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

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Overview

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This course surveys the rise of baseball as America’s pastime, from early bat-and-ball games through the development of professional leagues and modern traditions. It explores baseball’s rules, ballparks, equipment, media, business, politics, diversity, and cultural influence.

Syllabus

  • 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
  • By This Expert

Taught by

Bruce Markusen

Reviews

4 rating at The Great Courses Plus based on 53 ratings

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