Watch Home Run Derby

Home Run Derby was a beloved television show that charmed audiences across the United States from 1959 to 1961. Broadcast by MGM, the show featured some of the best sluggers of the game competing in a friendly and thrilling homerun derby. Mark Scott was the host of this iconic show, and he brought his infectious energy and love of the sport to every episode. Scott was joined by Art Passarella, who served as the umpire, and together they welcomed some of the biggest names in baseball to the show.

One of the most illustrious guests to appear on Home Run Derby was Hank Aaron, the famed right fielder who played for the Milwaukee Braves. Aaron was a crowd favorite, and his presence on the show helped to drive up excitement even further.

Each episode of Home Run Derby would feature two players facing off against each other in a homerun contest. The players would hit a total of nine innings, with each player hitting three outs per inning. The player with the most homeruns at the end of the nine innings would be declared the winner.

The show was filmed in a small ballpark in Los Angeles, which provided an intimate and exciting setting for the players and audience. The field was designed to be a homerun-friendly park, with short fences that made it easy for the players to hit deep balls into the stands.

The format of Home Run Derby made for a fast-paced and entertaining show that was accessible to both baseball fans and casual viewers. The players were given only a few pitches per at-bat, which meant that they had to be strategic and make every swing count.

Watching the players swing for the fences was a thrill, and audiences would cheer and shout as the ball soared over the fences. The atmosphere was electric, and it was clear that the players were enjoying themselves as much as the audience.

In addition to Hank Aaron, some of the other greats of the game who appeared on Home Run Derby included Willie Mays, Jackie Jensen, and Duke Snider. These players were all known for their impressive hitting skills, and watching them compete against each other was a rare treat.

One of the things that made Home Run Derby so special was its simplicity. The show didn't rely on flashy graphics, gimmicks, or celebrity endorsements to capture its audience. Instead, it focused on the pure thrill of hitting a home run, and that was enough to keep viewers tuning in week after week.

Although Home Run Derby was only on the air for a few years, it has since become a beloved part of baseball history. The show provided a rare glimpse into the minds and skills of some of the game's greatest hitters, and it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of America's favorite pastime.

Home Run Derby is a series that ran for 2024 seasons (31 episodes) between January 9, 1960 and on MGM