“Story Of The
plus:
1965
“THE LAST OUT”
A Eulogy Of
Another beautiful COLOR 1950’s team promotional film is now available as part of a new DVD from “Rare Sportsfilms”! The nostalgic and very rare 1955 Washington Senators film titled “Story Of The Washington Nationals” was the only film done by the original club during all the years in the nation’s capitol. Plus, a special bonus has been added to the original film --- a 1959 live interview with Senators’ sensational bonus rookie Harmon Killebrew! Narrated by team radio broadcasters Bob Wolff and Arch McDonald, the film covers a short speech by “The Old Fox”, club owner Clark Griffith, and views of his office, then moves to spring training 1955, before finishing with the ceremonies and color that always made Opening Day in
This was the first baseball team promotional film featuring live interviews, and as the film moves to spring training, Arch McDonald chats with Farm Director Ozzie Bluege, one of the all-time great Senator players. Shown is the top triple-A team, the
Perhaps the highlight of the DVD is Opening Day 1955 at Griffith Stadium, Washington, as Paul Richards’ Orioles furnish the opposition. Covered are pre-game and pre-season preparations at the park and pre-game ceremonies with President Eisenhower throwing out the first ball, and Pete Runnels scrambling for it, and getting it signed by the President! Nats starting pitcher Bob Porterfield begins a rally to break up a scoreless game in the third inning off O’s starter Lou Kretlow, and when it’s over the Senators have a 12-5 win over the Orioles who use four more pitchers in relief, including Don Johnson, Don Faressee and Bob Alexander.
At the end of the film is a special bonus – an August 1959 B & W interview with young Harmon Killebrew! Phillies announcer Gene Kelly interviews Harmon at old Connie Mack Stadium before a benefit game between the Senators and Phils. “Killer” is currently leading the A.L. in homers and talks about his first major league game, batting, playing time, etc.
"The Last Out", a 1965 Television documentary on the history of Griffith Stadium which aired a few weeks before the demolition of the old ballpark, is a eulogy of the old home of the Senators in
The DVD begins with three 1961 spring training interviews by Morrie Siegel of WMAL TV-7, Washington. At Pompano Beach Florida, spring home of the new "expansion" Senators, Siegel interviews catcher Pete Daley and pitchers Dave Sisler, Pete Burnside and eventual Opening Day starter Dick Donovan! Then, silent footage shows the highlights of Opening Day 1961, as 35,000 fans (including President Kennedy) watch the Senators play
"The Last Out", narrated by a young Jim Simpson, makes up most of this DVD. Standing near the old Senator dugout, now in ruins, Simpson talks about the history of the old park, which is soon to be demolished to make way for the expansion of nearby
You'll take a trip to Clark Griffith's office in 1954 and hear him name his all-time Washington Senator lineup. Then "The Old Fox" talks about the Opening Day tradition of the President throwing out the first ball and describes each one. More film clips show action from the 1937 and 1956 All-Star Games at Griffith Stadium, as well as the park as used for other events throughout the years (primarily for Redskins football). All-time NFL passing great Sammy Baugh describes owner George Preston Marshall, the "inventor" of half-time shows for pro football and the Washington Redskins marching band. Film clips of the famous 1940 and 1942 NFL Championship Games at Griffith Stadium are shown with commentary.
Buyer pays shipping of only $3.00 on this item, which will be shipped out by Media Mail!
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