Original 'Sandlot' Cast Returns for 'Dugout Dads' Comedy Series, Executive Produced by Chris Paul
The original stars of the classic 1993 film "The Sandlot" have come together once again for a heartwarming and humorous new venture. Their latest project, "Dugout Dads," is a nine-episode short-form comedy series now streaming on YouTube. This nostalgic reunion, backed by NBA star Chris Paul as executive producer, brings a fresh perspective to the challenges of parenthood within the context of youth sports. The cast, including Patrick Renna, Tom Guiry, and others, revisits themes of camaraderie and growth, reminding audiences why their original film remains a cherished favorite for over three decades.
The "Dugout Dads" Series: A Closer Look at the Comeback
On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the highly anticipated comedy series "Dugout Dads" officially premiered on YouTube. This nine-episode production is the brainchild of Hambino Media, a company co-founded by Patrick Renna, who also stars in the series, and Kyle Howard. The show reunites a significant portion of the iconic cast from the 1993 baseball film, "The Sandlot," including Tom Guiry, Chauncey Leopardi, Marty York, Brandon Quintin Adams, Victor DiMattia, Shane Obedzinski, Grant Gelt, Will Horneff, and Michael Pena. Danielle Fishel joins the ensemble as Renna's character's wife, adding another familiar face to the cast.
The narrative centers around Renna's character, an enthusiastic yet perhaps overly idealistic father who steps up to coach his children's Little League team. He quickly discovers that the adults involved—be it the coaches, the parents, or even himself—often present more challenges and unruly behavior than the young players. Renna drew inspiration for the storyline from his personal experiences interacting with other fathers at his own children's sporting events, lending an authentic touch to the show's comedic situations.
A significant development for the series occurred when Oh Dip!!! Entertainment, led by NBA All-Star Chris Paul and his brother, CJ Paul, announced their involvement as executive producers. This partnership, forged with the esteemed documentary studio Words + Pictures last year, aims to elevate "Dugout Dads" to a broader audience. Chris Paul expressed his enthusiasm in an Instagram video call with Renna, playfully suggesting, "It looks like you guys need a ninth," a nod to baseball terminology. He added that his production company was keen to help the series reach "the next level."
Patrick Renna shared his heartfelt sentiments on Instagram following the series' release, reflecting on the unique experience: "This experience has been one I will never forget. Being back on a field filming a show with my brothers was something I wasn’t sure would happen again. We so appreciate each and every one of you that’s been with us for the last 30+ years! This is a passion project we’ve wanted to do for years and it wouldn’t have been possible without you! Hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it."
The creative team behind "Dugout Dads" envisions this initial short-form season as a "pre-season," with high hopes for its success to pave the way for a full-length season. Sebastian Jones and Dan Kopelman are credited with writing the series, which was directed by Victor Nelli Jr., with Victoria Fradkin serving as producer. All episodes are now available for viewing on YouTube.
The reunion of the "Sandlot" cast for "Dugout Dads" highlights the enduring appeal of nostalgic content and the power of beloved characters to resonate across generations. It also showcases a growing trend of established talents leveraging new platforms like YouTube to create and distribute content. Chris Paul's involvement adds a significant layer of mainstream appeal, demonstrating the crossover potential between sports and entertainment. This project serves as a wonderful reminder that the bonds formed in youth, especially through shared experiences like those on a baseball field, can truly last a lifetime and inspire new creative endeavors.
