Hollywood films and friendships aside, actor Chelcie Ross’ legacy is that of a washed-up, “junk ball” pitcher—and he’s just fine with that.
Ross, 82, has earned a lengthy list of “done that” in the film industry. Performing since 1977, when landing a part in the horror flick “Keep My Grave Open,” there isn’t much that the Oklahoma native hasn’t experienced in front of the camera. He continues to work.
Having an actor’s phone ring is at the top of his or her priority. Steady pay isn’t the norm for most working in the pretend world. The insecurity of steady work is part of the evolution to being recognized and in demand by the studios.
Fortunately for Ross, the Chicago-area resident can look back on being part of several memorable and financially successful films while working alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest box-office draws.
Ross’s role as Captain Talcott in the thriller “Basic Instinct,” starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone, was a commercial success, grossing $352.9 million. As George Walker in the 1986 release “Hoosiers,” starring Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper, the $6 million budgeted project pulled in $28.6 million for distributor Orion Pictures.
But it was an April 1989 release by Morgan Creek Productions and Mirage Productions that has since defined Ross’ professional identity. Taking a flyer on a project written and directed by a then-unknown Rhode Islander, David S. Ward, the magic created with “Major League” continues to keep Ross associated with his character, pitcher Eddie Harris.
“I had no idea that it [Major League] would have this kind of legs,” Ross told The Epoch Times. “I get autograph requests in the mail nearly every day of the week. At least 85 percent of them are from ‘Major League.’ There’s the ‘Hoosier’ fans and ‘Rudy’ fans, but it’s the ‘Major League’ trading cards and pictures that come continuously.”
In explaining his role as part of the then underdog Cleveland Indians battling the perennial, powerhouse New York Yankees, Ross believes the legend of Eddie Harris lives on because of his comic habits. Portrayed as an aging hurler who has lost speed on his fastball and resorts to or hides multiple forms of greasy (all illegal) ointments, including Crisco, Bardol, and, if need be, nose drainage, to hopefully give him an edge over hitters.
The line that Ross delivers in the Indians’ clubhouse when questioning his voodo0-worshipping teammate Pedro Cerrano, played by Dennis Haysbert, is his character’s signature line that has made its way to t-shirts and posters—“Are you trying to say Jesus Christ can’t hit a curveball.”
Goofy and desperate, Harris is willing to do anything and usually puts his proverbial foot in his mouth by saying anything that will help the Indians keep winning.
It’s that desperation that most fans of the film have put on a pair of spikes and thrown from a mound that resonates between them and Eddie Harris. This is why fans of “Major League” continue to make pilgrimages near and far, some 35 years after its release, to meet the hero they easily identify with.
“I just appeared at an autograph show in Buffalo. The people came from Canada and all around that area,” Ross explained of his visit to Western New York. They came with Harris jerseys and ‘Major League’ posters, pictures, and baseballs to be signed. This is amazing.”
Ross, who has also kept his acting career busy with TV appearances and was a company member at the Dallas Theater Center for four seasons, said there have not been any official reunions or conventions of the “Major League” cast. With the shooting of “Major League” in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, being passed off for Cleveland so long ago, Ross has such high regard for his fellow Indians. When he crosses paths with some cast members, Ross is excited to talk of old times.
Several years back, just before the COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed the globe, Ross recalls catching up with fellow “Major League” alumni Charlie Sheen at an autograph show. Sheen’s character Rick ‘Wild Thing’ Vaughn, a rebellious, hard-throwing (and wild) pitcher, is the lead character who marches the Indians to victory at the film’s end. There have been get-togethers at shows with other cast members. Actors Corbin Bersen and Tom Berenger, aka third baseman Roger Dorn and catcher Jake Taylor, were pleasant mini-reunions for Ross.
Perhaps the one take on “Major League’s” lasting popularity with a second generation of fans is, according to Ross, how the film resonates with Major League Baseball players.
“Baseball players tell me that they like the film. They seem to be able to identify with the characters. When I’m at shows, and I talk with professional basketball players, they have no use for ‘Hoosiers.’ Baseball players, they see a little bit of truth in ‘Major League.’ Maybe it’s the silliness factor.”
Another reminder of how fond big-leaguers are of Harris and his fellow Indians came when Ross was invited to throw out a first pitch, at the Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field. Members of the Cubs and visiting San Diego Padres let Ross know of their appreciation of his portrayal of Harris by repeating lines he spoke in the movie.
A die-hard baseball fan since his youth, Ross tells of rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals. and faithfully listening to their games on the radio. Hall of Famer Stan Musial was his first favorite, followed by third baseman Kenny Boyer. Then there was the home run hitter Rocky Colavito of the real Cleveland Indians, who Ross is eager to talk much about. A Cubs victory over the Cardinals recently was, as Ross reveals, the highlight of his week.
As a lifelong baseball fan, Ross says he’s still shaking his head about playing a pitcher.
“You never know what’s going to stick. With the career I’ve had, how in the heck does Eddie Harris become my legacy? That’s better than not being recognized at all.”
