A tip of the Monsanto Toupee goes out to Big Hair & Plastic Grass Facebook page fan Kyle Bookholz, who hipped me today to this amazing Minnesota Twins TV ad from 1979, featuring Jerry Koosman, Ken Landreaux, Roy Smalley, Roger Erickson and Ron Jackson. "I've been hearing how the Twins are hurtin' without Carew," sez Kooz, which makes me wonder how many teams today would name a recently-departed star player in a TV ad, even as an act of defiance.
Put it this way: I'm pretty sure the Cardinals aren't running a "We don't need no stinkin' Pujols" spot on St. Louis channels. Though considering how hapless the Twins have been this year, maybe they should consider adopting "We've Got Something To Prove" as their "exciting" new slogan.
Koosman at least had reason to cop a 'tude, having been shipped to the Twins for a couple of minor leaguers (including Jesse Orosco) after going 3-15 for the Mets in '78 (and 8-20 the year before). Getting some decent run support for the first time in years, Kooz would go on to win 20 games for Minnesota in 1979. Unfortunately, his team would only win 82 games in all, finishing 6 games out in the AL West... behind the Rod Carew-infused California Angels, of course.
Wow Nice memory. I have a soft spot for the 1979 team. I faintly remember this ad. Can you dig up the Butch "love that kid" Wygner ad, or the one that "Disco" Danny Ford, Craig "Mongo" Kusick, Roy Smalley? are playing pepper?
Posted by: Doug | 05/08/2012 at 06:18 AM
Doug, check this out:
http://tcmedianow.com/video/minnesota-twins-tv-promotions-from-1978-and-1979/
Posted by: Dan | 05/08/2012 at 02:23 PM