Baseball: The Tenth Inning
This two-part sequel to the 1994 series Baseball continues the story of America's national pastime from the early 1990s to 2010. This transformational period leads off with the 1994 players' strike. Other key developments and milestones include the increasing dominance of Latino and Asian players who truly turn the game international; skyrocketing profits; the Red Sox' historic World Series victory; the astonishing feats of Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds; and the revelations about performance-enhancing drugs that cast a shadow over many athletic accomplishments.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary, directed by Ken Burns, continues the epic exploration of America's pastime, baseball. It picks up where Burns' previous acclaimed series left off, delving into the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The film examines the steroid era, the changing nature of the game, and its cultural impact on America through the turn of the millennium.
Critical Reception
The film was generally well-received by critics, praised for its typical Ken Burns thoroughness and engaging narrative style. However, some found it to be a less compelling or essential addition to Burns' body of work compared to his earlier baseball documentary.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its in-depth coverage of modern baseball history.
- Lauded for Ken Burns' signature directorial style and storytelling.
- Some critics found it less impactful than previous installments.
Google audience: Viewers largely appreciated the documentary's comprehensive look at baseball's recent history and its cultural significance. Many enjoyed the familiar narrative approach and the detailed examination of key events and players.
Fun Fact
The documentary was criticized by some for its perceived leniency towards the steroid era, with some viewers and critics feeling that it didn't adequately address the ethical implications of performance-enhancing drug use in baseball.
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