Artifacts of legendary film 61* preserved in Cooperstown

“I thought I was going to get here as a player,” Crystal said, “but to get here as a director of this film, part of this team that made this film, is really the greatest thrill of my performing career.”

Well known for his comedic work, Crystal got serious when reflecting on the making of 61*, which debuted on HBO on April 28, 2001.

“When you are in this business you get some fringe benefits. You get to meet people and be with people that you normally would not get a chance to. And in my life I grew up idolizing Mickey Mantle and then we became friends,” he said. “And when the chance to direct the movie came my way it hit me in a place that very few things do… I was 13 all over again. And now that ‘13 all over again’ is forever.”

According to Ross Greenburg, president of HBO Sports and co-executive producer of 61*, none of it would have been possible without the tender loving care of a Crystal, “an American icon who also has a magical feeling for this moment in time.”

Actor Thomas Jane, who portrayed Mantle, called working on 61*, “the best film experience I’ve ever had. I’m still waiting to top it.”

“I got to go play baseball every day from morning until the afternoon for a good six hours every day, five days a week,” Jane said. “It changed me. It changed me as a person. It changed me as an actor. It made me a better human being. And it opened my eyes a little bit to the beauty, majesty and the power of a simple game called baseball. Phenomenal. For that I’ll be eternally grateful.”

Crystal donated a bound 61* shooting script to the Museum in 2010, and he previously donated such 61*-related items as movie story boards and a Yankees jersey.

Bill Francis is a Library Associate at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum