Tops-in-Sports interview with Ralph Kiner
May 14, 1962
5 minutes
Hosted by retired NFL star Kyle Rote, these 5-minute programs feature interviews with some of the top figures in sports during 1962
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Game 4 of the 1977 National League Championship Series saw the Los Angeles Dodgers face...
1977 NLCS G4 - Los Angeles Dodgers vs Philadelphia Phillies - Radio Broadcast / Game 4 of the 1977 National League Championship Series saw the Los Angeles Dodgers face the Philadelphia Phillies at Veterans Stadium. The Phillies were trailing in the series, making this a crucial game to stay alive. Los Angeles sent veteran left-hander Tommy John to the mound, while Philadelphia countered with their ace, Steve Carlton. The Dodgers were in fine form, led by players like Ron Cey and Steve Garvey, and were coming off a strong regular season in which they finished atop the NL West. The Phillies, anchored by Mike Schmidt and Greg Luzinski, had won the NL East, but were under pressure after falling behind in the series. Both teams were loaded with talent, but the Dodgers had momentum on their side.
The game began with a two-run homer from Dusty Baker in the second inning, which gave the Dodgers an early lead. Philadelphia responded in the fourth when Garry Maddox drove in Greg Luzinski to cut the deficit to one. However, Los Angeles extended their lead in the fifth inning, thanks to a combination of a wild pitch and a single by Bill Russell that brought in two more runs. Tommy John kept the Phillies in check throughout the game, scattering seven hits and allowing only one run, while Steve Carlton struggled and was pulled after the fifth inning. The Dodgers' bullpen, featuring Mike Garman and others, helped close out the game as the Phillies failed to mount a comeback.
#LosAngelesDodgers #PhiladelphiaPhillies #TommyJohn #SteveCarlton #DustyBaker #RonCey #GarryMaddox #SteveGarvey #NLCS1977 #VeteransStadium
3 hours
Oct 7, 1977Oct 7, 1977
On October 7, 1977, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3...
1977 NLCS G3 - Los Angeles Dodgers vs Philadelphia Phillies - Radio / On October 7, 1977, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Veterans Stadium. The Dodgers, managed by Tommy Lasorda, were fighting for a return to the World Series after a strong regular season where players like Steve Garvey and Ron Cey made significant contributions. Starting pitcher Burt Hooton took the mound for Los Angeles, looking to rebound after a rough Game 1 outing. The Phillies, led by manager Danny Ozark, had a strong year of their own, winning the NL East behind stars such as Mike Schmidt and Greg Luzinski. Pitcher Larry Christenson got the start for Philadelphia as they aimed to take a series lead.
The game saw early scoring from both teams, with the Dodgers jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning, aided by a double from Dusty Baker and a single by Steve Yeager. The Phillies quickly responded in their half of the inning, putting up three runs on a combination of walks and key hits, including a sacrifice fly by Larry Christenson. As the game progressed, both teams were kept in check by strong middle relief pitching, with the Dodgers managing to tie the game at 3-3 in the fourth inning. In the bottom of the eighth, the Phillies appeared to take control, scoring two runs, including an RBI single from Garry Maddox, but the Dodgers weren’t done yet.
In the top of the ninth, Los Angeles rallied with three runs, capitalizing on errors and timely hitting, including a critical double from Manny Mota that tied the game. Davey Lopes then drove in the go-ahead run with a single, and the Dodgers bullpen held off the Phillies in the bottom of the inning to secure a 6-5 victory.
#Dodgers #Phillies #BurtHooton #DustyBaker #MannyMota #LarryChristenson #SteveGarvey #RonCey #MikeSchmidt #GarryMaddox
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies met for Game 2 of the 1977 National...
1977 NLCS G2 - Philadelphia Phillies vs Los Angeles Dodgers - Radio Broadcast / The Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies met for Game 2 of the 1977 National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 5. The Dodgers, led by manager Tommy Lasorda in his first season at the helm, had won 98 games to capture the NL West title. The Phillies, under Danny Ozark, claimed their second straight NL East crown with 101 victories. Don Sutton took the mound for Los Angeles, while Jim Lonborg started for Philadelphia. Both teams boasted potent lineups, with the Dodgers featuring Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, and Reggie Smith, while the Phillies countered with Mike Schmidt, Greg Luzinski, and Garry Maddox.
The game remained tight early on, with Bake McBride's solo home run in the third inning giving Philadelphia a brief 1-0 lead. Los Angeles quickly responded, tying the score in the bottom of the third. The pivotal moment came in the fourth inning when Dusty Baker launched a grand slam off Lonborg, breaking the game open and putting the Dodgers ahead 5-1. Los Angeles added single runs in the sixth and seventh innings to extend their lead. Sutton pitched a complete game, scattering nine hits and allowing just one run while striking out four.
The Dodgers' victory gave them a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five NLCS. They would go on to win the series in four games, advancing to face the New York Yankees in the World Series. Though Los Angeles fell short in the Fall Classic, losing in six games, the 1977 season marked the beginning of a successful run for the Dodgers. They would return to the World Series in both 1978 and 1981, with the latter resulting in a championship.
#DustyBaker #DonSutton #SteveGarvey #MikeSchmidt #BakeMcBride #RonCey #JimLonborg #ReggieSmiith #GregLuzinski #1977NLCS
The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers met for Game 1 of the 1977 National...
1977 NLCS G1 Philadelphia Phillies vs Los Angeles Dodgers - Radio Broadcast / The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers met for Game 1 of the 1977 National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium. Philadelphia, led by ace Steve Carlton, came into the game looking to build on a strong season that saw them win 101 games. Carlton, who was a key figure in the Phillies’ rotation, was tasked with facing veteran left-hander Tommy John of the Dodgers. Los Angeles, fresh off a 98-win season, boasted a powerful lineup, including Ron Cey, Steve Garvey, and Reggie Smith, who had played crucial roles in their success that year. Both teams were aiming to take an early lead in the best-of-five series with a trip to the World Series at stake.
The Phillies struck early in the first inning when Greg Luzinski launched a two-run homer off John, giving them a quick 2-0 lead. Philadelphia added to their advantage in the fifth with a pair of unearned runs, thanks to a couple of errors by Bill Russell. Carlton was effective through six innings, but the Dodgers rallied in the seventh. Ron Cey delivered the biggest blow of the inning with a grand slam, tying the game at 5-5. Despite the momentum shift, the Phillies regained control in the ninth, scoring two runs on singles by McBride and Schmidt, helped by a balk from Elias Sosa.
The Phillies closed out the game with a 7-5 victory, handing Tug McGraw a save. Carlton earned a win, despite the rough seventh inning, and Gene Garber held the Dodgers at bay. The Phillies took a crucial 1-0 lead in the series as they pushed closer to their first World Series appearance since 1950, while the Dodgers, who were favorites to win the NL pennant, found themselves with an uphill battle to reclaim control.
#GregLuzinski #SteveCarlton #PhiladelphiaPhillies #RonCey #LosAngelesDodgers #NLCS #TugMcGraw #TommyJohn #GeneGarber #MLB1977
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2½ hours
Aug 26, 1975Aug 26, 1975
On August 26, 1975, the New York Mets took on the San Diego Padres at...
1975 New York Mets vs San Diego Padres - Radio Broadcast / On August 26, 1975, the New York Mets took on the San Diego Padres at San Diego Stadium. The Mets, managed by Yogi Berra, were looking to stay competitive in the National League East while the Padres, under John McNamara, were trying to close the gap in the standings. The starting pitchers were rookie Craig Tate for the Mets and Bill Freisleben for the Padres. Tate, who had struggled during the season, was aiming to rebound and secure a much-needed victory for New York. The Padres were hoping to see offensive contributions from players like Dave Winfield and veteran slugger Willie McCovey to back up Freisleben.
The game opened with the Padres scoring an unearned run in the first inning, but the Mets quickly responded in the fourth inning, tying the game at 1-1 and then taking the lead with a key hit from Rusty Staub. New York built on their lead in the fifth inning, highlighted by clutch hitting from Dave Kingman and Wayne Garrett. Tate settled into a groove after the early run, scattering hits while limiting San Diego’s offense. The Mets added two more insurance runs in the seventh inning with a triple by Jerry Grote, effectively putting the game out of reach. The Padres threatened early but were held to just two runs, unable to break through against Tate, who pitched a complete game.
The Mets' 7-2 victory over the Padres kept them in the race in the National League East. Craig Tate secured his fifth win of the season, while Freisleben's struggles on the mound continued as he took his 14th loss. The Padres, despite some solid performances from their lineup, could not keep pace with the Mets’ consistent offense.
3 hours
Sep 23, 1970Sep 23, 1970
The New York Mets faced off against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, September 23, 1970,...
New York Mets vs Philadelphia Phillies - Radio Broadcast / The New York Mets faced off against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, September 23, 1970, at Connie Mack Stadium. The Mets, who had won the World Series in the previous season, were looking to regain their championship form, while the Phillies were in the midst of a rebuilding phase. On the mound for the Mets was Ray Sadecki, a seasoned left-hander who had been acquired from the San Francisco Giants in 1969. For the Phillies, Chris Short, a reliable veteran and two-time All-Star, took the start. This was a time when the league was witnessing a surge in offensive power, marked by an increase in home runs and batting averages.
The game kicked off with a back-and-forth between the two teams. The Phillies drew first blood in the first inning, capitalizing on a Mets' error. The Mets responded in the third inning to even the score. However, the Phillies took a 3-1 lead in the fourth inning, thanks to a two-run homer by Larry Hisle. The Mets clawed back in the sixth inning, tying the game at 3-3, only for the Phillies to regain the lead in the bottom half. The Mets' batters, however, were undeterred. In the eighth inning, Donn Clendenon hit a two-run homer, giving the Mets a lead they would not relinquish.
In the end, the Mets emerged victorious with a 5-4 win. The game was notable for its pitching changes, with the Mets using five pitchers and the Phillies three. Tug McGraw, who would later become a Phillies legend, earned the win for the Mets, while Dick Selma took the loss for the Phillies. Clendenon was the offensive star of the game, with his eighth-inning home run proving to be the game-winner.
The 1970 season was a mixed bag for both teams. The Mets, despite their victory in this game, could not replicate their championship run from the previous year, finishing in third place in the National League East. The Phillies, on the other hand, ended up in the cellar of the same division. However, this season marked the beginning of their slow climb to their first World Series title in 1980. As for the league, the season was dominated by the Cincinnati Reds, who won the National League pennant, and the Baltimore Orioles, who won the World Series. The 1970 season also saw Johnny Bench of the Reds and Boog Powell of the Orioles winning the Most Valuable Player awards in their respective leagues.
2½ hours
May 1, 1970May 1, 1970
On May 1, 1970, a tightly contested matchup took place at San Diego Stadium...
1970 New York Mets vs San Diego Padres - Radio Broadcast / On May 1, 1970, a tightly contested matchup took place at San Diego Stadium between the New York Mets and the San Diego Padres. The Mets, led by their ace pitcher Tom Seaver, were looking to build momentum early in the season. San Diego, with Al Santorini on the mound, aimed to fend off the visiting Mets in front of their home crowd. This game came during a period when both teams were establishing their identities in the league, with the Mets still riding high from their miraculous 1969 World Series win and the Padres continuing their struggles as a relatively new franchise established in 1968.
The game's tempo was set by dominant pitching, with Seaver and Santorini both keeping runs off the board through the first two innings. The Mets broke the deadlock in the third inning when Bud Harrelson doubled and later scored along with Tommie Agee, driven in by a clutch single from Donn Clendenon. This burst gave the Mets a lead they managed to maintain throughout most of the game. The Padres responded in the sixth with a solo home run from Chris Huntz, but they struggled to capitalize further despite several opportunities, which included leaving runners in scoring positions in the later innings.
The Mets held on to win the game 2-1, a typical example of their season's reliance on strong pitching performances and timely hitting. Tom Seaver's excellence on the mound was a recurring theme throughout the year as he led the Mets with dominant performances, encapsulating the era's pitching-driven approach to the game. Although the Mets did not repeat their World Series appearance, they remained competitive, while the Padres ended the season at the bottom of their division, reflecting their ongoing growing pains as a franchise.
2½ hours
Jul 31, 1967Jul 31, 1967
The 1967 baseball season witnessed intriguing developments for the New York Mets and the Houston...
New York Mets vs Houston Astros - Radio Broadcast / The 1967 baseball season witnessed intriguing developments for the New York Mets and the Houston Astros, two teams striving to find their footing in the competitive National League. As August rolled around, both teams were seeking to make a push for the playoffs.
For the New York Mets, the season marked a step forward in their relatively young history. In August, they showcased resilience and improvement, with standout performances from key players like Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman, bolstering their pitching rotation. This revitalized pitching staff allowed the Mets to put up a stronger fight against their opponents and compete more convincingly. While their offensive capabilities still needed refinement, the Mets' progress throughout August was a promising sign for their future as a competitive force in the league.
On the other hand, the Houston Astros had a mixed experience in August. The team boasted strong pitching, thanks to the likes of Mike Cuellar and Don Wilson, who demonstrated their skills on the mound. However, the Astros encountered some challenges in their offensive lineup, resulting in a fluctuating performance during the month. Despite the hurdles, their overall performance showcased glimpses of potential, hinting at their ability to contend in the future.
As the season approached its conclusion, the New York Mets and the Houston Astros had both made strides to improve and prove their mettle on the baseball field. While the Mets demonstrated progress in their pitching department and resilience as a young team, the Astros showcased solid pitching talent but needed to address their offensive inconsistencies. The season rivalry between the two teams during August emphasized the competitive spirit and the determination to carve a path toward greater success in the future.
2½ hours
Jul 9, 1967Jul 9, 1967
In the 1967 season, both the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves showcased considerable performance. The...
Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets - Radio Broadcast / In the 1967 season, both the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves showcased considerable performance. The Cubs, though talented, had a challenging season, ending 5th in the NL with a 87-74 record. Their inconsistency hindered a promising start, and they missed the postseason. Players like Ernie Banks and Ron Santo contributed solid performances, but the team's overall lack of depth was apparent.
Contrastingly, the Braves had a more successful year, finishing 7th in the NL with a 77-85 record. Hank Aaron and Phil Niekro were instrumental, with Aaron hitting .307 with 39 home runs and Niekro posting an ERA of 1.87. However, despite these individual achievements, the Braves couldn't secure a postseason berth, as they struggled with inconsistent pitching and defense.
2½ hours
Jun 26, 1967Jun 26, 1967
In a captivating showdown at Shea Stadium on June 26, 1967, the New York Mets...
New York Mets vs Pittsburgh Pirates - Full Game Radio Broadcast / In a captivating showdown at Shea Stadium on June 26, 1967, the New York Mets faced the Pittsburgh Pirates in a night game that promised excitement. The Mets, with Bob Shaw on the mound, were looking to make a mark in their relatively young franchise history. The Pirates, with Steve Blass as their starting pitcher, were also eyeing victory. The game took place amid a season filled with its own narratives, including Roberto Clemente's stellar performance and the Mets' ongoing efforts to climb up from their expansion team struggles.
The game unfolded with a tense pitchers' duel, as both Shaw and Blass held the line through the early innings. The Pirates managed to break through first, with a run in the third inning, followed by a solo home run by Bill Mazeroski in the seventh. The Mets, however, kept the game within reach, showcasing resilience in their batting lineup. The real turning point came in the eighth inning when Ken Boyer hit a crucial two-run homer for the Mets, leveling the score. This set the stage for a dramatic ninth inning, where the Mets seized their opportunity to clinch a narrow victory.
The final score, Mets 3, Pirates 2, was a testament to the competitive nature of the 1967 season. This game, while just a single chapter in the long baseball season, was indicative of the Mets' fighting spirit and the Pirates' formidable play, reflective of Clemente's impressive season performance. As the season progressed, both teams continued to contribute to the rich tapestry of the 1967 baseball season, a year remembered for its close pennant races and memorable individual performances.
2½ hours
Sep 17, 1966Sep 17, 1966
On Saturday, September 17, 1966, the San Francisco Giants faced off against the New York...
New York Mets vs San Francisco Giants - Radio Broadcast / On Saturday, September 17, 1966, the San Francisco Giants faced off against the New York Mets at Candlestick Park. The Giants handed the ball to their ace, Juan Marichal, while the Mets countered with Dennis Ribant. The 1966 season had been a challenging one for the Mets, who were still in the early years of their franchise and struggling to find consistent success. The Giants, on the other hand, were a more established team with a solid roster, including the legendary Willie Mays and the power-hitting first baseman Willie McCovey. As for the broader context of the season, the Baltimore Orioles were the team to beat in the American League, while the National League was being dominated by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The game started off as a pitching duel, with both Marichal and Ribant holding their respective opponents scoreless through the first three innings. The Giants broke the deadlock in the fourth, with McCovey launching a solo home run. He would add another solo shot in the fifth, giving the Giants a 3-0 lead. The Mets, however, would not go quietly. In the sixth inning, Ken Boyer and Al Luplow each hit solo home runs to cut the Giants' lead to one. Luplow would again come through in the clutch in the eighth, hitting a two-run homer to tie the game at 4-4.
The game remained tied until the tenth inning. Jim Hart led off the bottom of the inning with a solo home run to give the Giants a one-run lead. McCovey then solidified the Giants' victory with his third home run of the game, a two-run shot that sealed the 6-4 win for the Giants. The Mets' late-game rally, highlighted by Luplow's two home runs, was an exciting twist, but ultimately fell short.
In the grand scheme of the 1966 season, this game was a microcosm of the experiences of both teams. The Mets showed flashes of potential but struggled to put it all together, finishing the season in ninth place in the National League. The Giants, meanwhile, finished in second place in the National League, just 1.5 games behind the Dodgers. McCovey's three-home run performance was a highlight of his impressive season, in which he hit .295 with 36 home runs and 96 RBIs. Despite their strong season, the Giants fell short of the postseason, with the Dodgers representing the National League in the World Series against the Orioles.
3 hours
Jun 3, 1965Jun 3, 1965
On June 3, 1965, the New York Mets faced the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field....
1965 New York Mets vs Pittsburgh Pirates - Radio Broadcast / On June 3, 1965, the New York Mets faced the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field. The Mets, struggling in the bottom half of the National League standings, were looking to gain some momentum mid-season. Starting for the Mets was Galen Cisco, aiming to improve his record, while Pittsburgh's starting pitcher was Joe Gibbon, who had yet to secure a win this season. The Pirates, featuring star players like Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell, were in contention for a strong finish and were looking to close the gap with the league leaders.
The game began slowly, with both teams held scoreless through the first two innings. The Mets broke through in the third inning, with Galen Cisco contributing both on the mound and at the plate. The fourth inning proved pivotal for New York, as they exploded for six runs, capitalizing on pitching struggles by Pittsburgh. Ed Kranepool and Joe Christopher led the charge with timely hits. The Pirates remained scoreless until a dramatic eighth inning, when Willie Stargell and Jerry Lynch each hit home runs to fuel a six-run rally, narrowing the gap significantly.
Despite the late surge by the Pirates, the Mets held on for an 8-6 victory. Cisco earned his first win of the season, and Dennis Ribant secured the save. For the Mets, the win was a small bright spot in a challenging season. The Pirates, despite the loss, continued to be competitive and had their sights set on the postseason, with Clemente and Stargell both having standout seasons.
4 hours
Jun 26, 1963Jun 26, 1963
In the 1963 MLB season, both the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs struggled....
Chicago Cubs vs New York Mets - 14 inning thriller - Radio Broadcast / In the 1963 MLB season, both the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs struggled. The Cubs, managed by Bob Kennedy and Charlie Metro, finished seventh in the National League with a 82-80 record, continuing their multi-decade championship drought. Meanwhile, the fledgling Mets, in only their second season, had a rougher time. Managed by Casey Stengel, they finished last in the National League with a record of 51-111, one of the worst in MLB history.
3 hours
Sep 8, 1962Sep 8, 1962
On September 8, 1962, the Houston Colt .45s faced off against the New York Mets...
New York Mets vs Houston Colt .45s - Game 2 of DH - Radio Broadcast / On September 8, 1962, the Houston Colt .45s faced off against the New York Mets at Colt Stadium. The starting pitchers were Roger Craig for the Mets and Turk Farrell for the Colt .45s. At this point in the season, both teams were struggling, with the Mets in their inaugural season and the Colt .45s in their first year as well. The 1962 season was marked by the expansion of the league, with both the Mets and the Colt .45s being new additions. However, the Mets were infamous for their poor performance, finishing the season with a record of 40-120, the worst in modern MLB history. The Colt .45s, on the other hand, were faring slightly better, but still below .500.
The game began with a scoreless first inning, but the Colt .45s managed to score a run in the second inning, thanks to Bob Aspromonte's single and Bob Lillis's double. The Mets, however, came back strong in the third inning, scoring four runs on a walk by Elio Chacon and singles by Charlie Neal and Marv Throneberry. The Colt .45s responded with a run in the bottom of the third, narrowing the Mets' lead. The game then entered a period of relative quiet, with the Mets unable to score until the eighth inning and the Colt .45s adding a run in the sixth and seventh innings.
The back and forth continued into the eighth inning, with the Mets adding a run to their tally, but the Colt .45s responded with a run of their own, tying the game at 5-5. After a scoreless ninth inning, the game moved into extra innings. In the bottom of the tenth, the Colt .45s managed to score the winning run, ending the game with a 6-5 victory.
The game was a microcosm of the 1962 season for both teams. The Mets, despite showing flashes of potential, were unable to maintain their early lead, a pattern that was seen throughout their season. The Colt .45s, meanwhile, demonstrated their ability to fight back and secure a win, a trait that helped them finish the season with a more respectable record than the Mets. Despite the struggles of both teams, the 1962 season was a significant one for Major League Baseball, marking the beginning of expansion that would continue over the next few decades.
2½ hours
Apr 11, 1962Apr 11, 1962
On April 11, 1962, the St. Louis Cardinals hosted the New York Mets at Busch...
1962 New York Mets vs St. Louis Cardinals - Radio Broadcast / On April 11, 1962, the St. Louis Cardinals hosted the New York Mets at Busch Stadium I, marking a notable early-season matchup. The game featured starting pitchers who faced the daunting task of navigating through lineups filled with potential. This encounter came at a time when the Mets, newly introduced to the league, were establishing their identity, while the Cardinals, with a storied history, aimed to continue their tradition of excellence. Significant for the Mets was their effort to carve out a foothold in the league against established teams like the Cardinals, whose lineup boasted seasoned players capable of explosive offense.
During the game, the Cardinals demonstrated their offensive strength early on, putting up a solid performance that included multiple multi-hit innings. Key players for the Cardinals, such as Roger Carr and Bert Jones, connected well, driving in crucial runs. The Mets, despite being outmatched, showed flashes of resilience, with players like Neal and Hodges contributing home runs. The game unfolded with the Cardinals consistently building on their lead, capitalizing on strategic hits and taking advantage of the Mets' fielding errors, which were indicative of their growing pains as a new team in the league.
The final score, Cardinals 11 and Mets 4, reflected the difference in experience and cohesion between the two teams at that point in the season. The Cardinals' ability to execute offensively and their efficient use of scoring opportunities highlighted their game strategy and depth. For the Mets, the game was a learning experience, underscoring the challenges of competing in the major leagues.
13 minutes
1952
In 1952, a radio interview featured Leo Durocher, a well-known manager in the baseball world,...
Leo Durocher and Ralph Kiner - Radio Interview / In 1952, a radio interview featured Leo Durocher, a well-known manager in the baseball world, and Ralph Kiner, one of the era's premier power hitters. At this point, Durocher had already established himself as a charismatic and controversial figure in baseball, known for his outspoken personality and strategic acumen. Meanwhile, Kiner was at the height of his playing career, renowned for his home run prowess with the Pittsburgh Pirates. This interview likely delved into their perspectives on the game, their respective roles, and possibly their views on the evolving landscape of baseball during the early 1950s.
1½ hours
1951
The batters couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat. The fielders must...
Angels in the Outfield / The batters couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat. The fielders must be using frying pans instead of baseball mitts. It looks like the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates haven't got a prayer...until the prayers of a young orphan girl get the Pirates some celestial support! Comedy and charm form the winning lineup of Angels in the Outfield, starring Paul Douglas as the team's short-fused manager. "Dogs have fleas, managers have sportswriters," he grouses to a columnist (Janet Leigh) covering the team. Adding to the fun are game footage from back in the day (buffs will love to spot the stars); support from Keenan Wynn, Spring Byington and more familiar talents; plus unbilled bits by baseball greats Joe DiMaggio and Ty Cobb. One more footnote about this nifty '50s diamond: President Eisenhower called it his favorite movie. Batter up!