Ep 5. Shadow Ball

In episode 5 of Baseball: A Film by Ken Burns, titled "Shadow Ball," the focus is on the Negro Leagues and the struggles African American players faced in their pursuit of professional baseball careers.

The episode begins with the story of pitcher Satchel Paige, who many consider to be the greatest pitcher of all time. Born in Alabama in 1906, Paige was denied the opportunity to play in the Major Leagues due to segregation. He spent years playing for various Negro League teams and touring the country as a barnstormer, entertaining crowds with his incredible skills on the mound.

Other Negro League players featured in the episode include Josh Gibson, a catcher known for his incredible power at the plate, and Cool Papa Bell, one of the fastest players in the game. The stories of these players and others show the incredible talent that existed in the Negro Leagues, despite the lack of opportunities and recognition they received.

The episode also explores the role of the black press in promoting and supporting African American baseball players. The Chicago Defender, a black newspaper, played a particularly important role, publishing articles and scores from Negro League games, and advocating for the integration of Major League Baseball.

As World War II raged on, many black players were drafted into the military, and the Negro Leagues suffered as a result. However, one significant change did occur during the war years: in 1945, Jackie Robinson was recruited to play for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League. Though he was not the first black player to play in the Negro Leagues, Robinson's talent and charisma caught the attention of Branch Rickey, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

The episode ends with Robinson's signing with the Dodgers, paving the way for the integration of Major League Baseball. However, the struggles and achievements of the many talented black players who came before him are not forgotten. Their stories serve as a reminder of the incredible barriers that people of color have had to overcome in the pursuit of their dreams, both on and off the baseball diamond.

Overall, "Shadow Ball" is a poignant exploration of the history of the Negro Leagues, paying tribute to the incredible players and their enduring legacy.