You're Killing Me, Smalls! Where Are The Sandlot Characters Now? (2025 Update)

The Sandlot, released in 1993, is more than just a baseball movie; it is a timeless cinematic ode to childhood, friendship, and the perfect, endless summer of 1962. The film’s enduring popularity stems from its perfectly cast ensemble of young ballplayers, each with a distinct and memorable personality, from the nervous new kid to the confident captain. As of December 2025, fans are still curious about the lives of the actors who brought these iconic characters to life, especially as many have recently celebrated major career milestones or personal updates.

The movie, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023, continues to resonate with new generations, cementing its status as a cult classic. While the film is set in the nostalgic backdrop of the 1960s, the careers and lives of the actors are constantly evolving. This deep dive reveals the freshest, most up-to-date information on the core Sandlot crew, including their latest projects and personal news heading into 2025.

Complete Biography Profile: Tom Guiry (Scotty Smalls)

The heart of *The Sandlot* belongs to Scotty Smalls, the awkward, stepfather-averse new kid who knows nothing about baseball. The character was masterfully played by Tom Guiry, whose debut performance launched a successful career in film and television.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

• Full Name: Thomas John Guiry
• Date of Birth: October 12, 1981
• Birthplace: Trenton, New Jersey, USA
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 44
• Notable Key Roles:
  • Scotty Smalls in *The Sandlot* (1993)
  • Jimmy in *Lassie* (1994)
  • Sergeant Ed Shughart in *Black Hawk Down* (2001)
  • Brendan in *Mystic River* (2003)
  • Timmy Cleary in *Black Irish* (2007)
  • The Traveler in *The Last Ship* (TV Series, 2017)
• Recent Projects (2024–2025): Guiry has maintained a steady acting career and had several notable projects in 2024, including the live-action movie *You Gotta Believe* and the animated film *Life with Quincy 3*. He also had a role in the movie *Monster Summer* in 2024, which featured another Sandlot alum.

The Sandlot Boys: Where Are They Now? (2025 Career Updates)

The core group of nine boys formed an unbreakable bond both on and off-screen. Their post-Sandlot lives have taken them down wildly different paths, from Hollywood to the front lines of public service.

1. Benjamin "Benny 'The Jet'" Rodriguez (Mike Vitar)

Benny "The Jet" was the magnetic leader, the best player, and Smalls's first true friend. Actor Mike Vitar, who perfectly embodied the confident, fast-footed star, had a brief but memorable acting career after *The Sandlot*, including a role in *D2: The Mighty Ducks*.

The Latest: Vitar made a definitive career change, retiring from acting in the early 2000s. As of 2024, he is an active and dedicated firefighter with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). His commitment to public service has been his primary focus for over two decades, making him one of the few child stars to successfully transition into a completely different, high-stakes profession.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

2. Hamilton "Ham" Porter (Patrick Renna)

Ham was the catcher, the trash-talker, and the source of the film’s most quoted line: "You're killing me, Smalls!" Patrick Renna has arguably been the most engaged with the film's legacy, often participating in reunions and fan events.

The Latest: Renna's life has been full of recent personal and professional milestones. In late 2024/early 2025, he and his wife, Jasmin, welcomed their third child, a new daughter. Professionally, he continues to act and embrace his cult status, notably appearing in the 2024 movie *Monster Summer*, which also featured Tom Guiry. He also maintains a popular social media presence, often creating content that playfully references his iconic role as Ham Porter.

3. Michael "Squints" Palledorous (Chauncey Leopardi)

Squints was the resident schemer, forever etched in pop culture history for his daring, pool-side kiss with Wendy Peffercorn. Leopardi has returned to the role in various sequels and has remained in the public eye.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

The Latest: Chauncey Leopardi continues to celebrate his *Sandlot* fame through fan conventions and appearances. He has also been involved in a podcast, keeping his connection with fans alive. His character, Squints, remains a fan-favorite, a testament to the character’s boldness and enduring charm.

The Rest of the Sandlot Crew and Their Enduring Legacy

The team was rounded out by a colorful cast of characters, each adding a vital layer to the film's success. The collective chemistry of these young actors is what gives *The Sandlot* its topical authority as a definitive coming-of-age film.

• Alan "Yeah-Yeah" McClennan (Marty York): The actor known for his energetic catchphrase continues to act, with recent roles in independent films. He often attends cast reunions, showing his continued dedication to the film’s fanbase.
• Bertram Grover Weeks (Grant Gelt): Bertram was the intellectual of the group, known for his thick glasses and love of chewing tobacco. Gelt eventually stepped away from acting to pursue a successful career in the music industry, working as a talent manager and music supervisor.
• Kenny DeNunez (Brandon Quintin Adams): The pitcher of the team, Adams had already starred in *The Mighty Ducks* before *The Sandlot*. He continues to work in the entertainment industry, with credits in both acting and music production.
• Timmy and Tommy Timmons (Shane Obedzinski and Victor DiMattia): The two brothers provided comic relief. Obedzinski (Timmy) has since worked in the restaurant industry, while DiMattia (Tommy) has also remained connected to the film's legacy through fan events.

The Adult Mentors: Legends in Their Own Right

The film’s emotional weight was carried by its adult cast, particularly the two baseball legends.

• Mr. Mertle (James Earl Jones): The blind, kindly former baseball player who owns "The Beast." James Earl Jones, already a Hollywood legend (the voice of Darth Vader), has had an extensive and celebrated career that continues to this day, though his recent work is primarily voice acting due to his age. He remains one of the most recognizable voices in the world.
• The Babe (Art LaFleur): The ghost of Babe Ruth who inspires Benny. Art LaFleur, a prolific character actor, sadly passed away in 2021. His role in *The Sandlot* is one of his most beloved, cementing his place in the film’s history.

Little-Known Facts and Topical Authority from The Sandlot's Production

To truly understand the characters, one must appreciate the unique story behind the film's creation. The movie's director, David Mickey Evans, infused the screenplay with personal, autobiographical elements, lending the story an authentic, heartfelt feel.

The original script was initially written for much younger children, with the characters intended to be 9 and 10 years old. However, the cast was ultimately chosen to be slightly older, a decision that gave the movie a greater sense of pre-teen camaraderie and mischief, which is a key element of its topical authority on the subject of summer friendship.

The oak tree where the baseball is hit was not a real, living tree. It was a prop built by the production team. This small detail highlights the care taken to create the perfect, nostalgic setting for the boys' adventures.

The enduring appeal of *The Sandlot* lies in its simple, universal themes: fitting in, finding your courage, and the pure, unadulterated joy of playing a game you love. The characters, from the nervous Smalls to the legendary Benny "The Jet," remain cultural touchstones, and their actors’ lives—whether in Hollywood or as a public servant—continue to captivate fans decades later.