I was watching the original “Home Run Derby” last night on ESPN Classic. For those in the audience that are not familiar, the series aired in syndication from April to October 1960 and helped inspire the Home Run Derby event that is now held the day before the annual Major League Baseball All-Star Game. The contests were held at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, original home of the Angels.

Last night’s episode was Willie Mays versus Gil Hodges. This was played very similar to what we see in the modern derby, but there are nine innings and three outs per inning. Hodges went on to beat Mays 6-3. The host, Mark Scott, interviewed the players during the game. The dialogue was hokey, but let’s not forget this is 1950′s conservative television. Oddly enough, the original series was cancelled after the host died of a heart attack. I have seen these episodes before, but I was surprised how it kept my attention and made me wonder how cool it would be to do something like this today. Imagine A-Rod vs. David Wright? Posada vs. Mauer? Teixeira and Bay?

The current Home Run Derby is too long, has too many players, and doesn’t resemble a real game. I like how the original series did all of the above. According to Wikipedia, ESPN and MLBPA tried to recreate the Home Run Derby in 2003. Low ratings led to its cancellation, but I don’t remember the event so who knows how well it was publicized. In the modern era of the internet I bet this might get some play on iTunes, MLBAM, and television.

Instead of the current format, why not have a tournament in the same style as Home Run Derby? You can bracket the participants from 1 to 8 in order of their Home Run total. To break ties you can flip a coin (hey it worked for the playoffs right?), and have at it. Since nine innings are too long, do five inning games. I think I would actually enjoy that better. It would add drama to the contest just like an actual game.

Hodges received $2,000 for beating Mays. Today, that would account for $15,000, not enough incentive for the modern day player, but I believe you can make this more of a charitable event. The current Home Run Derby is stale and the league should go back to their roots to change it. If you have some free time you can check it out. Apparently there is a series of DVD’s for the entire show.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, David Wright, Gil Hodges, Home Run Derby, Jason Bay, Joe Mauer, Jorge Posada, Los Angeles Dodgers, Mark Scott, Mark Teixeira, New York Mets, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Willie Mays, Wrigley Field in Los Angeles