Baseball (1994)
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Ken Burns — Director
Episodes 9
Inning One: Our Game
In New York City, in the 1840s, people need a diversion from the "railroad pace" at which they work and live. They find it in a game of questionable origins. Inning One, Our Game, looks at the origins of baseball in the 1840s and takes the story up to 1900. Burns refutes the myth that Abner Doubleday invented baseball in Cooperstown and traces its roots instead to the earliest days of the nation.
Read MoreInning Two: Something Like a War
In 1894, a sportswriter named Byron Bancroft "Ban" Johnson takes over a struggling minor league - the Western League - and turns it into a financial success. Inning Two, Something Like a War, takes viewers through 1910 and introduces some of the game's most celebrated and colorful characters, including Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson.
Read MoreInning Three: The Faith of Fifty Million People
Examine the century's second decade, which was dominated by the Black Sox scandal. George Herman “Babe” Ruth makes his first major league appearance (as a member of the Boston Red Sox) and a wave of immigration helps fill the stands with new fans, eager to “become American” by learning America's game.
Read MoreInning Four: A National Heirloom
This episode concentrates on Babe Ruth, whose phenomenal performance thrilled the nation throughout the 1920s and rescued the game from the scandal of the previous decade.
Read MoreInning Five: Shadow Ball
The story of the Negro Leagues in the 1930s. “Shadow Ball” refers to a common pre-game feature in which the players staged a mock game with an imaginary ball. Though unintended, the pantomime was an apt metaphor for the exclusion of blacks from major league play at that time.
Read MoreInterview with Ken Burns
Charlie Rose interviews Ken Burns on the creation of his series "Baseball".
Read MoreInning Six: The National Pastime
This episode covers the 1940s and includes Joe DiMaggio's celebrated hitting streak, the awe-inspiring performance of Ted Williams and what Burns calls “baseball's finest moment” — the debut of Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
Read MoreInning Seven: The Capitol of Baseball
Viewers are taken through the 1950s when New York City had three successful baseball teams and dominated the World Series. By the end of the decade, the Giants and Dodgers had left New York, a signal that the old game was changed forever.
Read MoreBob Gibson
Charlie Rose interviews Bob Gibson on his career, autobiography and baseball today.
Read MoreInning Eight: A Whole New Ball Game
The field is moved to the 1960s. This episode traces the emergence of television, the expansion to new cities and the building of anonymous multipurpose stadiums that robbed the game of its intimacy and some of its urban following.
Read MoreInning Nine: Home
The final episode looks at baseball from the 1970s to the present, including the establishment of the free agent system, the rise in player salaries, the continued expansion, the dilution of talent, the ongoing battles between labor and management and the scandals.
Read MoreBob Costas on Mickey Mantle
Charlie Rose interviews Bob Costas on the baseball career of Mickey Mantle. The interview takes place on August 16th, 1995, the day after Costas delivers the eulogy at Mantle's funeral.
Read MoreRachel Robinson
Charlie Rose interviews Rachel Robinson - wife of Jackie Robinson - on the life and career of Jackie Robinson.
Read MoreBob Costas on 1998 Season
Charlie Rose interviews Bob Costas on the 1998 baseball season. Topics include the Yankees sweep of the World Series and Mark McGuire's record setting season.
Read MoreYogi Berra
Charlie Rose interview Yogi Berra on his career and recent book.
Read MoreThe Making of Baseball
The making of Ken Burns' Baseball
Read MoreTop of The Tenth
Part 1 of 2. Ken Burns' follow-up to "Baseball" picks up where the 1994 series left off. Included: the crippling 1994 strike; the influx of international players; Cal Ripken's consecutive-games streak; the thrilling 1998 home-run race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa.
Read MoreBottom of the Tenth
Ken Burns' follow-up to "Baseball" concludes with a look at dominating pitchers like Pedro Martinez, Japan's first MLB star, Ichiro Suzuki; the comfort provided by the game after the 9/11 attacks; revelations about performance-enhancing drugs; the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry; and Boston's World Series victory.
Read MoreBack to the Ballpark
An interview with Ken Burns and Lynn Novick
Read MoreAdditional Scenes
Interview Outtakes
Hitting & Hitters
Pitching & Pitchers
Fielding
Red Sox & Yankees
Cubs
Giants
Affirmative Action Home Runs
Late 90s Power Surge
Home Run Chase of 1998
Asterisks & the Hall of Fame
The Flip
9/11
Coming to America
Globalization
Ichiro on the WBC
Rotisserie
Why We Love the Game
Read MoreKen Burns: Baseball
Bob Costas presents an inside look at the making of "Baseball," including interviews with Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, and insight into the impact "Baseball" had on America.
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