In cooperation with the Major League Baseball Commissioner's office, on April 13, 1957, the NBC-TV network presented a 90-minute "Salute to Baseball" prime time extravaganza-live and in color, in a variety show format. Emceed by Gene Kelly, the 90-minute extravaganza brings together dozens of special guests from Baseball and Showbiz to commemorate in song, sketch and story, the opening of the 1957 baseball season. Among the special's many highlights: The introduction of 1956's MVPs, Mickey Mantle and Don Newcombe; Mel Allen recreates Don Larsen's perfect game and Gene talks to Don Larsen about his no windup pitching approach; comedy playlets starring the likes of Robert Alda and Ed Gardner; songs performed by Janis Paige, Tony Bennett, and ventriloquist Paul Winchell (with the help of dummy Jerry Mahoney); a "dream outfield" segment built around Stan Musial, Leo Durocher and Ted Williams; a "baseball rock-n-roll" specialty sung by Bill Hayes; old-time baseball newsreel clips, narrated by radio broadcaster Mel Allen; Gene Kelly talks with Stan Musial, who states that his favorite ball player was Mel Ott, Ted Williams, chairman of the Jimmy Fund, states that his favorite baseball player was Joe DiMaggio, and DiMaggio's favorite ball player was Frank Lefty O'Doul. Gene Kelly mentions that his favorite Baseball Player of all time was Babe Ruth; and a special closing message, delivered by then-Commissioner of Baseball Ford Frick.