Watch Play Ball! The Rise of Baseball as America’s Pastime

Play Ball! The Rise of Baseball as America’s Pastime is a fascinating historical documentary series from The Great Courses Signature Collection starring Bruce Markusen. This series delves into the origins and growth of baseball, exploring the game's evolution from its early days to its current status as America's favorite pastime.

Throughout the series, Markusen takes viewers on a journey through the development of baseball, diving deep into each era of the sport's history. From the early days of the game in the mid-19th century to the modern era, Markusen examines how baseball has changed over time and how it has reflected the changes in American society.

The first few episodes of the series focus on the origins of baseball, delving into the early days of the sport when it was little more than a casual game played on schoolyards and in city parks. Markusen explores how the game began to take on a more organized form in the late 19th century, with the formation of the National League and the American League, and how the game's popularity soared in the early 20th century.

As the series progresses, Markusen examines some of the most iconic moments in baseball history, including the Babe Ruth era, Jackie Robinson's breaking of the color barrier, and the era of the Yankees dynasty. Markusen also explores some of the darker moments in baseball history, such as the Black Sox Scandal of 1919 and the steroid era of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

One of the most interesting aspects of the series is the way it connects baseball to the broader social and cultural context of each era. Markusen shows how baseball has been used as a reflection of the American experience, demonstrating how the sport has mirrored the changes in American society over time. For example, Markusen examines how the game evolved during World War II and how baseball was used as a means of boosting morale and patriotism during the war years.

Overall, Play Ball! The Rise of Baseball as America's Pastime is a must-watch for anyone interested in baseball history, sports history, or American history in general. Markusen brings a great deal of passion and expertise to the series, and his insights and analysis are second to none. Whether you're a lifelong baseball fan or just looking to learn more about the history of one of America's most beloved sports, Play Ball! is definitely worth a watch.

Play Ball! The Rise of Baseball as America’s Pastime is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (24 episodes). The series first aired on June 21, 2019.