The 1979 World Series content is the headliner. Pittsburgh Pirates beating the Baltimore Orioles in seven games — “We Are Family” — Willie Stargell named MVP. The 1985 World Series on ABC Sports was St. Louis vs Kansas City, the one with the Don Denkinger call. The 1985 NL Playoffs between the Cardinals and Dodgers rounds out the baseball. OSU content spans football (versus Wyoming and Wisconsin, 1986) and basketball versus Florida. The Duke vs UNLV Final Four from March 30, 1991 is tucked in there, UNLV going into that game as 35-0 and losing it.
The commercials are a separate attraction. Dave Cowens and Bob Lanier in a Miller Lite ad. John Madden for Miller Lite. Chuck Yeager endorsing a Bryant air conditioner and directing you to the Yellow Pages. Kelsey Grammer selling a Snapper Mower. The NCR “Unfloppy Copy” computer ad. A Burger King Breakfast featuring Mr. T. IBM personal computers with Charlie Chaplin. “One Shining Moment” playing during the Final Four segment. A Short North prostitution report in the Action 6 News Night Cast at the end. The Channel 6 Taft bumper appearing across multiple segments. The full tape is a 1985-1991 Columbus commercial time capsule buried inside six hours of sports.
Commercial Inventory
- Dave Cowens and Bob Lanier for Miller Lite – Former NBA stars in the classic Miller Lite celebrity campaign.
- John Madden for Miller Lite – “Tastes great / less filling” era.
- Chuck Yeager for Bryant Air Conditioners – “Check Your Yellow Pages.” Celebrity endorsement from the real sound barrier guy.
- Kelsey Grammer for Snapper Mowers – 1991 Final Four broadcast sponsor.
- NCR “Unfloppy Copy” – Early computer storage advertising. Specific tagline not found in any vintage commercial archive.
- IBM Personal Printers “Less than $550” – Charlie Chaplin campaign era. 1985 World Series broadcast.
- Hitachi Compact Disc Player – Futuristic-style ad from 1985. Early consumer CD player advertising.
- Canon T70 futuristic ad – 1985 World Series broadcast placement.
- Burger King Breakfast with Mr. T – I pity the fool who skips breakfast.
- Reebok Pumps (Olympics athlete) – 1991 Final Four broadcast Reebok Pump campaign.
- Pete Rose “Thank You” ad – 1985 World Series era. Just over one year before his gambling ban.
- ITT “We Built This City” song parody – Corporate ad using Starship parody. Chat clip moment.
- GTE “Telephone System Grows as a Town Grows” – Futuristic-style ad. Noted clip moment.
- Coke / Coke Classic with Phil Niekro – 1985 World Series broadcast during the Coke vs Classic transition period.
- Meister Brau “Tastes Expensive” – And then “SS Macklin” Senate hearings on beer variant.
