Home Run Derby, Volume One: Mickey Mantle

Hey, batter, batter, batter. Sports fans fascinated by the batting records of legendary dukes of the diamond will appreciate this all-star slugfest. Hosted by Mark Scott (who also interviewed players in the press box), Home Run Derby: Volume One compiles eight episodes of the famous short-lived TV series—which bowed in 1959—that pitted famous hitters (one from the National League, the other from the American League) against each other in a nine-inning match-up at Wrigley Field, resulting in a cash prize for the one who could wallop the most homers. This first volume is dominated by Mickey Mantle—then at the top of his game—who goes up against Willie Mays, Ernie Banks, and Jackie Jensen, before losing to Harmon Killebrew. Ken Boyer and the immortal Hank Aaron are among the other ballplayers who also appear in this nostalgic treasure. [Note: Home Run Derby, Volume Two: Hank Aaron is also available, with Volume Three: Willie Mays slated for release on Sept. 25.] Recommended. (E. Hulse)