Ep 6. The National Pastime

In episode 6 of season 1 of Baseball: A Film by Ken Burns, titled "The National Pastime," viewers are taken on a journey through the history of baseball, specifically its evolution into a nationwide obsession. The episode begins with the roots of the game in rural America, where simple stick-and-ball games were played for fun and exercise. From there, it explores the creation of the first baseball club in 1845, and the adoption of rules that helped to standardize the game and turn it into a true sport.

The episode also delves into the social and cultural impact of baseball, particularly on the American psyche. As the game became more popular, it began to serve as a metaphor for American values like hard work, perseverance, and individual achievement. Teams, managers, and players became symbols of these values, and baseball became an important reflection of American identity.

As the episode progresses, viewers are also treated to stories about some of the most legendary teams and players in baseball history, who helped to shape the game and become its most recognizable faces. From the early days of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig to the modern era of Willie Mays and Hank Aaron, viewers will learn about the triumphs and struggles of these iconic figures, and how their contributions helped to make baseball the national obsession that it is today.

Throughout "The National Pastime," Ken Burns employs his signature style of documentary filmmaking, using archival photos and footage, interviews with experts and historians, and narration to tell the story of baseball's rise to national prominence. The result is a rich and immersive look at one of America's most beloved games, and the ways in which it has helped to shape our culture and our national identity. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the game or just curious about its history, "The National Pastime" is an episode that no one should miss.