Jackie Robinson slides into home plate
Yesterday, Inside Thirteen was a fly on the wall during the taping of the upcoming THIRTEEN documentary, New York Baseball Memories. Before filming began, we also had the opportunity to sit down with the film’s producer, Marc Rosenwasser, for a brief Q&A.
Inside Thirteen: When will New York Baseball Memories be airing?
Marc Rosenwasser: We don’t have an air date yet, but it will be in late September, shortly before the Ken Burns series [Baseball and The Tenth Inning]. I should say, late September, probably before the Ken Burns series.
IT: How many story submissions have you received?
MR: I don’t have an exact number, but it’s dozens and dozens.
IT: How do you choose stories for the piece?
MR: We’re looking to choose the best stories, the richest stories, but also the stories that cover all different aspects of NY Baseball history. So, we’re hoping not to have any glaring omissions in our piece.
IT: Are there any stories that stand out to you?
MR: There are many stories we’ve heard that stand out. There truly are just very emotional stories. People have remarkably vivid memories of baseball games that they went to 50, 60 years ago. It has a lot to do with family memories, and how family memories and baseball memories are interwoven.
IT: What led you to produce the film now? What makes it relevant?
MR: We wanted to produce a New York version in conjunction with the Ken Burns national version, so it’s really something of a companion piece.
***
The New York Baseball Memories crew was on their second day of filming, and Inside Thirteen had the chance to observe two of today’s interviewees: each with a unique, vivid take on the world of NY Baseball – just a sample of what’s to come in the film.
“Just like an apple tree creates apples, New York created baseball,” opened Peter Laskowich, an urban historian and professor. Laskowich elaborated on the significance of Jackie Robinson joining the Brooklyn Dodgers (including the chain of reactions it set off for race relations in the U.S.), and emphasized that such a ground-breaking move could have only happened in Brooklyn, which he considered the most progressive of the boroughs at the time. He also broke down the fan makeup of NY’s top teams during the 1940s and 1950s: the Giants (baseball aficionados), the Dodgers (the underdogs), and the Yankees (the well-to-do).
In direct contrast with Laskowich’s historical perspective was Steve Handelman, a retired IT manager, who offered his own unique bit of baseball nostalgia. In 1961, Handelman witnessed NY Yankee Roger Maris hit his record-breaking 61st home run of the season, from the first row behind the dugout. He eagerly waited to catch himself on camera during the evening news, but with no luck. Thirty years later, in Cooperstown, NY, Handelman finally stumbled upon a photo of the historic day, with himself clearly visible in the front row. In 1981, Handelman also managed to catch a ball from Reggie Jackson, only to give it away to a young boy before the end of the game. ”It seemed like the right thing to do at the time,” he said.
For more stories like these, and to submit your own, visit New York Baseball Memories, and check back in September for air dates on THIRTEEN.
I was one of the fortunate interviewees for the NY Baseball Memories presentation. Please let me know the dates this will air as well as when the Ken Burns sequel, The Tenth Inning, will air. Thank you,
Matt Katz
Member ID: 25564246
If you are looking for a NY Baseball story here is one: (I know it is probably too late)
Time: 1950’s,
Place: Parade Grounds, Brooklyn, NY
League: Kiwanis League and then The PGL (Parade Ground League)
My story centers around my manager, a gentlemen, Mr. Thomas McGowan, an African American who managed a young group of us boys of many different nationalities. Mr McGowan (as he was addressed), was a caring man, and I might add, the only African-American at the Parade Grounds along with his son Jimmy. Mr. McGowan was highly regarded by the other managers over the years. I also think back with great affection and fondness of him. He had passed away many years ago.
I have tried in vain to find someone else from that era who I might have played against or hopefully, a former team mate. I traveled to the Parade Grounds a few times (I live in Milford, Ct) over the years calling various baseball people and league people who might have played or known about Mr. McGowan or the leagues from those days. Sadly, no success.The closest I have come was one player, Howie Cotler who was one of our catchers. I was able to find him by learning he had his own company, “Cotler Pants”. I called him up and we had lunch several times a few years ago. When I went into his office (he was President of the firm), and there on his desk, was a baseball.!! How appropriate. His recollection of those days was exactly the same as mine; a Golden Time of our youth.
I also keep in touch with a boyhood friend (Leon Manfredi, who had come over from Italy in 1950, introduced to me by our home room teacher, Mrs. Morrison to “make him feel at home”). From those days when we first met at the age of 15, we shared many game – and life memories.
Fortunately, I have a large team picture hanging in my special room at home taken on Sunday, April 28, 1950 just before we (The Indians), played the Brooklyn Royals. It was taken from the 2nd base side of the infield of Diamond13. Today, Diamond 13 no longer exists. The Parade Grounds has undergone major renovation a few years ago so Diamond 13 (along with everything else) is gone’ making way for new memories.
I often look at my picture not as an old timer (which I am), but to reflect on how much has changed over the years. By the way, I have just retired from coaching baseball at the age of 75. (My legs can’t handle it anymore!!!…the spirit is willing but the flesh is mezzo-mezzo….)…I I still live with the hope of maybe, just maybe I will somehow miraculosly run into someone from “the old days”…..”Hey, you never know”!!!!
Please let me know when “On the Set of New York Baseball Memories” will air….I can’t wait to see it.
Has an air date yet been selected??? I have been on the lookout..
John Scalici