Aired as a mid-season replacement early in 1979, with a brief 13-episode run. Was picked up for the new fall season, but cancelled after another thirteen episodes were produced. These re-aired the following summer (1980).
The ball cap and jacket worn by Buttermaker appear to be those of the Newark (NJ) Bears, a longtime Minor League Baseball team. Jack Warden was born in Newark.
Some changes were made in adapting the premise for television. The ages of the kids were moved back slightly, the language was cleaned up (though Tanner continued to call the coach "Buttercrud"), and alcoholic beverages all but disappeared. The essence of each character remained the same.
Featured a number of "Before They Were Stars" casting. Corey Feldman starred in films throughout the eighties; Meeno Peluce made several noted TV appearances during the early to mid eighties; Christoff St John continued as a successful child star, and subsequently went on to have a popular and pioneering career acting in daytime dramas. In addition, this was one of the earliest roles for Catherine Hicks, who would become best known for her role on the TV series 7th Heaven.
Kristoff St John and Tricia Cast would later work together each playing long running roles on The Young And The Restless.
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