NESN’s homage to the 1975 World Series, which included a look at the epic Game 6, was a home run

Instead of going over what has already happened, we like to stay in the present or anticipate what will happen in sports media in this space.

Think of this as an exception. Because it deserves a thank-you after the fact because NESN did such a great job honoring a memorable period in Red Sox history.

As the Red Sox faced and ultimately defeated the Cincinnati Reds in a three-game set at Fenway Park last Monday-Wednesday in the storied 1975 World Series, NESN took advantage of the occasion to commemorate the 50th anniversary of that Fall Classic with a vintage broadcast on Tuesday night that reflected baseball on television in the era of bell-bottoms and big hair.

The reception has been favorable, according to Amy Johnson, NESN’s coordinating producer who directed the project, and it was perfectly in this 50-something’s wheelhouse. “Especially from that generation that remembers the 75 team,” she remarked.

The inspired broadcast featured simple-text graphics of the era along with a retro score bug. Voice-by-playAnalyst Dave O. BrienandLou Merloni wore garish coats and ties that appeared to have been taken directly out of Gene Rayburn’s Match Game wardrobe. (Students, look it up.)

A look back at the dramatic Game 6 and a tribute to Luis Tiant, who ought to have been in Cooperstown long ago, were among the immersive flashbacks that were talked over by reporter Jahmai Webster, who was wearing a blouse that appeared to have been from an exhibit on Studio 54. Rick Wise, a former Sox pitcher, was a perceptive visitor to the booth. A particularly great touch was a design that featured wood paneling, which was common in homes and cars in the 1970s.

The Red Sox’s and NESN’s control was the only letdown. The intention for the third and fourth innings of the broadcast to be completely retro was interrupted by Tuesday’s game being stopped in the third inning due to rain, which ironically caused chaos with the scheduling in the 75 World Series.

I asked Johnson if there was anything else the NESN crew wanted to include in the show but hadn’t been able to secure a permit for O Brien or something.

She stated, “I believe it was nearly the opposite, where we added more as we went.” It began very simply and fundamentally, and as we discussed and considered it further, we added more. Because everyone at NESN and our crew at Fenway worked together so well, this was a lot of fun to do. It was a lot of fun because of the buy-in, which I believe was evident on the air and among all those engaged.

According to Johnson, the network’s large content-planning department was involved from the beginning in the plans to make this series vintage, which had been in the works since March. In order to get the perfect funky feel, she prepared herself by watching YouTube broadcasts of baseball games from the 1970s.

We’ve spent more than a month perfecting the in-game graphics alone, making sure they’re accurate, readable, and have enough variations to accurately cover two full baseball innings—which is what we thought we’d have—before the rain came without leaving players wanting more details.

We were looking for a middle ground because there aren’t many unanswered questions on a baseball game screen nowadays. Hearing from those who say we got it right has been incredibly pleasant.

More special Red Sox broadcasts are scheduled by NESN, which is likely required considering the team’s poor performance thus far this summer. NESN will honor the Green Monster this coming week; the Monster Seats will host Monday’s program.

It’s worth it because it will allow the broadcasters to view the Sox from a new angle.

But who would mind one or two more broadcasts that look back if the Red Sox keep up their average ways over the next few months? NESN demonstrated its ability to perform nostalgia flawlessly by transporting viewers back to 1975.

Forsberg knows his stuff

A few years ago, an executive from the Celtics shared with me his spontaneous scouting reports on the reporters that regularly follow the team. Respect was shown for Chris Forsberg’s efforts to comprehend the NBA’s financial side on NBC Sports Boston. According to the executive, he truly understands the salary cap quite well. I’ve always remembered it, and it has been repeatedly confirmed in recent weeks as the Celtics have lost well-liked players due to the dreaded penalties for being over the second apron. In contrast to Michael Felger’s dishonest, formulaic, and deceptive commentary on NBC Sports Boston, Forsberg’s perspective has been a refreshing change. The owners are using a cheap storyline.

Boston.com’s sports columnist is Chad Finn. For the last four years, he has been chosen as Boston’s Favorite Sports Writer by the Channel Media Market and Research Poll. In addition, he contributes to Globe Magazine and writes a weekly sports media column for the Globe.