This is an entertaining series that has something to offer even the most lapsed baseball fan. Its countdown format is both exciting and accessible, each episode counting down the 9 greatest plays of all time in each category: greatest home runs, unbreakable feats, hitting seasons, best world series, all star moments, comebacks, pitching seasons, regular season catches and plays at the plate. The DVD is complete with live-action footage of each game as well as interviews with some of the players and coaches themselves.
Why nine? Like narrator Doug Jeffers says, that’s baseball: nine players, nine innings. The first episode, the nine greatest home runs of all time begins with actual footage of Reggie Jackson’s famous third home run in the ’77 World Series. He announces, though, that this home run didn’t make the prime nine, even though it has become part of baseball history. Not even Barry Bonds, the reigning home run record holder, made this list. The narrator explains that each home run was evaluated based on the situation, the outcome, the dramatic implications of the blast, and its’ place in baseball history. This quickly gives the impression that Prime 9’s “best of” countdowns are well thought out and chosen with the utmost pride and purpose. It’s sure to bring back memories and incite heated debate among die hards as well as dazzle and educate newcomers. Jeffers asks at the end of every episode: “That’s our prime nine, what’s yours?”
"Prime 9: MLB Heroics" is on sale June 4, 2011 and is not rated. Documentary, Sports. Starring Doug Jeffers.
