How Ken Burns' "Shadow Ball" Connects Baseball's Past to Our Uncertain Future | Features | Roger Ebert
Briefly

Ken Burns' "Baseball" is a significant docuseries that, despite its inaccuracies, highlights the impact of the Negro Leagues on America’s pastime. Particularly in Episode 5, "Shadow Ball," Burns captures the experiences of the last surviving Negro League players, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to baseball and society, especially in the wake of historically relevant themes such as the breaking of the color barrier by Jackie Robinson. The series preserves vital oral histories, showcasing the cultural significance of baseball in contexts of immigration and race relations.
Burns' preservationist efforts give life to faded triumphs and unhealed wounds, covering baseball's travels to Japan and Latin America, relevant amidst historical erasure.
'Shadow Ball' showcases the last surviving players' memories, portraying a brand of baseball that exists only in their collective remembrance, crucial for understanding the game's history.
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