Several residents of Evansville, Indiana, Henderson, Ky and other parts of Indiana and Kentucky were lucky to have appeared as extras in the film, “A League of Their Own”…which by the way, marked the 30th anniversary of its theatrical release this year. The film was released on July 1, 1992, and grossed $13.2 million in its first weekend, finishing second at the box office behind Batman Returns.
The cast and crew spent the whole summer of 1991 in Evansville; Henderson, Kentucky; and parts of Southwestern Indiana filming the movie. Locals were lucky! They got to rub elbows with huge stars such as Tom Hanks, Madonna, Geena Davis and director Penny Marshall.
This movie had a huge impact on us! Three decades later, the movie is still having an impact on Evansville, making it a huge tourist destination for fans and securing it a place in film history.
Earlier this month, MLB announced they wanted to play a regular season game at Bosse at some point in the near future. The idea was inspired by the games in Iowa inspired by another baseball film, “Field of Dreams.”
According to Mike Schopmeyer, the attorney for the Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau, said his friend and former Citizens National Bank Vice President Bill Brooks used his “charisma” to steer Marshall into filming at Bosse Field. Brooks also helped recruit extras. When filmmakers reportedly worried they’d have a hard time packing the stands, Brooks encouraged bank employees to take up the challenge, offering them a day off.
It’s become a huge part of the park. Reminders of the movie’s set design still hang around! Things like the large logo for the Racine Belles and the occasional “A League of Their Own” screenings that shine in the outfield on fall and summer nights.
