Baseball - A Film By Ken Burns (1994)

Inning One, Our Game, looks at the origins of baseball in the 1840s and takes the story up to 1900. Burns refutes the myth that Abner Doubleday invented baseball in Cooperstown and traces its roots instead to the earliest days of the nation ? there are records of a game called "Base" played at Valley Forge.Inning Two, Something Like a War, takes viewers through 1910 and introduces some of the game's most celebrated and colorful characters, including Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson.Inning Three, The Faith of Fifty Million People, examines the century's second decade, which was dominated by the Black Sox scandal. George Herman "Babe" Ruth makes his first major league appearance (as a member of the Boston Red Sox) and a wave of immigration helps fill the stands with new fans, eager to "become American" by learning America's game.Inning Four, A National Heirloom, concentrates on Babe Ruth, whose phenomenal performance thrilled the nation throughout the 1920s and rescued the game from the scandal of the previous decade.Inning Five, Shadow Ball, tells the story of the Negro Leagues in the 1930s. The title refers to a common pre-game feature in which the players staged a mock game with an imaginary ball. Though unintended, the pantomime was an ap metaphor for the exclusion of blacks from major league play at that time.Inning Six, The National Pastime, covers the 1940s and includes Joe DiMaggio's celebrated hitting streak, the awe-inspiring performance of Ted Williams and what Burns calls "baseball's finest moment" ? the debut of Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.Inning Seven, The Capital of Baseball, takes viewers through the 1950s when New York City had three successful baseball teams and dominated the World Series. By the end of the decade, the Giants and Dodgers had left New York, a signal that the old game was changed forever.Inning Eight, A Whole New Ball Game, moves the field to the 1 Product Description

Baseball: The Story of the Uniquely American Game by the Consummate American Storyteller

Ken Burns uses the nine innings of a baseball game to tell the story of the game as only he can. Amazing imagery -- from still photographs of the game's roots, enhanced by the "Ken Burns Effect," to remarkable film footage -- is wed to Burns's trademark soundtrack lyricism and John Chancellor's wonderful narration of the Geoffery Ward script. If you like the game you'll like the series. If you love the game and haven't seen the series, you've waited long enough. And if you're not a baseball fan, but merely a lover of history and Americana, there's plenty here for you. July 27, 2008

The Old Ball Game

Only the sport of baseball could lend itself (via its long, rich heritage) to a Ken Burns-style documentary. Of course, Burns nails it once again.

Though not as emotionally touching as his Civil War or World War II documentaries, Baseball captures the essence of America's pastime. From Walter Johnson, Babe Ruth, and Ty Cobb to Willie, Mickey, and the Duke, to Yaz, Pete Rose, Mick Schmidt, and everyone in between, Burns recounts all the rousing stories that old fans will recite from memory and younger fans will be fascinated by. Guest commentators wax poetically about the game, old veterans tell their stories, and Burn's traditional mix of period music, solo piano, and aching violin provide an emotional punch, whether positive or negative.

However, what really sets this film apart from others is Burn's willingness to "pull no punches" in terms of describing the often-flawed sport of baseball. Whether it be the rowdyism that plagued the game in its early existence, the "Black Sox" scandal of 1919, or baseball's outright racism until the late 1940s, Burns explains those issues without letting too much personal bias creep in.

Overall, this is a wonderful documentary for baseball fans who truly value the rich history of the sport. When watching, you will fell as if you actually exist in whatever decade Burns happens to be describing. This is the ultimate "biography" of our national pastime. July 21, 2008

The Usual Burns' Spin, but Outstanding Nonetheless

The sheer magnitude of this set makes it worth 5 stars. Of course Burns beats us over the head w/ the racial angle, but that's Burns. If you're from NY, you'll get a lot of satisfaction from the New York bias. The cinematography is often stunning. Look for the Babe hitting a HR in slo-mo. Doris Kearns Goodwin somehow slipped into the mix, as did Mario Cuomo. Buck O'Neill is always enjoyable. I like seeing Sandy Koufax's pitches in slo mo w/ the behind the plate angle. If you're a Red Sox fan, you'll want to go out and pick up a pizza during the replaying of the infamous Bill Buckner game and the classic 7 game series against the Big Red Machine. The introduction to each "inning", with the Star Spangled Banner playing, might send chills down your spine. Some great players are not mentioned at all: Al Kaline, Harmon Killebrew, Steve Carlton, Mike Schmidt, George Brett, Rollie Fingers, etc. but at least we get to hear how Doris Kearns Goodwin was welcomed back to the candy store and we get a full scouting report on 20 year old prospect, Mario Cuomo.
April 15, 2008

Ken Burns has done it again...

For the Basball fan and intrigued viewer alike, this documentary is amazing. Ken Burns has a knack for documentaries, and this is no exception. He's outdone himself again! You will not be disappointed. This is not just another documentary on Baseball. Worth every penny. March 3, 2008

Baseball

I bought it for a friend who is into the history of baseball. He really likes it. February 10, 2008

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