After Monday's All-Star Home Run Derby contest, it's fitting to revisit the television show that inspired it all. "Home Run Derby," a 1960 TV series filmed at Los Angeles' Wrigley Field, brought together Major League Baseball's top sluggers in nine-inning home run battles. Actor and broadcaster Mark Scott hosted and produced the show, which was distributed by Ziv Television Programs.
The Format and the Field
Filmed in December 1959, "Home Run Derby" aired from January 9 to July 2, 1960. The series' concept was simple yet thrilling: each batter had nine innings to hit as many home runs as possible, with each inning consisting of three outs. Any ball not hit for a home run, including strikes, counted as an out. If the two batters tied, extra innings were played to determine a winner. The field dimensions included a left field line 340 feet away and a right field line 339 feet away, with an inner fence stretching from center to right field.
Behind the Scenes with John VanOrnum
John VanOrnum, who served as the show's catcher, provided fascinating insights during an interview I did with him in 2019. VanOrnum, a former professional baseball player, manager, coach, and scout, shared his unique experience on the show.
Reflecting on how he became involved, VanOrnum said, “At that time, Wrigley Field was the offices for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Kenny Myers signed me. A lot of times we would work out two and three times a week at Wrigley Field, and I would always put the catching gear on and go behind the plate. I kind of had a yearning to catch. So that's how I really got my start in catching. And then this opportunity came up, and I just got behind the plate then."
The Competitive Spirit
"Home Run Derby" featured numerous baseball legends, including Hank Aaron and Mickey Mantle. VanOrnum recounted his encounters with these greats: "Although Mickey Mantle had told me one time if I throw up three home runs, he'd take me out to dinner, or us to dinner, and I gave up two, and he hit the top of the fence, but he did take us out to dinner, and it was a real thrill, obviously, and he was such a real good guy."
The show offered significant prize money, which added to the competitive spirit. The winner received $2,000 and an invitation to the next episode, while the runner-up earned $1,000. Bonuses were also available for consecutive home runs. However, VanOrnum humorously debunked a myth about pitchers receiving prize money: “They said that the pitcher got money for home runs, and that's not true, because if that was true, I'm still waiting for my check.”
Memorable Moments
VanOrnum fondly remembered the unique dynamics of the show. “We had an umpire, and then they had... they could have had mannequins in the outfield, but it did resemble a field, and it was strictly like it is now. The home run was the big deal, and of course, we had the home run hitters, so that's why it sold.”
Watching the sluggers in action left a lasting impression on VanOrnum. "Obviously, Mantle hit the really high fly balls and so forth, but the guy that really impressed us at the time was Hank Aaron. Of course, he won a lot of the episodes too, but he was a line drive hitter, and his home runs didn't clear the fence by two or three feet, but they just kept on going, and he was really a delight to watch."
Beyond the Show
After his time on "Home Run Derby," VanOrnum continued his career in baseball, playing in the minor leagues before transitioning to coaching and scouting roles. He expressed a deep appreciation for his experiences and the camaraderie of the sport: “I had more fun really and truly in the minor leagues because you like to see kids play. And, of course, at that age, they play hard and they go as hard as they can. And it's just a delight to see their faces when they do well and so forth. And then, of course, on the other hand, sometimes you have to tell a lot of young men that maybe they should try another line of work.”
The Lasting Impact
Reflecting on the enduring legacy of "Home Run Derby," VanOrnum marveled at its evolution. "I have trouble watching it now because I did catch a little of some of these baseballs that they use. And let me tell you something, when they wind them tight, they can go a long, long way. And I just don't go for it, to be honest with you. But everybody else does, so good for them."
Here is the complete interview with VanOrnum
"Home Run Derby" paved the way for the modern Home Run Derby event that now captivates fans annually. Its blend of competition, star power, and engaging format has left an indelible mark on baseball history, celebrated by those who remember its original run and cherished by new generations of fans.
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