The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training is a 1977 sports comedy film directed by Michael Pressman and written by Paul Brickman. It is a sequel to the 1976 film The Bad News Bears. The film stars William Devane, Clifton James, Jackie Earle Haley, and Chris Barnes.
The story revolves around a troubled and rebellious teenager named Kelly Leak (Jackie Earle Haley), who plays for the Little League baseball team called the Bears. The team discovers that they have been invited to play an exhibition game in Houston, Texas. The team is excited about the opportunity, but the coach, Morris Buttermaker (Walter Matthau), cannot accompany them as he has to attend a pitching conference.
Kelly takes it upon himself to lead the team to Houston and hires his estranged father, Mike Leak (William Devane), as their coach. The team's journey is fraught with mishaps and adventures, including running out of gas in the middle of nowhere, getting arrested for shoplifting, and participating in a rodeo. However, they eventually reach Houston ready to play the game.
As they prepare for the game, Mike and Kelly must work through their issues and confront their past. The father-son dynamic becomes a significant theme of the film, and their reconciliation is at the heart of the story. In addition, the film explores themes of teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of family.
The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training is a classic sports movie that captures the spirit of Little League baseball. It is a timeless underdog story that has resonated with audiences for decades.