A couple of years ago, we were going through the archive of video tape, cleaning them up and putting them in new protective cases, when we came upon a large box of tapes labeled Little League. Inside were over 100 tapes from 1991 to 1993 during the Menomonee Falls Little Leagues infancy. Some were coaching tapes, others were of special events like Opening Day and the Gala's. But most of them were the games taped during those first few seasons. 72 in all. Seemed a shame that they were sitting there with no useful purpose. The idea to tape the games came in the very first year. We thought it would be fun for every player in the league to be able to see him or herself on cable TV, just like the pro's. With over 300 players it worked out that we could tape all the teams in the league in just 12 games.
It was important to put the scores on the screen, and as long as your doing that, you may as well put the players names in, music, graphics, sponsors credits, and music videos. The games were a big hit and were played several times at the end of the season, usually 2 games each night. All were taped with two cameras and edited, except for T-ball (could have use 9 cameras for those games). The following year the league had doubled to over 600 players and of course that doubled the amount of games that needed to be taped. Couldn't leave anyone out. So in 1992 there were 24 games taped for playing on channel 7 (later moved to channel 14). In 1993... you guessed it, another 500 players and a total of 36 games. The schedule became overwhelming and camera operators were scarce. So before it turned into 50 games, we quietly retired the idea, leaving the preservation of those unforgettable plays to the parents.
Fast forward to 2006. A few people had asked for copies of their kids games over the years, so why not just run those games on cable one weekend so they can copy them to their DVD recorders. That June we ran the first 12 games over and over on a Saturday and Sunday. The response was overwhelming. People were tuning in to one game, seeing there old neighbor in the background, and then watching 4 or 5 games in a row. Last year we ran 1992 and 1993. This year we will be running all 72 games, selected music videos and a few opening day highlights on the weekend of the 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th of June. The schedule will be posted on the website on Wednesday evening, with games starting on Thursday afternoon. This is all contingent on the removable hard drive with all the games on it working of course. The power in the studio is still out so we sill be installing it in the dark. Get your cracker jack, and hot dogs out, set up the DVR and settle in for 72 memorable games.
For those of you interested in live television, Reel Movie with Matt & Paul is not sitting idle during the studio remodel. They are going on a location shoot Tuesday June 24th. This months show will be filmed at John Harbors Main Street Coffee House at 8:00 pm. Stop in and see our famous hosts as they review this months latest movies in front of a live audience. Check out the fa-ire & spirits and enjoy their first attempt at live television.
THIS WEEK ON CHANNEL 14
FOCUS on Our Children has two new shows on the budget and some of our new administrators.
Village Voices is running an update on the Big Pig Gig scheduled for the end of September this year.
Optimist Independence Day Parade. Once again we will be taping from Appleton Avenue on the parade route, so stop in and say hi.
AS ALWAYS....STAY TUNED!
