Join us for a screening of Kenny Mayne's Wiffle Ball, a documentary by the legendary Ken Burns that chronicles ESPN sportscaster Kenny Mayne's effort to find the truth of what happened one day in 1989 when he threw for speed against then-rookie and future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. A talkback with Mayne and sportswriter and reporter Jeremy Schaap will follow the screening.
As part of a feature story, Mayne and Griffey competed in a Wiffle Ball speed pitch contest at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center. For 35 years, Mayne contended that he beat Griffey that day — an improbable feat.
In Kenny Mayne’s Wiffle Ball, Mayne sets out to prove he was right. Filmed in Seattle, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, legendary documentary filmmaker Ken Burns provides advice to Mayne in a key scene on this journey of discovery.
Kenny Mayne is an American sportscaster and comedian best known for his unique style of sports commentary and humor. He gained widespread recognition as a prominent anchor on ESPN, where he hosted SportsCenter and later starred in his own show, Mayne Event. Known for his sarcastic wit, dry humor, and playful approach to sports broadcasting, Mayne became a fan favorite. In addition to his work at ESPN, he’s also appeared in various comedic roles in television shows and commercials. Mayne retired from ESPN in 2021, but his legacy as a comedic sports personality remains influential in the broadcasting world.
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