‘Major League’ Hits 35, But What if Owner Rachel Phelps Wasn’t The Villain?

“JUST a bit outside,”  Milwaukee Brewers announcer Bob Uecker would quip as Harry Doyle in the movie Major League, which also starred Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Corbin Bernsen, along with Rene Russo and Wesley Snipes. The film follows an inept team of Major League baseball players recruited just to intentionally be a losing team. When the boys get wind of the scheme, they decide to go for the championship.

Paramount Pictures/ Courtesy: Everett Collection.

As the 1989 film reaches its 35th Anniversary, we took a quick look at the alternate ending that is included in the special features for you to enjoy when you pick up this 4K Ultra HD/Digital Copy package from Paramount Home Video.

In the alternate ending presented on the disc, Rachel Phelps (Margaret Whitton), the showgirl owner of the Cleveland Indians who inherited the team, was really a secret genius who had a master plan to create a highly successful team on a budget. Having personally scouted the whole roster and manager Lou Brown (James Gammon) to revive the team on a budget, she showcases her smarts on the baseball management front. Although the sequence tested fine with audiences, the earlier sequences worked much better with her as a villain; of course, viewers love a villain!

We like the alternate ending, but we believe that writer/director David S. Ward made the right call in his selection.

Fun Facts:

Neither the stadium used nor the team name featured exist today.

The Stadium used: Brewers County Stadium in Milwaukee

And the…

Cleveland Indians: Now the Cleveland Guardians

Major League is currently streaming on Max.