Reel 5009

A FILM BY KEN BURNS. Ken Burns follows up his epic "The Civil War" with a comprehensive study of our national pastime, a game that he calls "a perfect reflection of the American character." In addition to chronicling the development of the sport and humanizing its legends, this nine-part, 18-plus-hour effort draws parallels between the evolving game and our evolving Nation. In assembling the documentary, Burns says he was amazed by "the power of baseball to connect with history." Tonight's "first inning" looks at baseball history before the 20th century, tracing the sport's origins to 18th century games like "townball." In the 19th century, teams were formed, rules were created, the game began to flourish and the advent of pro clubs brought the game's first scandals and player-owner confrontations—and the myth was created that Abner Double-day created baseball. Guided by Albert Goodwill Spalding, baseball started to become a big business. Among the stars appearing on the first baseball cards were Cy Young (pictured), Cap Anson and King Kelly. The end of the century also saw blacks banned from the game. Innings one through five of this series run tonight through Thursday. The series resumes with innings six through nine from Sept. 25 through 28. (2:00)

Pre-20th Century.

A FILM BY KEN BURNS. Ken Burns follows up his epic "The Civil War" with a comprehensive study of our national pastime, a game that he calls "a perfect reflection of the American character." In addition to chronicling the development of the sport and humanizing its legends, this nine-part, 18-plus-hour effort draws parallels between the evolving game and our evolving Nation. In assembling the documentary, Burns says he was amazed by "the power of baseball to connect with history." Tonight's "first inning" looks at baseball history before the 20th century, tracing the sport's origins to 18th century games like "townball." In the 19th century, teams were formed, rules were created, the game began to flourish and the advent of pro clubs brought the game's first scandals and player-owner confrontations—and the myth was created that Abner Double-day created baseball. Guided by Albert Goodwill Spalding, baseball started to become a big business. Among the stars appearing on the first baseball cards were Cy Young (pictured), Cap Anson and King Kelly. The end of the century also saw blacks banned from the game. Innings one through five of this series run tonight through Thursday. The series resumes with innings six through nine from Sept. 25 through 28. (2:00)

Pre-20th Century.

A FILM BY KEN BURNS. Ken Burns follows up his epic "The Civil War" with a comprehensive study of our national pastime, a game that he calls "a perfect reflection of the American character." In addition to chronicling the development of the sport and humanizing its legends, this nine-part, 18-plus-hour effort draws parallels between the evolving game and our evolving Nation. In assembling the documentary, Burns says he was amazed by "the power of baseball to connect with history." Tonight's "first inning" looks at baseball history before the 20th century, tracing the sport's origins to 18th century games like "townball." In the 19th century, teams were formed, rules were created, the game began to flourish and the advent of pro clubs brought the game's first scandals and player-owner confrontations—and the myth was created that Abner Double-day created baseball. Guided by Albert Goodwill Spalding, baseball started to become a big business. Among the stars appearing on the first baseball cards were Cy Young (pictured), Cap Anson and King Kelly. The end of the century also saw blacks banned from the game. Innings one through five of this series run tonight through Thursday. The series resumes with innings six through nine from Sept. 25 through 28. (2:00)

Play Ball. Pre-20th Century.

A FILM BY KEN BURNS. 1.

A FILM BY KEN BURNS. Ken Burns follows up his epic "The Civil War" with a comprehensive study of our national pastime, a game that he calls "a perfect reflection of the American character." In addition to chronicling the development of the sport and humanizing its legends, this nine-part, 18-plus-hour effort draws parallels between the evolving game and our evolving Nation. In assembling the documentary, Burns says he was amazed by "the power of baseball to connect with history." Tonight's "first inning" looks at baseball history before the 20th century, tracing the sport's origins to 18th century games like "townball." In the 19th century, teams were formed, rules were created, the game began to flourish and the advent of pro clubs brought the game's first scandals and player-owner confrontations—and the myth was created that Abner Double-day created baseball. Guided by Albert Goodwill Spalding, baseball started to become a big business. Among the stars appearing on the first baseball cards were Cy Young (pictured), Cap Anson and King Kelly. The end of the century also saw blacks banned from the game. Innings one through five of this series run tonight through Thursday. The series resumes with innings six through nine from Sept. 25 through 28. (2:00)

Pre-20th Century. series: BASEBALL A FILM BY KEN BURNS

A FILM BY KEN BURNS. Ken Burns follows up his epic "The Civil War" with a comprehensive study of our national pastime, a game that he calls "a perfect reflection of the American character." In addition to chronicling the development of the sport and humanizing its legends, this nine-part, 18-plus-hour effort draws parallels between the evolving game and our evolving Nation. In assembling the documentary, Burns says he was amazed by "the power of baseball to connect with history." Tonight's "first inning" looks at baseball history before the 20th century, tracing the sport's origins to 18th century games like "townball." In the 19th century, teams were formed, rules were created, the game began to flourish and the advent of pro clubs brought the game's first scandals and player-owner confrontations—and the myth was created that Abner Double-day created baseball. Guided by Albert Goodwill Spalding, baseball started to become a big business. Among the stars appearing on the first baseball cards were Cy Young (pictured), Cap Anson and King Kelly. The end of the century also saw blacks banned from the game. Innings one through five of this series run tonight through Thursday. The series resumes with innings six through nine from Sept. 25 through 28. (2:00)

Pre-20th Century.