Frontline Season 11 Episode 16 The Trouble with Baseball

The Frontline season 11 episode 16, titled "The Trouble with Baseball," delves into the controversies surrounding America's national pastime. The episode examines the financial struggles of small-market teams, the issue of steroid use among players, and the impact of race on the sport. This installment of Frontline takes viewers on a journey through the history of baseball and its challenges as it evolved from a popular game to a massive business.

The episode focuses on the economic disparities that exist within Major League Baseball (MLB) and how it has affected the competitiveness of certain teams. Teams in smaller markets struggle to compete with teams from bigger cities, who often have the financial power to acquire top players and keep them through lucrative contracts. The episode also exposes the ways in which owners of small-market teams use revenue sharing to pad their profits rather than investing it back into their teams to build a competitive roster.

Another major topic explored in "The Trouble with Baseball" is the issue of steroid use among players. The episode features interviews with several players who admit to using performance-enhancing drugs and provides insight into the deals made between the MLB and players' unions to address the problem. The episode also delves into the impact of steroid use on the health of players and the credibility of the sport as a whole.

The episode does not shy away from the racial politics that have plagued baseball since its inception. "The Trouble with Baseball" examines how race has impacted players' careers and how it continues to affect their treatment both on and off the field. The episode features interviews with several former players who speak candidly about their experiences with racism in the sport, including being spat on and taunted by fans.

"The Trouble with Baseball" offers a nuanced look at the challenges that MLB faces as it continues to evolve. From economic struggles to the persistent issue of performance-enhancing drugs and the impact of race on the sport's culture, the episode tackles difficult topics head-on. The episode offers insight from players, owners, fans, and analysts to paint a comprehensive picture of the modern state of baseball.