You probably remember him as the kid who outran a giant dog and wore those iconic P.F. Flyers. Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez was the hero of every 90s kid’s summer. But while his character ended up playing for the Dodgers in the big leagues, Mike Vitar’s real life took a much different turn. He didn't stay in Hollywood. He didn't even stay in the public eye for very long.
Naturally, fans who grew up with The Sandlot and The Mighty Ducks sequels are curious. People want to know: Does Mike Vitar have a wife? Is he still a hero in real life, or has he moved on from the spotlight entirely?
The short answer is yes. He’s married. But the details of his personal life are kept tucked away, far from the red carpets he walked as a teenager.
Who is Mike Vitar’s Wife?
Mike Vitar is married to Kym Vitar (formerly Kym Allen).
They tied the knot back in 2006. Think about that for a second. In an industry where marriages often last as long as a movie trailer, they’ve been together for nearly two decades. Kym isn't an actress. She's a professional photographer based in Los Angeles, which probably helps keep their home life grounded. While Mike spent his youth in front of the lens, his wife spends her career behind it.
The couple has three children: two sons and a daughter.
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It’s actually kinda refreshing. You don't see them on reality shows. They aren't posting "get ready with me" videos on TikTok. Honestly, if you ran into Mike at a grocery store in L.A. today, you might not even recognize him. He’s traded the baseball cap for a firefighter’s uniform.
Life After the Sandlot
Mike stopped acting in 1997. His last credit was a guest spot on Chicago Hope. Most child stars struggle when the phone stops ringing, but Vitar seemed to walk away on his own terms.
By 2002, he joined the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
He didn't just play a hero on screen; he became one in his community. Being a firefighter is a grueling, high-stakes job. It requires a level of discipline that’s a world away from a film set. For over twenty years, he has been serving the city of Los Angeles.
The Incident That Shook the Image
You can't talk about Mike Vitar today without acknowledging the 2015 incident. It’s the part of his story that doesn't fit the "Benny the Jet" narrative we all love.
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On Halloween night in 2015, Vitar and a few other off-duty firefighters were involved in an altercation with a young man named Samuel Chang. They accused Chang of trespassing and acting suspiciously while handing out candy. The situation escalated—badly. Chang was choked and suffered significant injuries.
Vitar eventually pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge. He was suspended from the LAFD for six months without pay but eventually returned to duty. It was a messy, dark chapter that complicated how fans viewed him. It serves as a reminder that the people we idolize as kids are, well, just people.
What Most People Get Wrong About Him
A lot of people think Mike is still acting or that he’s "hidden" because he’s ashamed of his past. That’s not really it.
He’s just private.
He rarely gives interviews. He doesn't have a public Instagram filled with throwback photos of the 90s. Even his appearance at the 25th-anniversary reunion of The Sandlot was a rare treat for fans. He seems content with the life he’s built with Kym and their kids.
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Interestingly, his older brother, Pablo Vitar, was the one who played the "older" version of Benny in the final scene of The Sandlot. Sadly, Pablo passed away in 2008 after a battle with colon cancer. Losing a brother who shared that iconic movie legacy likely had a profound impact on Mike’s perspective on fame and family.
Where is Mike Vitar Now in 2026?
As of 2026, Mike Vitar is still living in the Los Angeles area. He continues his career with the LAFD.
He and Kym have managed to keep their kids out of the Hollywood meat grinder. If you’re looking for him, you won't find him on a movie poster. You’ll find him at a fire station or at a local baseball field watching his own kids play.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Respect the Privacy: If you happen to see him in public, remember he’s a first responder and a father first, not a movie star.
- Check Out Kym’s Work: If you’re interested in the family’s creative side, looking up Kym Vitar’s photography gives you a glimpse into their aesthetic world without being intrusive.
- Support Firefighter Charities: Since Mike has dedicated his life to the LAFD, supporting organizations like the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter's Fund is a great way to honor that path.
- Revisit the Classics: If you're feeling nostalgic, The Sandlot and D2: The Mighty Ducks are still the best ways to connect with his legacy.
Mike Vitar’s life didn't follow the typical Hollywood script. He found a wife, started a family, and chose a career that saves lives. It’s been a road with some serious bumps, but at the end of the day, he’s still the guy who stepped up when the neighborhood needed him.