'The Sandlot' Star Charged with Assault

The guy who played Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez in "The Sandlot" is now facing serious prison time ... after getting charged in a Halloween night beatdown.

According to docs, Michael Vitar and 2 friends got into a fight with a 22-year-old man who was walking abound their neighborhood and handing out candy to children. The L.A. County D.A.'s Office says the men chased the victim, jumped him and threw him to the ground.

All 3 men were charged with felony assault. LAPD arrested Vitar last week and he was released on $30,000 bail.

After his acting career, Vitar went on to become an L.A. firefighter. The LAFD says Vitar and one of his friends, also a firefighter, have been placed on administrative leave with pay while the case proceeds.

Vitar faces up to 4 years in prison if convicted.