Newsreel
…..Ron Darling
[ SUPER: “October 25th, 1986” ]
Announcer: October 25th, 1986. The New York Mets, one strike away from elimination in the World Series, stage a miracle comeback in the 10th inning. This thrilling spectacle is quickly overshadowed by an event of historic significance – the resulting pre-emption of “Saturday Night Live”. For the first time in its 11-year history, the show is taped for later viewing.
[ newspaper headlines spin across the screen ]
[ cut to Ron Darling giving a press conference ]
Ron Darling: When we found out that “Saturday Night Live” had been pre-empted, the mood in the locker room dropped quicker than a Roger McDowell sinker ball. Sure, we tried to keep up a front, pretending to be happy after we won the Series, but all we could think about were those disappointed “Saturday Night Live” fans. Even the ticker-tape parade seemed like a hollow charade. So, on behalf of all the Mets, I would like to make a public apology. We didn’t mean to do it, it’s just that when you’re playing in the World Series, sometimes you get all wrapped up in it, and, well.. you forget about what’s really important. Believe me, I’d gladly give back my World Series ring if it’d bring the show back live, but it won’t, so I’m keeping it.
Announcer: Now, NBC is proud to present this historic show, a window on the times we lived in. Back when the Mets hadn’t won a Series since 1969. Back when the Republicans controlled the Senate. Back when Halloween was still days away. Recorded between 1:30 and 3:00 AM on that fateful morning, October 26th, 1986, this is the way it was!
