion by serving up delicious food and drinks.
I want to extend a special thanks to the Sigler, Barringer, Clancy and Michelbrink families, as well as my fiancé, Tiffany, and the ECC team for bringing this event to life and raising funds for youth sports.
The Table 2 Committee, operating as a non-profit organization in honor of Ryan Michelbrink and Dave Fernandez, aims to spread joy and togetherness through annual family events. You can support their mission by donating online and staying informed about upcoming events that promise endless fun.
In the end, everyone involved worked so hard, creating a memorable day that allowed us to rediscover the joy of being a child and reliving cherished memories with friends. The reunion weekend, organized by the Table 2 Committee, was more than an event; it was a celebration of community, sportsmanship, and the enduring magic of The Sandlot.
If you would like to make a donation to The Table 2 Committee below is their Venmo. Also be sure to follow them on Facebook for any upcoming events in 2024.
Bobby G… out!
