Fans, Cast Members Celebrate 25th Anniversary of “The Sandlot” in Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Fans and cast members of the 1993 movie “The Sandlot” celebrated its 25th anniversary on the field where the movie was shot Saturday evening.

The move was filmed in several areas across Salt Lake City. “The Sandlot” itself was in a field in the Glendale neighborhood.

Organizers set up a stage and provided seating for the crowd who showed up Saturday.

“I have goosebumps,” said Orlando Montoya. “It’s like bringing your childhood back to you,”

Cast members said interest in the movie has picked up in recent years.

They believe it is because children who grew up watching the movie are now having children of their own.

“It feels like every five years there’s a new generation of kids that are picking up the film and you see little Squints and Wendy Peffercorns running around,” said Chauncey Leopardi, who played the character “Squints”.

Grant Gelt, who played Bertram Weeks, said it was powerful to see how people of all ages connect with the movie.

“We met four generations of Sandlot fans all standing in a row together and that was something special,” Gelt said.

A lot of movies don’t have the emotional staying power of “The Sandlot”. Victor DiMattia, who played Timmy Timmons, believes that is because of the cast members’ genuine friendships.

“All these guys are like brothers to me and I think it comes across on the screen, that kind of camaraderie, everybody wants to have that group of friends,” he said.

As fans of the movie reminisce about their younger years, they are glad to share the memories with a new generation.

“It’s huge for me because I grew up with them. This was part of my childhood and to bring this back to my kids and they get to experience it now, it means the world to me,” Montoya said.