Collection:LPB

Genre: Newsmagazine

Place Covered: Gretna, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2009-03-20

Duration: 00:08:20

Subjects: Sports | Ott, Mel, 1909-1958 | Baseball players | STATUES

Contributors:

• Whinham, Charlie Producer
• Fortenberry, Rex Q. Photographer
• Fortenberry, Rex Q. Editor
• Harris, Ronnie Interviewee
• Ott, Virgie Interviewee
• Maestri, Ron Interviewee
• Whinham, Charlie Host
• Sanford, Shauna Host

This segment from the March 20, 2009, episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” features Charlie Whinham’s commemoration of the 100th birthday of baseball player Mel Ott. Ott, a native of Gretna, played for the New York Giants from 1926-1947, became the first player in the National League to surpass 500 home runs, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1951. Whinham visits the life-sized bronze statue of Ott recently unveiled in Gretna. He also talks to Gretna Mayor Ronnie Harris, Virgie Ott of the Gretna Visitors Center, and Ron Maestri of the New Orleans Zephyrs about Ott’s legacy in baseball and his hometown. Hosts: Charlie Whinham and Shauna Sanford