‘Jeopardy!’ contestant makes most of second chance 50 years later
After 50 years, contestant Martha Bath returned to Jeopardy!, Wednesday. In 1972 the show was hosted by Art Fleming and the prizes weren’t quite as large.
“I won $40 and a set of encyclopedias, and I still have them,” said Bath. Which appears to be a consolation prize from that era.
Martha got off to a hot start, as she managed to locate and correctly answer two Daily Doubles on her way to a massive Final Jeopardy! wager. She bet her full $15,400 to win a total of $30,800.
It is very rare for players to make multiple appearances and the fact that her two were 50 years apart made it an even better story.
“Martha Bath, that's a lot more than a set of encyclopedias,” said host Ken Jennings. “You're a Jeopardy! champion with $30,800. Or, if we count 1972, $30,840.”
Video Transcript
[AUDIO LOGO]
KEN JENNINGS: Generally, a Jeopardy appearances are one to a customer. But for Martha Bath a retired CPA from Seattle, this is not your first rodeo, is that right?
MARTHA BATH: That is correct. 50 years ago this spring, I was on the original daytime show with Art Fleming in New York.
KYLIE MAR: After 50 years, contestant Martha Barth returned to Jeopardy Wednesday. In 1972, the show was hosted by Art Fleming and the prizes weren't quite as large.
MARTHA BATH: I won $40 and a set of encyclopedias. And I still have them.
KEN JENNINGS: You still have the encyclopedias [? or ?] [? do ?] you love the $40?
MARTHA BATH: No.
KYLIE MAR: Martha got off to a hot start as she managed to locate and correctly answer two daily doubles on her way to a massive Final Jeopardy wager.
KEN JENNINGS: How much did you wager? Wow. You will double your money-- $30,800.
KYLIE MAR: It is very rare for players to make multiple appearances. And the fact that her two were 50 years apart, made it an even better story.
KEN JENNINGS: Martha Bath. That's a lot more than a set of encyclopedias. You're in "Jeopardy!" Champion for $30,800. Or if we count 1972, $30,840.
[AUDIO LOGO]
