Home Run Derby TV Show
 

Wow, I just discovered that YouTube has a ton of old episodes of the Home Run Derby...really cool seeing great footage of some of our cardboard heroes come to life. I think I know what I will be spending hours watching this weekend...here's a link to Harmon Killebrew vs (Golden Era Ballot nominee) Ken Boyer...this is awesome!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaC07yOxxVI

That is awesome! I loved watching this show on espn classic as a kid. Thanks for posting!

Ditto. It was really neat to see the players I had heard so much about.

Always fun to watch. I believe it was filmed at old Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, the former home of the PCL Angels.

I enjoyed watching these as a kid in the early 60's. The problem was that we never knew when they would be televised. Now we can view them on YouTube. The same goes for The Little Rascals, Three Stooges and Amos and Andy!

YouTube also has the "What's my Line" shows featuring Satchel Paige and other sports greats.

I've seen these on ESPN Classic a few times too. My how the game has changed:

1) Players were willing to do this IN SEASON.
2) They were playing for cash prizes of what, $1000?

That's great stuff. Thanks for posting!!

$$$$
 

A player would have to hit a ton of homers to reach a $1000. Times were sure different. Anyone out there collect the HR Derby cards? I have a PSA 6 Colavito that's the pride of my collection.

It's a shame the show only lasted for one season. I am fortunate enough to own one of the shows on DVD. If anyone would like it, please PM your mailing address to me and I will mail it to you. When you're done watching it, please pass it forward.

Best,

Eric

I read an article in Memories & Dreams (the HOF's magazine) that the show aired only in 1960. Does this suggest that the cards should be reclassified as 1960 cards instead of 1959? Or were the cards released before the show aired in order to promote the show?

These are awesome! Thanks for pointing them out. Just watched Mantle vs. Killebrew... Interesting that Mantle is batting from the right side against the right handed BP pitcher! Was this his more naturally powerful side?


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I loved watching this show on ESPN classic. Thanks for the link. YouTube loop here I come.

I purchased the DVDs a few years ago...great stuff.

Most of the interviews, if you want to call them that, are very stale, but I enjoyed hearing Dick Stuart get a little chatty.

Beat Harmon Killebrew 3-2, Lost to Hank Aaron 9-6. :D:D:D
Ken Boyer for Hall of Fame!!!

http://photos.imageevent.com/rgold/f.../boyerhome.jpg

Seen these episodes as a kid and several times since then. Always enjoy watching them again. Would love to watch the players from that time period blow away the players of today.

Thanks for posting.

Mantle hurt his shoulder in the 1957 World Series and wasn't able to hit as well left handed after that.

I am going to have to go watch the show. I love the card collection. Below is a near set I once owned--bought it for the Mantle and pieced out/am piecing out the remaining cards. I could only imagine being a kid back then and the excitement of watching these guys play.

http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/...ps93e50801.jpg

Great stuff
 

I am happy to see that everyone enjoyed discovering or re-discovering the show. My wife has put up with me all weekend watching episodes on the computer...with a break to watch my newly-arrived Blu-Ray of the forgotten William Friedkin masterpiece 'Sorcerer'....she may reach the end of her rope with 9 hours of football tomorrow...