Rare Sports Films

1965
New York Mets
"EXPRESSWAY TO THE BIG LEAGUES"

     The 1965 New York Mets promotional film "Expressway To The Big Leagues" is now available in color on video! See great shots of Shea Stadium as it looked 40 years ago ago and both close-up and action shots of the plays and players of 1965, including Ron Swoboda, who made the All-Rookie Team that year, Mets All-Star first baseman Ed Kranepool, outfielder Johnny Lewis, catchers John Stephenson, Chris Cannizzaro and Greg Goossen, pitchers Darrell Sutherland, Dick Selma and young lefty Tug McGraw, fiery Ron Hunt, veteran Roy McMillan, coach Wes Westrum and of course, "The Ol’ Professor" himself – manager Casey Stengel. Covered in this video is Stengel’s birthday party at Shea Stadium (which Casey could not attend due to a broken hip). In his absence, interim manager Wes Westrum stands in for him during ceremonies at home plate. Later the sad announcement of Stengel’s retirement and the uniform retirement ceremony for the news media at Shea is covered, including scenes of Case and wife Edna.

     But the big emphasis is on youth as this video takes you to the Mets’ Class AA Eastern League Williamsport Club for an exhibition game at Bowman Field against "future Met stars" Les Rohr, Al Yates, Jim Lackey, John Fitzmorris and brothers Hank and Tug McGraw. Scenes from spring training at St. Petersburg show other young Mets Jack Hamilton, Kevin Collins, Jack Tracy and Rob Gardner.

     Throughout the video, action from games with other N.L. clubs is shown, including shots of stars such as Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, Maury Wills, Ernie Banks and Warren Spahn, finishing up his great career with the San Francisco Giants. Travel with the Mets also – first as they visit the brand new Houston Astrodome and Candlestick Park in San Francisco, then later on the winter caravan "Met Hot Stove Express" as it visits other New York cities to meet the fans. Dennis Ribant, Johnny Lewis, Danny Napoleon, Jack Fisher, Kranepool, and the newest Met Ken Boyer (obtained from the Cardinals) are all there greeting Met enthusiasts.

     Also shown on the tape is the fun of Mets baseball at Shea, including promotional events such as ‘Banner Day’, Family Day (Father-Son Game) and Old Timers Day, with former stars Sal Maglie, Roy Campanella, Johnny Mize, "Highpockets Kelly", Dolph Camilli, Don Newcombe, Carl Furillo and the Clown Prince of Baseball Al Schacht all shown.

Now you can get your own copy of this colorful 27-minute video for only $29.95 + $5.00 for FIRST CLASS SHIPPING. (Illinois residents must add $2.00 for sales tax.)

"RARE SPORTSFILMS N", 1126 Tennyson Lane, Naperville, IL 60540 (630) 527-8890


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