Ep 8. A Whole New Ball Game

In episode 8 of Baseball: A Film by Ken Burns, titled "A Whole New Ball Game," viewers are transported to the 1960s and 70s, a period of great change in both American society and baseball. This era is marked by the breaking of barriers and the start of new traditions, as well as a growing sense of disillusionment with the game.

The episode begins by exploring the rise of expansion teams and the creation of the American League, which helped to diversify the sport and bring in new talent. We see how this led to memorable moments such as the 1960 World Series, where the underdog Pittsburgh Pirates shocked the heavily-favored New York Yankees in a thrilling seven-game series.

At the same time, the civil rights movement was sweeping the country, and baseball was not immune to its effects. We learn about the efforts of players such as Jackie Robinson and Curt Flood to challenge the system of segregation and unfair treatment that had long existed in the sport. We also see how teams like the Atlanta Braves and the Boston Red Sox struggled with issues of race and integration, and how their actions impacted both their players and their fans.

The episode also examines the changing culture of baseball during this time. With the rise of television and mass media, the game became more accessible to a wider audience, and fans were able to follow their favorite teams and players with greater ease. At the same time, however, there was a growing sense that the sport had become too commercialized, and that the focus on profit was overshadowing the actual game.

As the episode progresses, we learn about the growing disillusionment with baseball that many fans and players felt during this period. The rise of free agency and the increasing influence of agents and owners led to a sense that the game had lost its soul, and that the pursuit of money had replaced the pursuit of excellence and fair play.

Despite these challenges, however, the episode ends on a hopeful note. We see how baseball continued to evolve and grow, with new stars like Reggie Jackson and Nolan Ryan capturing the imaginations of fans across the country. We also see how the game continued to embrace new traditions and break down old barriers, with events like the first night game in World Series history and the introduction of the designated hitter rule.

Overall, "A Whole New Ball Game" is an engaging and thought-provoking episode of Baseball: A Film by Ken Burns. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews, and expert analysis, it paints a vivid picture of a pivotal period in American history and baseball history alike. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, this episode is sure to entertain and enlighten.