How Did Baseball Become an American Pastime?

Description

Baseball's evolution from a localized pastime to America's national sport is intricately linked to the social dynamics and historical context of the 19th century.

In this episode, we discuss the rise of baseball, and focus on the Celestials, a semi-professional baseball team comprised of Chinese American students, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they faced amid a backdrop of xenophobia and racism.

As baseball grew in popularity, it mirrored both the inclusive and exclusionary aspects of American society, reflecting a complex narrative of identity and community.

We delve into the contrasting experiences of diverse players in the sport, emphasizing how baseball once offered a space for integration that would later become more segregated. And we look at the broader implications of race, identity, and the enduring legacy of baseball as a reflection of American history.

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Special guest for this episode:

Ben Railton, a professor of US Studies at Fitchburg State. His books include We the People: The 500-Year Battle Over Who is American, and he has just released a new podcast series, The Celestials’ Last Game

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Highlights from this episode:

Baseball's evolution from local semi-pro teams to a national pastime reflects America's cultural diversity.
The Celestials, a semi-pro baseball team, symbolize the integration of Chinese Americans in 19th-century society.
Baseball's rich history highlights both its inclusive origins and the challenges it faces today.
The sport has become predominantly white, overshadowing its diverse beginnings and players of color.
Understanding baseball's roots involves exploring the impact of racism and xenophobia in America.
Baseball serves as a lens to examine broader societal issues, including inclusion and identity.

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Additional Resources:

Podcast: The Celestials’ Last Game by Ben Railton

Book: We the People: The 500-Year Battle Over Who is American by Ben Railton

Article: Considering History: 19th Century Baseball and the Battle for America

Video: James Earl Jones speech, Field of Dreams (1989) via YouTube

Website: americanstudier.blogspot.com

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And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes the Super Bowl so Super?

When Did the USA Last Host the Olympics?

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