Where was A League of Their Own filmed?
1992
City Locations
Chicago, IL
Location Types
Ranch, Clubs/Bars, Museum, Gyms/Sports
Location Styles
Dated/50's-60's-70's, Building Dated/Retro, Americana/Anywhere, Georgian/Southern
About A League of Their Own
A League of Their Own is a 1992 American sports comedy-drama film that captures a unique chapter in the history of baseball and America. Directed by Penny Marshall, this cinematic gem was scripted by Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel.
The film features an all-star cast that includes Tom Hanks as Jimmy Dugan, a once successful home-run champion who has become a washed-up alcoholic. He's chosen to coach a team of women players for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Formed in 1943 during World War II, the league gave women a chance to play professional baseball when most men of baseball-playing age were fighting the war.
Dottie (Geena Davis) and Kit (Lori Petty) are two sisters from Oregon who possess remarkable baseball skills. Dottie's talent lies in hitting and catching, while Kit throws a mean fastball. Other noteworthy members of their team include Mae Mordabito (Madonna), Doris Murphy (Rosie O'Donnell), and Marla Hooch (Megan Cavanagh). As the story unfolds, we witness these women's personal and professional struggles, the bonds they form, and the respect they earn. Despite the challenges, they manage to improve tremendously over the season, even making it to the World Series.
A League of Their Own was not only a commercial success, grossing over $132.4 million worldwide, but also received critical acclaim for its direction and performances. In 2012, the Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
A League of Their Own Locations
A League of Their Own transports viewers back to the era of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, with its richly detailed settings and locations. The movie was shot in Chicago, Illinois, and various parts of Indiana, using significant landmarks to add authenticity to the narrative.
The majestic Harvey Field, where aspiring girls audition for the team, is none other than Wrigley Field in Chicago, the renowned home of the Chicago Cubs. Situated in the vibrant Wrigleyville district, this iconic baseball stadium is nestled at the intersection of 10060 West Addison Street and North Clark Street.
The grand Cantigny Mansion was used as the lavish estate owned by Walter Harvey (Garry Marshall). Now named the McCormick Museum, this majestic residence was once the cherished abode of Robert R. McCormick, the esteemed publisher of the Chicago Tribune, and provides a captivating glimpse into the city's affluent history.
Several scenes were also shot in Indiana. Racine Field, the home of the Racine Belles, is featured as Bosse Field in Evansville, Indiana, which is actually the home of the Evansville Otters. Meanwhile, the 1894 League Stadium at 203 South Cherry Street in Huntingburg, Indiana, was transformed into the Rockford Peaches' stadium.
The film's lively bar scene occurs at The Suds Bucket, creatively combining two separate bars. The exterior shots showcase the Hornville Tavern at 2607 West Baseline Road, north of Evansville and near Bosse Field in Indiana. The movie concludes with an emotional reunion at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York.
A trip to these locations would indeed be worthwhile for fans of the film and baseball enthusiasts alike. Each location plays a significant role in the movie and holds its historical significance, offering visitors a rich, immersive adventure into the world of A League of Their Own and beyond.
Ernie comes to Dottie and Kit scene in A League of Their Own
1980 St Philip Rd S, Evansville, IN 47712, USA
A pivotal scene unfolds on a rustic farm as Dottie and Kit are milking cows. Talent scout Ernie Capadino (Jon Lovitz) stumbles upon them, offering Dottie a tryout for the new league. Despite initially declining, Dottie advocates for Kit, who is eager to showcase her pitching talent, which wasn't displayed in the game Ernie witnessed.
This scene was filmed at a rural location in Evansville, specifically at 1980 St Philip Rd S. This charming area exudes the rustic feel depicted in the movie. The houses nearby are privately owned, and while the exact set decorations aren't present, fans can still soak up the atmosphere that harks back to the film's setting.
To get to this location, you’ll need to take Upper Mt. Vernon Road west from Evansville. The 10-mile journey should take around 20 minutes.
Access Filming Locations
Girls get to Harvey Field scene in A League of Their Own
Wrigley Field, 1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
At Harvey Field during the tryouts, we meet characters Mae and Doris, who initially underestimate newcomers Dottie, Kit, and Marla. When Doris throws a ball at Kit, Dottie impressively catches it barehanded, leaving Mae and Doris in awe.
Harvey Field, depicted as the grand baseball ground owned by Walter Harvey (Garry Marshall), is actually Wrigley Field, located at 10060 West Addison Street at North Clark Street in Chicago's Wrigleyville district. Known as the home of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field has been featured in numerous films such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, About Last Night, and The Blues Brothers. Wrigley Field offers guided tours on both game and non-game days for those wanting to visit this iconic location. It's an opportunity to walk the same ground as these memorable characters and perhaps even catch a Cubs game while you're there.
From the city center, it takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Wrigley Field by car. Alternatively, you can opt for public transport, where the CTA Red Line conveniently provides direct service to Wrigley Field (almost a 30-minute ride) through the easily accessible station at Addison.
Walter Harvey offers Jimmy Dugan a manager position scene in A League of Their Own
Robert R. McCormick House, 1S151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189, USA
At Walter Harvey's mansion, Harvey (Garry Marshall), a chocolate bar tycoon, is in discussion with former MLB player Jimmy Dugan . Despite Dugan's past struggles with alcohol, which ended his playing career, Harvey offers him a managerial role in the new girls’ baseball league to lend it some star power.
This scene was filmed at the grand Cantigny Mansion, now known as the McCormick Museum, located at One South 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, just west of Chicago. The mansion was once home to Robert R McCormick, the publisher of the Chicago Tribune.
Visiting this location provides much more than just a glimpse into film history. The McCormick Museum is nestled within a spectacular park that features seasonal gardens, a military museum, dining options, picnic areas, hiking trails, and educational opportunities. Special events also take place throughout the year.
To reach the McCormick Museum, if you're coming from Chicago, take I-88 W to Winfield Rd in Warrenville. Take exit 123 from I-88 W, then continue on Winfield Rd until you arrive. As per McCormick's will, Cantigny is open to the public for the "recreation, instruction, and welfare of the people of the State of Illinois."
Browse Video Shoot Locations
Charm school scene in A League of Their Own
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S South Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60649, USA
The Peaches, including Marla, are sent to beauty school—a fact rooted in real history. The girls' styles are critiqued and "improved," with Marla receiving the suggestion of "a lot of night games," implying she looks better in dim light. However, Dottie and Kit need no such advice.
This scene was shot in Chicago at the South Shore Cultural Center, located at 7059 South Shore Drive alongside South Shore Station. This location was also used in The Blues Brothers, where it served as the exterior of the Palace Hotel Ballroom, the site of the Brothers' first major gig.
The South Shore Center is a cultural haven founded in 1905 and rebuilt in 1916. Its country club-like interior houses a formal dining hall, a solarium, and the Paul Robeson Theater. Its green features include a nature sanctuary and butterfly garden. The park surrounding the center offers a beach, a golf course, and open spaces for picnics and walks.
To get to the South Shore Cultural Center from downtown Chicago, take Lake Shore Drive south to South Shore Drive. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and stunning beauty of this location, just as the Peaches did in the film.
Dancing at The Suds Bucket scene in A League of Their Own
Fitzgerald’s, 6615 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn, IL 60402, USA
The iconic dancing scene unfolds one night at The Suds Bucket, a roadhouse where the girls from the team let loose. This happens when Miss Cuthbert (Pauline Brailsford) falls ill, and the team sees an opportunity to sneak out for some fun. The girls dance the night away in a lively atmosphere filled with booze, men, and big-band music. Mae particularly stands out as she charms the off-duty servicemen and impresses the crowd with her swing-dancing talents.
This lively scene was filmed at Fitzgerald’s, located at 6615 West Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, a western suburb of Chicago. The interior of this bar was used to portray The Suds Bucket. Interestingly, Fitzgerald’s has also been featured in other films such as Martin Scorsese’s The Color of Money and Adventures in Babysitting.
The bar is still open, and while the decorations have changed, it continues to provide the same vibrant atmosphere. The backdrop painted for the film can still be seen on its stage. Since the early 1900s, when it was built, Fitzgerald’s has been a popular gathering spot. The Fitzgerald family bought the building in 1980 and has since cultivated a national reputation for excellent live music in a casual, comfortable setting.
To get to Fitzgerald's from downtown Chicago, you’ll need to drive about nine miles west from the city center.
Dottie reunites with Kit scene in A League of Their Own
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, 25 Main St, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
The story culminates in a poignant scene at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. An exhibition is being unveiled, and Dottie wanders through the exhibit, eventually coming across a photograph of herself and her sister, Kit. Here, Kit finds Dottie entering the scene with her husband, children, and grandchildren. The sisters share a joyful reunion, marking a heartfelt conclusion to their shared journey.
This touching scene was filmed at the real-life National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, located at 25 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York. This iconic institution is a baseball lover's paradise, filled with classic radio broadcasts, baseballs from famous games, and a momentous Plaque Gallery housing the names of legendary baseball heroes. Visitors can also explore interactive exhibits on Babe Ruth, the Yankees, and African-American baseball players.
Embark on a picturesque journey through upstate New York to reach the esteemed National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum from New York City. Begin by taking I-87 N from Manhattan, with the total journey of approximately 200 miles taking around three-and-a-half hours.
Syracuse Video Shoot Locations Directory
Conclusion
A League of Their Own is a delightful blend of comedy, drama, and sports that sheds light on an often-overlooked chapter of American sports history. It offers a vibrant portrait of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, a wartime initiative that allowed women to step into the national pastime while many men were overseas.
The movie is brimming with compelling performances. Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Lori Petty, and Madonna, among others, shine on the screen. As the gruff but good-hearted coach Jimmy Dugan, Hanks provides some of the film's most memorable moments. His iconic line, "There's no crying in baseball!" has become ingrained in pop culture.
The script is a well-woven tapestry of humor, drama, and heartfelt emotion. It balances the characters' journeys with the broader narrative of the league and the societal changes it represents. The idea of showcasing a little-known chapter from the annals of sports history is commendable, and the execution is equally impressive.
A League of Their Own undoubtedly is essential in the film industry. Not only does it shed light on a forgotten chapter of sports history, but it also celebrates female empowerment and resilience during societal upheaval. Its contribution to the genre of sports movies is significant, adding a unique perspective and a fresh narrative to the mix.
The movie has a bittersweet charm that is hard to resist. While the baseball sequences may seem familiar, the players' distinctive personalities and dynamics with their coach make the movie stand out. The film's final scenes, where the women reunite and acknowledge their pioneering role, are particularly moving. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a fan of character-driven narratives, or someone who appreciates historical dramas, this film will captivate you!