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1938
AMERICAN LEAGUE FILM
"THE FIRST CENTURY OF BASEBALL"
By the end of 1938, both major leagues were making plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the beginnings of baseball back in 1839. As part of the festivities, each league produced a 40-minute B & W film with emphasis on the league, its players and the happenings of 1938. As this was long before the days of television, the public showing of these films was a success, and so yearly films, produced by each major league were made until World War II interrupted production for 1942. Even though these films had very little World Series action, they were the forerunners of the annual World Series highlight films that began with the 1943 World Series, and continued through 1986.
The 1938 American League film celebrates the first century of baseball with a look back into the history of the game as depicted by actors over 60 years ago. However, most of the film shows the American League players and playing techniques of "modern day" 1938! After an introduction by A.L. President William Harridge, the development of the game is depicted, from 'town ball', to the beginnings at Cooperstown in 1839, through Cartwright's contributions, to the invention of the curve ball. As Harridge's league office was located in Chicago (likewise the old Major League Film Bureau), most shots of the players were filmed at old Comiskey Park unless otherwise noted. Here is a rundown of what you'll see on this rare 40-minute film, now available for the first time on video:
Bob Feller of the Indians and Sam Chapman of the Athletics. Johnny Allen of the Indians. Ted Lyons is shown throwing his knuckleball in Comiskey Park, likewise the Senators' Dutch Leonard and the Chisox's Monte Stratton. Spud Chandler and Monte Pearson (the only A.L. hurler to toss a no-hitter in '38), of the Yankees are shown in slo-motion as they deliver pitches. Next shown is Bobo Newsome, the Browns' 20-game winner, along with George Caster of the A's and Lefty Gomez of the Yankees.
Joe Cronin of the Red Sox shows fundamentals of good batting and other top A.L. hitters are then shown such as Jimmy Foxx, Cecil Travis of the Senators, Lou Gehrig, the Yanks sensational young rookie Joe Gordon, Jeff Heath of the Indians, Charlie Gehringer of the Tigers and Hank Greenberg, who hit 58 homers in '38! Hank speaks on this film, with some advice for young hitters.
Marvin Owen of the White Sox shows how he can hold seven baseballs in one hand! Then Joe Cronin demonstrates good fielding at Shibe Park in Philadelphia. First baseman George McQuinn of the Browns is shown at Briggs Stadium. Also shown are Ken Keltner, Bill Werber and Lefty Grove. At Old Timers Day in Cleveland July 6, 1938, Ed Walsh, Tris Speaker and Cy Young are shown. Bob Feller and Johnny Vander Meer pose for photographers at the All-Star Game in Cincinnati.
Another segment of the film shows players in civilian clothes relaxing away from the ballpark. Pete Fox drives up in his new car and says 'hello' to George McQuinn, out walking his dog. Young Joe Gordon signs autographs for young fans outside Griffith Stadium. You'll see Luke Sewell, George Case and Cleveland teammates Mel Harder and Joe Vosmik ready to go hunting. Next shown are a couple of old patriarchs of the game, Connie Mack (with son Earle in the dugout) and Clark Griffith, owner of the Senators. They exchange ideas and comment on the "good ol' days" sitting in a hotel lobby! There's a look at Spring Training, too. Shown in the south are Harry Heilman with Charlie Gehringer and Detroit manager Del Baker and coach Bing Miller. In other camps are Jim Bagby Jr. of the Indians, Red Sox coach Herb Pennock, Bucky Harris of Washington and Col. Jake Ruppert with manager Joe McCarthy of the Yankees. The umpires are covered (Steve Basil) with a look at some close plays. Larry Rosenthal of the White Sox is shown, then manager McCarthy speaks from his office on the importance of youngsters playing baseball. A brief look at the 1938 World Series winds up the film. Manager Gabby Hartnett of the N.L. Champion Cubs and Yank pilot McCarthy are shown shaking hands before the opener at Wrigley Field. Very brief action from all four games of the Yank sweep are shown, including Dizzy Dean's heartbreaking loss in game #2 (Crosetti's 8th inning HR) and Joe Gordon's big hit in game #3 at Yankee Stadium, as well as Crosetti's 2-run triple in game four that wrapped up the series for New York.
You can get your own copy of this rare film now available on video for the first time ever! Send $29.95 plus $5.00 shipping and handling (Illinois residents must add $2.00 tax) to:
"RARE SPORTSFILMS N",
1126 Tennyson Lane,
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 527-8890
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