The Sixth Battle: May, 1979

Battle VI

May 7th, 1979

Host: Howard Cosell

Winner: CBS

The Teams:

ABC

Dick Van Patten (captain) 

Scott Baio, Billy Crystal, Richard Hatch, Donna Pescow, Susan Richardson. Toni Tennille. Robert Urich

NBC

Robert Conrad (captain) 

Todd Bridges, Mary Crosby, Jane Curtin, William Devane, Greg Evigan, Brianne Leary. Larry Wilcox

CBS

Jamie Farr (captain)

Catherine Bach, Valerie Bertinelli, Patrick Duffy, Lou Ferrigno, Leif Garrett, Victoria Principal. Gary Sandy

As we're, (finally) approaching the 1980's, I seem to be more familiar with more and more of the contestants on the Battle of the Network Stars episodes. I only had to Google a few names form the sixth installment, and they were all female actors.

It still amazes me, the variety of actors who appeared on the show.  Today, I don't think you'd find big name network stars on a celebrity sports event.  It's weird to see names like Billy Crystal and Scott Baio on the same team, let alone the same show.  As much as I dislike Baio today, I can't deny he was incredibly hot when he was younger.

Although as you can see, there were plenty of hot 1970's hunks in speedos, most of the best views came from promotional shots.  Again in this episode, they skipped the introduction to the swim competition, and the parade of actors in their swim suits. 

There was still plenty of skin, and if you look closely at the image below, it looks as if Leif Garrett may have flashed a little of his balls when he took part in the dunk tank competition. 

Whenever I see images of actor Robert Urich from the 70's and 80's I think of how sad it was he died so young.  Urich really was one of the most handsome men at the time.  One of these days, I'll have to check out some of his work.  The only movie of Urich's I really watched was Endangered Species, and that's because of his butt scene. (HERE:)

Although they didn't do the 'speedo intros', I still included the swimming relay in the video below. You do get a few good views, but sadly so many missed opportunities.  WKRP's Gary Sandy was swimming in his speedo, but I couldn't find one decent shot.  You do however get to hear Howard Cosell describe Leig Garrett as 'young and supple.'   You also get a hot William Devane.  Although incredibly talented, I never saw Devane as especially handsome, but he looks really good with his longer hair and his facial hair as well.

Hatch, Garrett and Conrad start off the swimming relay.