KID GLOVES (1951) – This joyously tasteless program from the early years of television featured children AGE THREE TO TWELVE beating each other’s brains out in boxing matches. No, I’m not joking.
In a slight concession (NOT “concussion”) to the tender ages of the combatants the matches were limited to just three rounds of 30 seconds each. Still plenty of time for head and facial injuries plus the loss of teeth.
Bill Sears hosted the show from Philadelphia with color commentary by John “Ox” Da Grosa, former assistant coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Kid Gloves debuted on February 24th, 1951 and aired for the final time on August 18th of that same year. The program’s mere 6-month run was attributed to its difficulty in attracting sponsors despite its audience popularity.
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Thank you.
No way would I have let my child go on this show!
I understand how you feel.
omg I can’t believe this show got on the air!
I know how you feel.
Those poor little boys!
You know it!
What a bunch of animals to do a show like this!
It boggles the mind!
You deserve a shoutout for digging up such a old and strange show!
Ha! Thank you very much!
The funniest thing is that the show was real!
I agree.
Are there any episodes that exist?
Not that I’m aware of. I only ever saw the few minutes of footage in one of those old VHS collections of weird television of the past. It might have been one of Rhino’s old offerings.
my name is Joe, I’m 73 yrs young and I was one of these boy that Boxed between 1958 -1960 not sure. I still have the black and white stripe trunks. It was channel 9 in Hollywood California. I would love to find me in that ring. It would be easy. I lost, when I was interviewed I was asked Who taught me how to fight I said “My mother” I very nerves. Great memory can anyone help me.
Wow! That is great! Thanks for sharing this!
Hello, my name is Mario, and I’m now 74. I too boxed on this show in the late 50’s when I was 9 years old. I boxed in 5 bouts. My older cousin also competed in 5 bouts. My dad was a notable high school athlete, and was named to the All San Fernando Valley Football Team in 1944. My dad also fought in WWII. So, these experiences probably led him to enter me and my cousin in the show.
I do not recall seeing the mayhem described by the author of this article, and most of the kids I boxed were older than me. First, the gloves were large and very soft. In addition, we had Vaseline rubbed on our faces so that the gloves would glance off our face, minimizing impact. Now, it may have been possible that the older kids might have suffered some injuries because they were stronger. However, if injuries occurred, I was not made aware of the injuries, and I do not recall my dad ever mentioning that he observed injuries. What I do recall was that the lights above the ring were quite hot and bright.
I enjoyed competing in Kid Gloves in that it taught me courage, and to stick up for myself, which helped me through out my life. However, given the growing emphasis on safety for kids sports, this show would never have be allowed today.
Thanks for sharing this info about your participation on the show! I’m glad it had a positive impact on you!