Billy Crystal - Battle of the Network Stars

[chroniclerofthe70s]

A great example of why the 70s were the best, Howard Cosell kept saying the thrill of victory,  a tag line from Wide World of Sports Introduction during the 70s. If this were to happen today, the network or owners of WW of sports would have sued him or demanded that he stop using the phrase, the thrill of victory.

[higgy04]

Letterman represented CBS back in 1978? I always remember him on NBC from 1980 to 1993 before he went to CBS.

[hariseldon59]

@higgy04 The reason that Dave represented CBS is because he was a cast member of Mary Tyler Moore's short-lived variety show, 'Mary', which aired on CBS in 1978.

[646guy]

What most people forget is that they weren't playing for charity or people at home. The money they won went into their own pocket. Back in the 70s they weren't pulling in the checks they were today that's for sure so the extra winnings were definitely worth it

[deniseASLterp]

I LOVED these -- gabe kaplan always one of the the team leaders if I recall-- ut was better than watching the emmy's or oscar's :D

[PittsburghMarky]

Does Larry Wilcox get to have one at bat in a Grapefruit League game for the Yankees now?

[inbredagogo]

damn, Billy would have won if he didn't get caught in the ropes

[Tubewings]

These need to be released on DVD!!

[10Dec1971]

YES!!  I used to love these when I was a kid. They were great. I'd buy the DVD for sure.

[dwlightfoot]

I doubt they will only because of royalties and such.

[CelestialWoodway]

Howard Coseel is kind of a dick. Lighten up on Billy and give him a chance to catch his breath!!

[MsTexas73]

Battle Of the Network Stars!!!

You get MAJOR points for this...I swear I tuned in EVERY time they had one of these on...I think they did it twice a year if I can recall...they should have never taken this off the air it was AWESOME...I remember MElissa Gilbert used to be NBCs secret weapon and Kristy McNichol was ABCs

[ACcountryFan]

i've been watching several of these You Tube clips. it's funny, though, these were being produced years before the "reality show" craze took over TV. when i see critics write lavish praise for programs with names like "celebrity apprentice" or "celebrity survivor", or "celebrity" this or that i'd think about this BOTNS which boasted all three major networks joining forces for the specials. i may eat my words saying this but it's highly unlikely the Big 3 would ever do a series like this again

[MsTexas73]

Well today we have WAAY more networks to consider...HOWEVER...I THINK a show like this is MUCH better than any challenge series that's been recently given to us...

I say BRING BACK BOTNS!!!

[dunskie]

Awesome video! I remember LOVING when this was on. Letterman ran a great race too. Props to an underestimated Dave.

[ken131]

Thanks! I've been wanting to see this after I heard about how much butt Billy kicked in it.

[moonlightchi]

Awesome! I'm absolutely beaming. I personally have always wanted to see the Larry Wilcox parts of Battle Of The Network Stars, and now I have, and on top of it all, he kicks Billy Crystal's butt like there's no tomorrow! Fantastic beyond belief!!!

[slap1328]

Two things bettychuck:

1) You actually possess a copy of a "Battle of the Network Stars" show.

2) You use the adjective "biff", to describe this clip in your write-up.

Awesome on both counts!

[bettychuck]

Why thank you! I caught the BOTNS by chance on the now defunct TRIO channel. They had a marathon of 5 episodes. Why this channel is defunct, I dunno.

[slap1328]

I am sure it had nothing to do with the fact they showed BOTNS as part of their schedule.