BRONX, N.Y. — On this date, Jan. 9, 1960, the original “Home Run Derby,” made its debut. The first matchup two legendary center fielder’s square off. The New York Yankees Mickey Mantle faced the San Francisco Giants’ Willie Mays.
Older fans may remember the original series which was filmed in Dec. 1959, ran from Jan. 2 to July 9, 1960. Or if you’re a fan of my age you probably first watched it on Classic Sports.
The series took place at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, Calif., where broadcaster Mark Scott called the competition between baseball’s elite sluggers.