Kind of Off Topic: Incredible Special on HBO 2

riccaboni

Just got finished viewing, A City on Fire: The Story of the '68 Detroit Tigers. The Tigers are essentially my favorite team, behind the Fightin' Phills, I've always loved underdogs. I always knew that '68 was the year that the Tigers took it all, and that was one of the few reasons that when I decided to start collecting a graded set, I chose that one. But now I know the whole story behind that incredible season. The riots and turbulent times between races caused so much indifference in Detroit. The championship must have been an incredible breath of fresh air. McLain's brilliance in the regular season, Lolich's incredible World Series (2 days rest, beats Gibson for his 3rd win), Kaline coming back into the line-up, coming back from down 3 games to 1. I now know the true reason why Detroit fans are so very passionate and emotional of the feats '68 squad. It essentially saved a city, made them come together, even if it was just for one summer. I highly recommend this special for viewing, it's a fantastic program.

Ian

FB

And you're 15 years old Ian?

In 1978 when I was 15, I would have typed "It was really cool"...

Very eloquent indeed!!!

riccaboni

All in all Frank, I was just trying to say, it was really cool.

Ian

TheCARDKid

Speaking of great shows on HBO, have you seen their 1 hour documentary on Babe Ruth? Unbelievable. They've got some incredible footage I'd never seen before and interviews with former team mates and players. A super high quality production. What else would you expect from HBO?

Vargha

Sex in the City?

danandkat

Gotta say the Sopranos is the best show on all of tv.

Thanks
Dan & Kat

Vargha

Actually, I don't have HBO as I feel it's a waste of money. I wish I could have seen the special about the 1968 Series and Detroit though. I was seven years old, but I still remember it as my mom is from St. Louis and my dad is from Detroit. It was a very exciting series. Detroit's manager (Mayo Smith??) was brilliant for putting in Jim Northrup at SS over all glove-no bat, Ray Oyler.

danandkat

Although I missed the Tiger special, they do show this program called "When it was a game." Has some of the best footage of the Babe, DiMaggio, among others. For those who do not have HBO, see if you can rent them.

Thanks
Dan & Kat

riccaboni

Yeah, I've viewed the When It Was a Game quite a few times. I believe there is three parts to it now, there may be more, but I have seen the first three. Excellent stuff. It's really neat to see players from the 30's, 40's and 50's in color moving around and such. That may sound weird, but with the home videos and stuff, you rarely get to view these guys in color.

Ian

jrinck

"When it was a Game" is named perfectly.

Besides seeing the greats of the past, you can also see the fans, who seemed to view baseball as a major social event. They dressed up and wore hats and the like, showing a greater respect for their fellow fan and for the game.

Now it looks like a frickin freak show when they pan to the crowd.

Stay tuned, in thirty years HBO will release "When it was a Business" as the epitaph is written.

purelyPSA

Vargha - it was Mickey Stanley that played short I believe, not Northrup.

Vargha

Mea culpa -- you are correct!