Background
The film was directed by David S. Ward, who also directed the first installment of the Major League series, in addition to other films, such as The Program and Down Periscope. In addition to Sheen, Berenger, Bernsen, Epps, Keith, and Takaaki, Major League II has an additional cast of Dennis Haysbert, James Gammon, Bob Uecker, and Margaret Whitton, all of whom returned from the first film.
The film touches on the follow-up season of the Cleveland Indians successful season in the first film. Success has spoiled the team and many of its players. Roger Dorn has retired and purchased the team. New relationships are revealed that have affected play on the field.
The film was released in March 1994 and eventually grossed over $30 million at the U.S. box office. The film and its sequel Major League: Back to the Minors were not as well received as the first film, which is considered by many now to be a classic. The film has many cameo appearances by current and former MLB players such as Steve Yeager and Kevin Hickey, as well as several entertainers such as Jesse Ventura and Randy Quaid.
The film was shot at various locations in Baltimore, Maryland, Chicago, Illinois, Cleveland, Ohio, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Various sports stadiums were also used in filming, including Memorial Stadium, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Metro Bank Park and U.S. Cellular Field (then called Comiskey Park) in Chicago.
Because the film was made between the Indians last season at Cleveland Stadium and before the opening of Progressive Field, (originally Jacobs Field) Oriole Park at Camden Yards was used. The producers felt that the Orioles' new stadium could stand in as a close likeness for the Indians' new home.
Coincidentally, a year after this film was released, the actual Cleveland Indians team made it to the 1995 World Series, which was the team's first playoff appearance in 41 years. The Indians ended up losing in 6 games to the Atlanta Braves. In the lead-up to Game 3, the first World Series game played in Cleveland in 41 years, the PA system played "The House Is Rockin," the song from the end of Major League II. In another coincidence, Bob Uecker (Harry Doyle) served as a commentator for the 1995 World Series television coverage on NBC.
Read more about this topic: Major League II
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