Jon Lovitz Recounts Filming “A League of Their Own ”Scene with Grapes in His Pants So Chickens Would Swarm Him

**Jon Lovitz Reflects on Humorous ‘A League of Their Own’ Scene Involving Chickens and Grapes**

Jon Lovitz, the comedic actor renowned for his role as the fast-talking baseball scout Ernie Capadino, has provided a glimpse into the lighter side of filming the 1992 sports film *A League of Their Own*. Appearing on Michael Rosenbaum’s podcast, *Inside of You*, Lovitz recounted the memorable moment when he found himself surrounded by chickens while attempting to recruit two sisters for a women’s professional baseball league.

In the film, Lovitz’s character travels to an Oregon dairy farm where Dottie Hinson, portrayed by Geena Davis, and her sister Kit Keller, played by Lori Petty, are engaged in a game of baseball. The essence of the scene is captured in Lovitz’s hilarious exchanges as he attempts to manage the chaos of chickens swarming around him. Famously, he is heard exclaiming, “Get these wild animals off of me. Haven’t you people heard of a leash?”

While sharing insights with Rosenbaum, Lovitz explained the antics involved in attracting the chickens to his character. To ensure that the birds could be lured into the scene, the crew devised a clever plan. Lovitz humorously shared that grapes were placed in the cuffs of his trousers, while eggshells were scattered on the ground to pique the chickens’ interest. “They like to peck eggshells,” he explained.

Lovitz vividly recalled that day’s experience, which took place in the late afternoon when the weather was particularly pleasant. He shared a moment of reflection with co-star Petty, saying, “Lori, look at these grapes and eggshells. Look what we do for a living. This is crazy.” He went on to describe the oddly surreal nature of the work, filled with both turmoil and delight: “It was beautiful, but it was so, like, this is work. I mean, it was insane, you know?”

The actor’s recollections underscore the unconventional demands of acting, where moments of true absurdity often become treasured memories. Lovitz went on to express how the experience left a lasting impression, stating, “Some jobs have you standing in the middle of a field with grapes and chickens all around you,” encapsulating the unique challenges that come with a career in entertainment.

*A League of Their Own* was not merely a comedic take on baseball; it also offered a fictionalised account of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which was formed during World War II. The film garnered critical acclaim and featured a stellar cast, including Hollywood icons such as Madonna, Tom Hanks, Rosie O’Donnell, and Megan Cavanagh.

The film’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its humorous yet heartwarming portrayal of women in a historically male-dominated sport. Lovitz’s role added a comedic flair that contributed significantly to the film’s charm and appeal.

As Lovitz continues to reflect on his lengthy career, this incident on the set of *A League of Their Own* serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and amusing nature of film-making, where the unexpected moments often make for the best stories.

Fans of the film and newcomers alike can take solace in the fact that behind the iconic lines and memorable scenes, there were moments of levity that made the filming process as enjoyable as the final product. Lovitz’s recounting not only highlights the fun involved in the production but also sheds light on the enduring legacy of a film that broke new ground for women in sports.