Central Florida features prominently in new movie
Central Florida features prominently in a new, family-friendly baseball movie available on Amazon Prime Video.
“The Kid Who Only Hit Homers,” based on Matt Christopher’s book of the same name, is a “really quick fun, watch,” according to Orlando actor Jennifer Bonner.
“It’s a great underdog story,” said Bonner, who plays Steph Sobel in the film.
Sylvester Coddmeyer III (aka Syl), the worst player on his baseball team, is on the verge of quitting when he’s hit on the head with a baseball. After the accident, Babe Ruth secretly coaches him on how to hit home runs, helping Syl rise to the top of his team. This turn of events doesn’t sit well with one character: Steph, whose son, Teddy, was previously the MVP.
Those familiar with the book might not recall Steph — because she didn’t exist. She was added to the screenplay to serve as the villain.
Bonner describes her
character, a divorced mom with three children, as the “stage mom of baseball.”
“Steph would kind of do anything to make sure Teddy’s the star even if that means bringing the team
down in the process,” Bonner said. “All she has is her kids and their baseball. She lives through them as much as she can. And, you know, villains are great because they don’t think they’re in the wrong. All she’s trying to do is give her son the best baseball experience.”
“The Kid Who Only Hit Homers” began filming in February 2020 and wrapped in early March, before COVID-19 shut down many productions. Local viewers may recognize the shops and streets of downtown Winter Garden. Meanwhile, scenes at the Coddmeyer’s home and the baseball fields were filmed in Sanford.
Outside of the director, director of photography and producers, the majority of the cast and crew call Florida home. The film’s Central Florida talent includes Bonner, Ryan Forrestal (Syl’s dad and coach, Big Syl), Joe Ray (Babe Ruth), Alea Figueroa (Syl’s mom, Cristina), Jimmy Soos (Josh) and Carrie Lauren (sports reporter). The umpires and competitors shown during game scenes are actual officials and baseball teams from the Orlando area.
The Sunshine State connections continue with many of the film’s younger actors who hail from Miami, such as Alex J. Montero (Syl), Luke Nappe (Teddy) and TJ Wright (Lou).
“All of the kids in the movie are just stellar, and I was so impressed working with them,” said Bonner, who begins work on the film “No Vacancy” this month in Lake County. “There is film work here, and we absolutely have the talent. I think sometimes that gets overlooked.”
“The Kid Who Only Hit Homers” is available for rent starting at $1.99 or purchase starting at $7.99 at least through October at amazon.com.