The film is based on a play by the same name that debuted at the Organic Theater, which starred Joe Mantegna and Dennis Franz. The play and the Bleacher Bums are based on the Chicago Cubs, their fans, and Wrigley Field. Although many references to the Cubs remain in this version (names of players, years since a World Series, the design of the park), MLB would not give permission to use the Cubs or Cardinals names or logos, so the film is a game between the Chicago Bruins and the St. Louis Eagles.