Opie’s Ballgame

[buddyholly]

Where was Opie’s baseball game filmed? Obviously near Los Angeles. Does anyone know the location?

[GentlemanJim]

The series was filmed at the Culver City studios of Desilu, with exterior scenes shot at the "40 Acres Backlot"

If you look at the following google satellite view, the former 40 acres site is bounded by Higuera St, Lucerne Ave, and Ballona creek. ( sold and redeveloped since the days of TAGS)

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0207.../data=!3m1!1e3

If you zoom out a little bit, and look to the South, you'll notice Culver City Park, which includes several ball diamonds.

I can't prove that this is where the scenes in question were filmed, but if you look at some of the still shots, that sure looks like the Baldwin Hills in the background

https://mayberry.fandom.com/wiki/The..._Ball_Game.png

[buddyholly]

Originally Posted by GentlemanJim

The series was filmed at the Culver City studios of Desilu, with exterior scenes shot at the "40 Acres Backlot"

If you look at the following google satellite view, the former 40 acres site is bounded by Higuera St, Lucerne Ave, and Ballona creek. ( sold and redeveloped since the days of TAGS)

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0207.../data=!3m1!1e3

If you zoom out a little bit, and look to the South, you'll notice Culver City Park, which includes several ball diamonds.

I can't prove that this is where the scenes in question were filmed, but if you look at some of the still shots, that sure looks like the Baldwin Hills in the background

https://mayberry.fandom.com/wiki/The..._Ball_Game.png

[buddyholly]

That makes sense. I’ve tried to match the mountain backdrops using Google Earth. The actual fields might be long gone. But it seems like it was up on Baldwin Hill somewhere.

[vitoscotti]

Off the thread topic, but related to the episode. The play at home. I just rewatched it. 3rd base is on the dirt off the grass. Home plate is 3-4 feet into the grass. The baseline isn't straight, set up by the crew. I paused the tag numerous times. The catcher is facing the incoming runner. Andy behind him. The catcher blocks the plate with foot then leg. It appears the catcher prevents Opie from hitting the plate with his leg not foot, though beating the throw. Helen's secret photo she shows Aunt Bea. Opie now has a clear path to home with now his sliding feet. The catcher is facing right field when he receives the throw. Andy is now off some to the right. Opie is obviously safe in the recreated photo for the end by a mile, not even close, as the original tag.

[buddyholly]

Originally Posted by vitoscotti

Off the thread topic, but related to the episode. The play at home. I just rewatched it. 3rd base is on the dirt off the grass. Home plate is 3-4 feet into the grass. The baseline isn't straight, set up by the crew. I paused the tag numerous times. The catcher is facing the incoming runner. Andy behind him. The catcher blocks the plate with foot then leg. It appears the catcher prevents Opie from hitting the plate with his leg not foot, though beating the throw. Helen's secret photo she shows Aunt Bea. Opie now has a clear path to home with now his sliding feet. The catcher is facing right field when he receives the throw. Andy is now off some to the right. Opie is obviously safe in the recreated photo for the end by a mile, not even close, as the original tag.

It’s fun to stop the scene and see if Andy missed the call. The photograph is not accurate at all. I think Andy made a decent call. I believe the scenes were filmed at Elysian Park near Dodger Stadium. The baseball fields now are not in the same layout as 50+ years ago. But it seems like a match.

[Will Dockery]

Originally Posted by vitoscotti

Off the thread topic, but related to the episode. The play at home. I just rewatched it. 3rd base is on the dirt off the grass. Home plate is 3-4 feet into the grass. The baseline isn't straight, set up by the crew. I paused the tag numerous times. The catcher is facing the incoming runner. Andy behind him. The catcher blocks the plate with foot then leg. It appears the catcher prevents Opie from hitting the plate with his leg not foot, though beating the throw. Helen's secret photo she shows Aunt Bea. Opie now has a clear path to home with now his sliding feet. The catcher is facing right field when he receives the throw. Andy is now off some to the right. Opie is obviously safe in the recreated photo for the end by a mile, not even close, as the original tag.

That adds layers to the plot.. sneaky Helen photo-shopped the photo?