If you watch ESPN classic, you may have seen this blast from the past, "Home Run Derby". I watched a couple of episodes and immediately became a fan. For someone like me who was too young to see Mantle and Ernie Banks in their primes and only a little of Willie Mays and Hank Aaron at the end of their careers, it was a real treat to see them in their heyday blasting pitches out of the park in a home run hitting contest. To keep the action moving along, anything other than a home run (including a called strike) was considered an out. The batter had three "outs" per inning and it was a 9-inning affair. The "home" batter was the returning champion from the previous week.
This contest had a home plate umpire (in mask and full uniform) who would call any pitch not swung at by the batter as a ball or strike. They even had umpires out along the foul lines. The winner of the contest received $2000 and the chance to return the following week and defend their title. The loser got $1000 and if either batter slugged three straight homers without an "out", they got an extra $500.
Mark Scott was emcee of the show; he introduced us each week to the contestants and would make small talk with them while the other competitor was at bat. Sometimes, the conversations would be a bit forced or trite but he had a lot of time to fill up in 9 innings. Overall, Scott did a good job keeping things going- especially when the baseballs started flying over the fence.
I agree with bmasters1 that the sportsmanship shown by the contestants was refreshing to watch. No posing or trash talking- they shook hands and showed respect for each other and were complimentary of their opponents. I wondered why this show was on only one season until I found out that Mark Scott sadly passed away at the young age of 45 and rather than replace him, the producers decided to cancel the show.
"Home Run Derby" is a little-known gem from the past that's worth a watch by all fans who like to see the long ball. 8 stars out of 10.
