NBC wins a Major League Baseball television package paying MLB 30.6 Million
1965 – NBC wins a Major League Baseball television package, including prime-time All-Star Game and World Series games.
New York Mets broadcaster Lindsey Nelson delivers the play-by-play of a game at the Astrodome from a hanging gondola
On April 29, 1965, colorful New York Mets broadcaster Lindsey Nelson delivers the play-by-play of a game at the Astrodome from a hanging gondola, which is located 208 feet above the second base bag. Nelson, known for his loud sportcoats, will win the Hall of Fame’s prestigious Ford C. Frick Award in 1988…
Jackie Robinson becomes the first black broadcaster
March 17, 1965 Jackie Robinson is hired to be an analyst for ABC’s Major League Baseball Game of the Week telecasts, becoming the first black network broadcaster. ABC provides the first-ever nationwide baseball coverage with weekly Saturday broadcasts on a regional basis. Robinson later worked as a part-time commentator for the Montreal Expos in 1972.
The Yankees fire long-time television and radio voice Mel Allen
1964 – The Yankees fire long-time television and radio voice Mel Allen. The well-known broadcaster popularized the “going, going, gone” home run call and often said “how about that” to describe happenings on the ball field.
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Vada Pinson is cleared of assault charges from Cincinnati sportswriter Earl Lawson
1964 – Cincinnati Reds center fielder Vada Pinson is cleared of assault charges stemming from a September 5, 1963, incident when Cincinnati sportswriter Earl Lawson does not pursue charges further.
Cepeda files libel lawsuit vs Look Magazine
May 22, 1963 San Francisco Giants first baseman Orlando Cepeda files a libel lawsuit for $1M against Look Magazine charging he was “Defamed,” The article said that Cepeda’s name had a sale tag on it; that ‘it is astonishing that Cepeda, power hitter and slick fielder on a pennant winner, should be considered expendable’; that…
Donald Davidson, the Braves Director of team travel and press, radio and television, would receive the meritorious service award
January 3, 1963- The Milwaukee Sentinel reported that Donald Davidson, the Braves Director of team travel and press, radio and television, would receive the meritorious service award from the Milwaukee chapter of the Baseball Writer’s Association of America at their Diamond Dinner at the Schroeder Hotel on January 20. Former manager Fred Haney will be…
Gene Elston & Al Helfer are the Colts’ first radio broadcasters
1962 – KPRC-AM introduces Gene Elston and Al Helfer as the Colts’ first radio play-by-play team. Loel Passe, a local favorite after his years with the Houston Buffs, is later added to the crew. Although Helfer leaves after the first year, Elston and Passe would be together for the next fourteen seasons. Elston would remain with the club through 1986.
Bob Feller is hired as a broadcaster by the Mutual Broadcasting System
Bob Feller is hired as a broadcaster by the Mutual Broadcasting System
Ford Frick is named the public relations director of the National League
New York sportswriter and broadcaster Ford Frick is named the public relations director of the National League
