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1955
WASHINGTON SENATORS
"Story Of The Washington Nationals"
Another beautiful COLOR 1950's team promotional film is now available on video 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 Wolfe 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 Washington something special! You'll see great color shots of both the outside and inside of Griffith Stadium, the field, and the old National Bohemian Beer Scoreboard in right field!
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 Chattanooga Lookouts in camp at Winter Garden, Florida. Next you'll see the big league club in Orlando, working out at old Tinker Field. Owner Clark C. Griffith is interviewed by Arch McDonald, along with young Calvin Griffith. Also looking forward to the upcoming season is new manager Charlie Dressen, and McDonald interviews Charlie about his managing philosophies, team speed, the pitching staff, etc. There's the action of training and intersquad games as the club rounds into shape. The players you'll see throughout the film are: Bruce Edwards, Mickey Vernon, Eddie Yost, Bob Porterfield, Johnny Schmitz, Pete Runnels, Mickey McDermott, Roy Sievers, Ernie Oravetz, Bob Oldis, Jerry Snyder and Tom Umphlett. On an off-day, the team gets together for the annual Clark Griffith-National Bohemian golf tournament. You'll see the players, including bonus baby Harmon Killebrew, competing for prizes shown being given away at the banquet later that evening.
Perhaps the highlight of the tape 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.
This video is a must for any Washington Senators collector! The days of major League baseball may be over in Washington, but with this beautiful COLOR video, the memories of the '50's Senators can be long remembered. To get your own video copy of this rare film, send $29.95 plus $5.00 for shipping and handling (Illinois residents must add $2.00 sales tax) to:
"RARE SPORTSFILMS N",
1126 Tennyson Lane,
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 527-8890
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