Religion of Sports Season 1 Episode 5 Baseball: Brooklyn and Believers

In season 1 episode 5 of Religion of Sports, titled "Baseball: Brooklyn and Believers," we are taken on a journey through the deep-seated connections between baseball, family, and faith. We first visit Iggy's, a sports bar in Brooklyn, where patrons watch the beloved Brooklyn Dodgers on a small black and white TV set. The narrator tells us that the Dodgers were more than a baseball team to Brooklynites; they were family.

We then meet Steve Shpilsky, a retired firefighter who collects Dodgers memorabilia and other relics from Brooklyn's past. He takes us on a tour of his collection, which includes ticket stubs, programs, jerseys, and even a piece of the original Ebbets Field scoreboard. Through Shpilsky's collection, we see how the Dodgers were ingrained into the fabric of Brooklyn life, but we also see how the team's departure to Los Angeles in 1957 left a gaping hole in the borough's identity.

Next, we are introduced to the Dominican Prospect League, an organization that helps young baseball players from the Dominican Republic showcase their talents to professional scouts. We meet Kelvin Beltre, a young pitcher who dreams of playing in the major leagues. Beltre's success on the baseball field is tied to his faith; he acknowledges that his talent is a gift from God, and he prays before every game.

We then see how baseball has become a religion for the residents of San Pedro de Macoris, a small town in the Dominican Republic that has produced more major league baseball players per capita than any other place in the world. The town is dotted with statues of baseball players, and young boys play baseball in the streets.

Finally, we meet Father John Sheehan, a Catholic priest who has served as the chaplain for the Boston Red Sox for the past 15 years. Sheehan sees baseball as an opportunity to minister to players, coaches, and fans, and he often offers advice and counsel to those in need. Sheehan acknowledges that baseball is not a religion, but he sees many parallels between the two; both provide a sense of community and a shared experience.

Throughout "Baseball: Brooklyn and Believers," we see how baseball has become more than just a game to so many people. Whether it's the deep-seated connections between the Dodgers and Brooklynites, the hopes and dreams of young Dominican players, or the sense of community provided by Father Sheehan's work with the Red Sox, baseball has become a source of faith, family, and identity for millions of people around the world.