The typical digital display of scores and baseball stats was replaced with a movie on Thursday, June 22, much to the delight of many community members who turned out to see the Wareham Gatemen’s video scoreboard put to use a little differently than usual.

The free screening of the 1993 blockbuster “The Sandlot” drew a crowd of more than a hundred people. For many families, a child-friendly movie about a neighborhood baseball team was the perfect way to enjoy a warm summer night and spend time on the field where several pro ballplayers once played. 

Glen Hannington, vice president of the Wareham Gatemen, said the Gatemen hoped offering a free movie night would help show how much the team appreciates its fans.

“We got the brand new scoreboard — a state-of-the-art video board,” Hannington explained. “The Gatemen always like to give back to the community, so this is a good way of showing the support of all our fans and the community.”

He said it was fun to see the “thrill of the kids” who were excited to be on the field where the Gatemen play. 

“I’m pleased with all the families here,” Hannington said.

One group of moviegoers was celebrating Jack Wronski’s eleventh birthday. Jack incorporated the movie into his birthday plans with his friends, which started with swimming, pizza and cake earlier in the day. By 7 p.m., the group was at Spillane Field and ready for the show.

“Most of them play baseball,” said Suzanne Wronski, Jack’s mother, noting that Jack was a fan of the movie and the sequels. “He’s watched them all.” 

Another group — Susie Harrington, Thuy Collins and each of their children, who play baseball on the same team — had traveled more than 40 miles from Canton to see the movie on the Gatemen scoreboard. 

“This is great because we’ve been looking for fun things to do for our kids during the summer and we always love drive-ins and outdoor movies,” Harrington said. She described the weather — about 73 degrees without much humidity and with the sun peeking through the clouds every so often — as a “perfect baseball night.” 

“The kids are out with the sun coming through, playing baseball, watching the perfect baseball movie, ‘The Sandlot,’” she said. “Couldn’t ask for anything more.”

As the movie started, raindrops began to fall, but the audience was prepared and undaunted. Umbrellas popped up, and when the cloud passed a few moments later, they disappeared just as quickly.

Even 20 minutes into the movie, families were still arriving.

Hannington said the Gatemen might be able to host more movie nights in the future if there was a good turnout and future interest.

Harrington and Collins said they supported the idea of more outdoor films in the future. 

“This is great,” Harrington said. “This feels like summer to me.”