Explore the rich history and cultural significance of baseball in America through this comprehensive 24-lecture course. Delve into the sport's evolution from early bat and ball games to its rise as the national pastime. Examine the development of professional leagues, the creation of the World Series, and the growth of ballparks. Investigate the changing rules, equipment, and strategies that shaped the game. Analyze the roles of women, Black players, and diverse communities in baseball's history. Uncover the business aspects, including player-owner relations and the reserve clause. Discuss baseball's influence on American politics, culture, and traditions. Learn about the impact of wars, scandals, and technological advancements on the sport. Gain a deeper understanding of how baseball became an integral part of American identity and continues to captivate fans today.
Play Ball! The Rise of Baseball as America’s Pastime
Overview
Syllabus
- By This Expert
- 01: Ground Rules: Baseball before Babe Ruth
- 02: Early Bat and Ball Games
- 03: The Era of Amateur Baseball Clubs
- 04: The Dawn of Professional Baseball
- 05: Baseball’s Many Leagues and Associations
- 06: How Baseball Created the World Series
- 07: Baseball Grows by Hitting the Road
- 08: Sacred Ground: Baseball’s Early Ballparks
- 09: The Development of Baseball’s Rules
- 10: The Evolution of Protective Equipment
- 11: The Role of Women in Baseball’s Early Days
- 12: Black Baseball before the Negro Leagues
- 13: Prejudice and Diversity in Early Baseball
- 14: Baseball Grows through the Press
- 15: Baseball Becomes a Game of Numbers
- 16: Baseball: A Game for the Fans
- 17: Baseball and Our Common Culture
- 18: The Business behind the National Pastime
- 19: Players, Owners, and the Reserve Clause
- 20: American Politics and Early Baseball
- 21: Baseball’s Rituals and Traditions
- 22: The Impact of War on Baseball
- 23: Scandals and Deception on the Diamond
- 24: How Changing Baseballs Changed the Game
Taught by
Bruce Markusen
