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Lot # 1083: 1959 Willie Mays "Home Run Derby" Original Color Transparencies (4)

Starting Bid: $200.00

Bids: 7 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2024 Winter Classic",
which ran from 2/25/2024 10:00 AM to
3/16/2024 10:00 PM



Rare collection of four original color transparencies capturing Willie Mays during one of his appearances on the 1960 syndicated television show "Home Run Derby." Each of these transparencies (120 film) originates from a recent find of promotional material relating to the "Home Run Derby" television show, which was discovered in the estate of a former United Artists employee (United Artists purchased Ziv Television Programs, the company that produced "Home Run Derby," in 1960). One of the transparencies consists of two panels (2.5x4.75"), one of which pictures Mays posing with 1959 American League Rookie of the Year Bob Allison. The other three transparencies are all single-panel (2.5x2.5") and picture Mays at the plate. Excellent condition overall. "Home Run Derby" was filmed at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles in December 1959, and the show aired in television syndication from January 9 to July 2, 1960. Like the current format at the All-Star Game, each show matched two players head to head, with the winner continuing on the next week to take on a new challenger. Nineteen players took part in the competition, with Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays facing off in the first show. Players who lost one week were eligible to return, as Mays and several others did. Hank Aaron had the best overall record (6-1) in the competition, while Mantle's total of 44 home runs was the most for any player during the show. The show has been rerun on television many times over the decades and nearly all the episodes are available for viewing on YouTube.

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