Here is a great promotional photo found on eBay advertising a PBS documentary called "Diamond Life." It was all about the Class A Bakersfield Dodgers in 1991 and the young players on the team as they sought out their American dream on the base paths. Jose Offerman and Braulio Castillo are featured. Funny thing is that neither of these guys were on the 1991 Bakersfield team. (UPDATE: based on some comments, this was based on the 1989 Bakersfield team)Who were on team, though, are a collection of future Hall of Famers and some other great players. They include Pedro Martinez, Mike Piazza, Raul Mondesi and Orel Hershiser.
This is the first time I had ever heard of the show. Has anyone ever seen it? Was this just one- one hour show, or a series of one hour shows run throughout the season? Anybody know?
I searched high and low throughout the interwebs for an archived copy, but alas one was not to be found. If you run into it please pass it along.
Diamond LIfe was a PBS special about the 1989 Bakersfield Dodgers by Ray Farkas. It included players such as Eric Karros (NL 1992 ROY), Jose Offerman, Braulio Castillo, Mike James, Jeff Hartsock, Eddie Pie, Jerry Brooks, Isidro Marquez, Jim Poole, and Henry Rodriquez. All of them played in the big leagues. It aired nationally in 1990 and 1991.
ReplyDelete1989 was the last season that the Bakersfield Dodgers were crowned the California League champions when they rolled over the Stockton Ports 3 games to none. Pedro Martinez and Jamie McAndrew almost played for the 1989 team, but the league president ruled them ineligible. Ray Farkas was fun to work with. Unfortunately, he died in 2008.
ReplyDeleteHey ... Thanks for clarifying this. I wrongly assumed since it aired (or at least stated on promo pic) in 1991 that it was about the 1991 team. I'd love to hear more about the show and if you happen to know how I can view it please let me know.
ReplyDeletethis PBS episode might have been 90 minutes it and ran on my local affiliate here in New York probably 7-8 years ago, it was terrific. Another minor-league documentary similar in scope was "Player to be Named Later" from 2007.
ReplyDeleteThe show ran 60 minutes. It was fun to shoot the voice over portions. We recorded them during the season with the last one being done the day after we won the championship.
ReplyDeleteThis show does not seem to be available on line for sale. That's too bad.