This is the first ever "Disney Channel Original Movie," they were originally called "Disney Channel Premiere Films," or just "Premiere."
Though made for Disney Channel, some Detroit theaters ran the film.
Given that this is 1983, The Baltimore Orioles who the Tigers beat in the climax to win the AL East, won the division in real life by 6 games over Detroit. They also went on to win the World Series over the Philadelphia Phillies 4-1. In the following year however, the Tigers won the AL East in dominating fashion, and won the World Series over the San Diego Padres 4-1.
It's likely that Billy Young was based on Al Kaline, as both of them spent their long careers with the Tigers, were really good, and share the same number 6.