Rare Sports Films

1953

BOSTON / MILWAUKEE BRAVES

      The end of the Braves in Boston and the beginnings of the new Milwaukee Braves are now shown on video for the first time ever, thanks to a new offering from Rare Sportsfilms! This new 56-minute B & W tape is made up of two films, "Meet Your Braves" and "The Milwaukee Story".

      In February 1953, the Braves arrived in Bradenton Florida for Spring Training as the Boston Braves, but a month later broke camp with new caps and a new home - Milwaukee! The Braves' move was the first M.L. franchise shift in 50 years, and would pave the way for Major League Baseball to expand from coast to coast within the next five years. To introduce Milwaukee fans to their new ballclub, the film "Meet Your Braves" was hurriedly put together with great shots and interviews of the players filmed in Spring Training (as the Boston Braves). Here's who is shown and what you'll see in "Meet Your Braves" : Les Smith interviews youngsters fresh out of the service Johnny Antonelli and Del Crandall. Pitchers Jim Wilson, Dave Cole, Max Surkont, Lew Burdette, Dick Donovan Gene Conley, Virgil Jester and Ray Crone. Les Smith interviews mound ace Warren Spahn. Sluggers Eddie Mathews, Joe Adcock, Walker Cooper, Sid Gordon and Ebba St. Clair. Young Harry Caray interviews newly-acquired Joe Adcock at old Al Lang Field, St. Pete. Infielders George Crowe, Jack Dittmer and Johnny Logan. Bill Cunningham interviews young Eddie Mathews at Bradenton. Outfielders Sid Gordon, Billy Bruton, Sam Jethro, Jim Pendleton and Bob Thorpe. Wisconsin-born Andy Pafko talks with Harry Caray about his biggest thrill in baseball. Manager Charlie Grimm and coaches Johnny Cooney, Bucky Walters and Bob Keely.

      Narrated by long-time "voice" of the Milwaukee Braves Earl Gillespie, "The Milwaukee Story" is the first of the ten yearly highlight films made by the Milwaukee Braves, 1953-1962. Beginning with the arrival of the team in Milwaukee by train, the downtown welcoming parade and the first game at new Milwaukee County Stadium, this film covers the season's highlights through closing day. Here are just a few of the highlights from big games shown: Opening Day at County Stadium, Spahn vs Cardinals. Rookie Billy Bruton's disputed 10th inning homer off Enos Slaughter's glove brings victory in Milwaukee lidlifter! Giants arrive in town and lose 8-1. Ed Mathews' 7th HR of the year gives Braves 1-0 lead next day, as Milwaukee beats Giants 11-1! Sid Gordon's bases loaded triple off Hoyt Wilhelm helps Burdette to victory. At the Polo Grounds in June, Mathews' HR gives Bickford 1-0 lead. But after two HR's by Hank Thompson and one by Al Dark, Giants lead 5-3 in 8th. Sid Gordon's big three-run HR provides winning margin as Braves win 6-5! June 28 Dodgers visit Milwaukee and take over first place from Braves. Adcock's HR is lone Braves tally in 5-1 Bum win. Spahn and Mathews chosen for All-Star Game at Crosley Field. Mathews walks and scores first N.L. run and Spahn's two hitless IP give him the victory in 5-1 Senior Circuit win. At old Connie Mack Stadium, Walker Cooper's double and 3-run HR beats Phils and Curt Simmons, 7-3. On August 21, Mathews' 39th HR sets new Braves club record, eclipsing Wally Berger's 22-year old mark! At Pittsburgh, Dittmer, Adcock, Logan (2), Pendleton (3), Mathews (3), Crandall and Gordon set new record with 12 HR in a doubleheader! At Ebbets Field, Braves come from behind and beat Dodgers 9-8 on homers by Dittmer and Pendleton. On September 12 at Milwaukee, Erskine and Dodgers clinch pennant with 5-1 win over Buhl. Victorius Dodger clubhouse scenes. September 13, Spahn tosses 6-hit 2-1 win over Jansen and Giants. Adcock's 2-run HR in 4th inning wins game. Braves end season at old Crosley Field as Spahn wins his 23rd, 8-2 vs. Fred Baczewski. Logan 2-run HR.

      Now you can get your own copy of this special video for only $29.95 + $5.00 for shipping and handling. (Illinois residents must add $2.00 sales tax)

"RARE SPORTSFILMS N", 1126 Tennyson Lane, Naperville, IL 60540 (630) 527-8890


Go Back

Home | Auto Films | Football Films | Baseball Films | Other Sports | About us |

1126 Tennyson Lane Naperville, Illinois 60540
(630) 527-8890
doakewing@raresportsfilms.com