The Parkinson’s Pickle

By Robert Cochrane, PhD

If you’ve ever seen The Sandlot, you know what it means to be in a pickle. It’s that heart-pounding moment when the Scottie Smalls finds himself trapped between needing his step-father's Babe Ruth-signed baseball back and facing The Beast that guards it. It’s funny, dramatic, and delicious. But for people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), being caught in a pickle can be isolating and dangerous.

Robert Cochrane, PhD, interviews David Mickey Evans, Director of The Sandlot.

That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce The Parkinson’s Pickle—a new Cinema Therapy program inspired by The Sandlot and designed to help people navigate the emotional, mental, and social challenges that Parkinson’s can throw their way. It’s playful, it’s powerful, and yes, it’s for everyone.

Much like Smalls, many of us facing Parkinson’s feel stuck—caught between who we once were and who we’re becoming. In my dissertation, I described this feeling as The Parkinson’s Prison: an emotional and psychological trap where anxiety, isolation, and self-doubt can take over. It’s not just about motor symptoms—it’s about the loss of confidence, voice, and identity. And like a pickle between bases, it can feel like you’re frozen while the world plays on.

That’s where The Sandlot comes in.

Our new program brings together people with Parkinson’s, care partners, wellness providers, and anyone impacted by PD for a 16-week, online storytelling journey. Using the timeless charm of The Sandlot, we’ll explore the Hero’s Journey, celebrate community, and tell the stories that often go unheard. Whether you're a Smalls, Jet, Wendy Peffercorn, or even a Ham, you belong here.

We use laughter and nostalgia as tools to unlock creativity, courage, and connection. Each week, we’ll reflect on scenes from the film and relate them to our own experiences. We’ll write, we’ll share, and most importantly—we’ll play. This isn’t a class about Parkinson’s. It’s a class about people. People who want to grow, connect, and move forward, no matter what life throws their way.

You don’t need to be a writer. You certainly don’t need to be an actor. You just need to show up. We’ll take it from there.

So if you’re feeling like you’re in a pickle—unsure, overwhelmed, or just needing a win—come join us. Let’s chase down the ball, jump the fence, and tell the story only you can tell. Together, we’ll rewrite what Parkinson’s looks like through a collective hero's journey. We’ll build a team. We’ll find our voice. And we’ll have the time of our lives doing it.

Class starts soon, and spots are limited.Visit www.yesandexercise.org/sandlot to learn more and sign up.

You’re not alone in this pickle. We’ve got your back.