Baseball: A Film by Ken Burns

1994
5.0
4 reviews
TV-PG
Rating
Eligible
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Season 1 episodes (12)

1 Inning 1: Our Game (1840s–1900)
9/18/94
By 1856, the game of baseball is already being called “the national pastime”. But the nation is about to be torn apart. And, in the midst of the Civil War, there is one thing that Americans North and South have in common: baseball.
2 Inning 2: Something Like a War (1900–1910)
9/19/94
The 1900s are a decade of revolution. Byron Bancroft “Ban” Johnson takes over a struggling minor league and turns it into a financial success. In 1903, the first World Series is played between the Boston Pilgrims and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
3 Inning 3: The Faith of 50 Million People (1910–1920)
9/20/94
A stream of immigrants land in America—and find playing and following the National Pastime a path to becoming American. As the country endures a war, baseball experiences a time that includes the angriest player to ever step on the field.
4 Inning 4: A National Heirloom (1920–1930)
9/21/94
The 1920s begin with America trying to recover from the war and baseball trying to recover from the scandal of the 1919 World Series. America finds relief in the Jazz Age. George Herman “Babe” Ruth is one of the best pitchers in baseball.
5 Inning 5: Shadow Ball (1930–1940)
9/22/94
In the midst of all the suffering of the Great Depression, baseball offers a welcome distraction—and heroes. But the heroes do not come only from the Major Leagues. The Negro Leagues bring baseball to towns the Major Leagues ignore.
6 Inning 6: The National Pastime (1940–1950)
9/25/94
At the beginning of the decade, Jackie Robinson’s debut is still years away. Joe DiMaggio sets a consecutive game-hitting streak that still stands. Ted Williams becomes the last man to hit .400. The Brooklyn Dodgers win their first pennant.
7 Inning 7: The Capital of Baseball (1950–1960)
9/26/94
Year after year, the Yankees are on top of the American League. Year after year, the Giants and the Dodgers fight for the National League crown. Starting in 1949, there is a New York team in the World Series for 10 straight years.
8 Inning 8: A Whole New Ball Game (1960–1970)
9/27/94
The 1960s are a turbulent decade for America. It is also a turbulent decade for baseball. It starts with Bill Mazeroski bringing down the Yankees with one dramatic home run, and in 1961, Roger Maris pursues Babe Ruth’s “untouchable” record.
9 Inning 9: Home (1970–1992)
9/28/94
America and the world are seeing more changes than ever. And so is baseball. Free agency, multimillion-dollar salaries, the designated hitter, a shocking gambling scandal, a new home run champion, and a World Series victory for Canada.
10 Top of the Tenth (1992–1999)
9/28/10
In an age of globalization and deregulation, Cal Ripken becomes baseball’s new Iron Man, sluggers Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa smash records, and The Braves dominate the National League while the Yankees build a new dynasty.
11 Bottom of the Tenth (1999–2009)
9/29/10
In the fall of 2001, a very worried country yearns for normalcy. Baseball helps provide it. In an epic battle with the Yankees, the Boston Red Sox stage the greatest comeback in history. Baseball is more popular and profitable than ever.
101 Baseball Promo
3/18/21
The Emmy® Award-winning story of America’s national pastime from Ken Burns is now fully restored in high definition! Baseball spans the quest for racial justice, the immigrant experience and the transformation of popular culture.

About this show

The Emmy® Award-winning story of America’s national pastime from Ken Burns is now fully restored in high definition! Baseball spans the quest for racial justice, the immigrant experience and the transformation of popular culture.

Ratings and reviews

5.0
4 reviews
Timothy Toeniskoetter
May 22, 2022
This is the definitive documentary on baseball. It set the standard for the care that is required of a ever-changing snapshot of the game. With the shifting winds of public opinion it holds a mirror up to show us that America and baseball are one and the same. As historically accurate as possible with the Ken Burns signature on its production you will be hard pressed to find a better presentation.
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