HBO on Saturday night will debut “Ferrell Takes The Field,” a project six months in the making that chronicles comedian Will Ferrell’s March 12 event in which he played for 10 different MLB teams during Cactus League games to raise funds and awareness for the Cancer for College charity. The 49-minute special, a collaboration between MLB and Funny Or Die, features Ferrell’s trademark brand of humor as well as exclusive in-game vantage points. Ferrell was miked during the five-game run, and cameras were allowed on the field at various points. Ferrell has a history with HBO, appearing on the network for his ’09 comedy special, “You’re Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush,” and he was involved as producer and performer in “Eastbound & Down.” Former MLBer Bert Campaneris, who played all nine positions in a game in ’65 and served as an inspiration for Ferrell, appears in the new special. In addition to several MLB managers, A’s GM Billy Beane also is in the special, and is humorously accused by Ferrell of simply sitting his office each day watching “Moneyball” on a continuous loop. “Ferrell Takes The Field” last weekend had an in-stadium premiere at Petco Park, during which Baseball HOF President Jeff Idelson presented Ferrell with a faux HOF plaque.
For reviews of "Ferrell Takes The Field," please see Friday's Closing Bell.
