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1956
Brooklyn Dodgers
"HAPPY FELTON'S KNOTHOLE GANG"
Here's another rare piece of baseball nostalgia from the Rare Sportsfilms archives especially for Brooklyn Dodger fans! Believed to be the only remaining show of the beloved "Happy Felton's Knothole Gang", this particular piece was broadcast live from Ebbets Field, Brooklyn on WOR-TV before the Cubs vs Dodger game of Tuesday night, June 26, 1956. Baseball fans who grew up in Brooklyn will wax nostalgic at this warm look at Americana, 1956-style, as Happy and his side-kick, Bucky, along with Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese are seen again as they were 40 years ago!
The contestants for the evening are three shortstops from St. Bernadette's Little League in Brooklyn. Each youngster gives his name, school and names his father or LL manager. Each is presented with a Brooklyn Dodger cap and a '56 Dodger yearbook. Last night's winner, Ronald Ferrari, of Union City LL is also re-introduced and congratulated.
On this night, Mr. Fred Gretsch of the Gretsch Musical Instrument Company, a VP and Trustee of the Lincoln Savings Bank, presides in an official capacity representing the sponsor. Gretsch names several of the outstanding school bands in the area, then Jackie Robinson is introduced. The boys each introduce themselves to Robinson and ask him a baseball question. Robbie tells who gives the sign on a pitchout, who can score on the infield fly rule and how to get a good jump on the pitcher. Then Robinson throws grounders and popups to the boys individually while they are instructed to cover a base, etc. This all takes place in the RF corner in front of the huge outfield fence sign which advertises the Happy Felton Show and identifies all three sponsors: The Charles Kreisler Company, "Your Authorized Olds Dealer at 46th and Park Avenue in Manhattan", Davega 29 stores in NY, Brooklyn, New Jersey and Long Island, and of course the Lincoln Savings Bank. During this time Gladys Gooddings' organ playing can distinctly be heard in the background. After the youngsters take their turns with Robinson, each is given a free glove and new Louisville Slugger! While Robinson decides whose performance was the best and selects the evening's winner, Fred Gretsch, representing Lincoln Savings Bank, awards each contestant with a passbook savings account. Then Robinson announces the winner for the evening - Louie Manarino from P.S. 186 in Brooklyn, and gives him an autographed ball! All three contestants retreat to the stands for the evening's ballgame, while Happy Felton and last night's winner Ronald Ferrari walk towards home plate near the Dodger dugout. Ronald selects Pee Wee Reese from whom to ask questions and get playing tips. Reese gives his opinions on the best bunter he ever saw, best way to sac bunt and bunt for a hit, how to hit the ball to right field and how to break in a new glove. At the end of the show, Ronald gets to go into the Dodger dugout and ask all the players to sign a baseball. After Happy Felton closes the show for the evening, you'll see a couple of commercials for Vaseline Hair Tonic and Flying "A" Ethyl Gasoline.
This is the first time "Happy Felton's Knothole Gang" has ever been made available on home video! Now you can get your own copy of this rare and nostalgic 26-minute piece of baseball TV Americana by sending $24.95 plus $5.00 shipping to:
(Illinois residents MUST add $2.00 sales tax)
"RARE SPORTSFILMS N",
1126 Tennyson Lane,
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 527-8890
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