"The Greatest Game"

Saturday night ESPN is broadcasting the original telecast of the 1958 NFL Championship Game between Baltimore and New York. I believe that the film has also been colorized.

This game predates me, but I would recommend that any avid football fan, especially those of you in your 20s, watch this - not so much for the excitement of the contest (it was a great game with a dozen hall of famers), but because it offers a rich perspective on the nature of the sport.

See how differently (and similarly) the game was played and coached. Check out the field, goal posts and fans in Yankee Stadium. Look at the size of the players, the equipment and speed of the game. Also, check out the fundamentals of blocking and tackling.

It should be an interesting show. I credit ESPN for airing this. It beats those movies and series they used to show.

We will probably not get this over here,which is a shame because i would have liked to see it

Last night I watched "The Greatest Game Ever Played". It was wonderfully written and edited. If you missed it, try to find when it will aired again. As Kly previewed above, the show provided many contrasts of style, strategy and performance. The interviews and discussions between present day players and stars of that game were terrific.

Some of the things that struck me: The condition of the field - horrendous by today's standards; the rules on blocking; the amount of turnovers (not so great). I was 9 years old at the time and I don't remember watching the game. Gifford stated in the show that it was blacked out in New York. But my father, brother and I watched on TV as many NY Giant football games as possible. My father would wear his blue-knit hat - just like Charlie Connerly.

Other things of note: They showed a clip of the Giants running onto the field; likely for warm-ups. They were wearing a pullover jersey with the interlocking NY, just like the Yankees NY. Did Chris Berman have a stroke? His left arm hardly moved and they shot film of him walking and he appeared to be limping from his left side.

I don't suppose anybody would care to tape this and send it my way?

It would be muchly appreciated.

I would if I could. Maybe ESPN can send you a copy?

Yes,i guess i could try ESPN. It is the season of goodwill after all eh?

How could they refuse me?

I didn't know that it was going to be rebroadcast on Christmas Eve. I would have had it recorded for you.

Aw, Klyd,you are a good sort for sure!

Keep your eyes peeled though,you never know eh?