The nationally televised game between the Giants and the Cardinals was played at Rickwood Field in Alabama last Thursday, in tribute to the long neglected Negro Leagues, which Major League Baseball is trying to correct and the recently passed Willie Mays, who played at the stadium.

It was a normal broadcast in most respects until half an inning, when the screen suddenly went to black and white, with old time supers counting balls and strikes. The idea was to recreate what watching baseball in the 50s and 60s looked like. In an era of HDTV and stereo, where graphics climb constantly all over the screen, you might think this would have annoyed modern day viewers. 

But you'd be wrong. They went crazy for the tribute, lighting up social media with widespread praise for the unannounced special effect. A surprise for an otherwise uneventful inning that turned out to be a home run. You can watch it here. 

Fox Broadcast Wowed MLB Fans With Throwback Effect During Rickwood Field Game