‘A League of Their Own’ Recap: ‘Batter Up’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘A League of Their Own’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that sports themed stories tend to focus on supremely broad and inspiring concepts. For instance, they’re big on showcasing what it takes to achieve one’s dream. Since we see the athlete in question, fight against the odds and do whatever it takes to play the sport they love. A move that of course sends our spirits soaring since it reminds us to never give up and chase what we want with a stunning desire. Or they speak to the historical significance of moments in sports, the kind that remind us of achievements we’ve made along the way and sometimes… they take the time to celebrate the glory of the sport to evoke a feeling from fans or introduce the wonder of it to the uninitiated. 
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But while those types of concepts do indeed make for entertaining and uplifting tales, the kind that do engage and have us rooting for the underdog or surging with joy over memories… they do tend to be devoid of some elements that all audiences need to properly connect with a story: humanity, and intimacy. Because the world of sports is quite frankly, something few of us will ever take part in. For we are but observers from the stands or from the comfort of our couches, and no matter how up close and personal these stories get… without something to connect to, something we can understand and relate to… they will always be stories about a world we admire, rather than one we can experience. But thankfully, there are folks out there… hoping to change that.

In fact, Prime Video is now host to a sports story that not only serves as a reimagining of a classic but works to create a more realistic sports story. One that speaks to people on a fundamental level and that makes the series premiere of A League of Their Own, quite the powerful experience. One that quite frankly, surprises the viewer. Because ‘Batter Up’ is a story that at first glance, appears to be a retelling of the 1992 film. Since we are introduced to Carson Shaw, a woman that is eager to join the newly formed All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and she of course, meets new friends along the way as she tries out in Chicago with so many other hopefuls, and eventually garners the good news that she is going to be a member of the Rockford Peaches. In a manner that evokes imagery and concepts from that original film.

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But as the hour progresses along it quickly becomes clear that this is about so much more than baseball and being able to achieve something historic. In that, this story in and of itself IS historic. For we come to learn that the AAGBPL is home to LGBTQ+ individuals in 1943, including Carson. Meaning that we are about to embark on a powerful journey, one about individuals that believed themselves to be outsiders in every way imaginable. Making this relatable and powerful, while of course, teaching the viewer about a journey of self-discovery that not everyone understands. Which really does make this show quite the big deal, since there are few stories that truly immerse us in life in this manner, and you’re compelled to continue the journey, so you can see Carson find herself and understand who she is as a person, and find the peace she clearly craves when it comes to her sexual identity. 

However, while that journey alone could have carried this pilot, and the other episodes, it has so much more to explore about this era and offers up a far more engaging plot regarding what it means to chase one’s dream. For we are also introduced to pitcher Max Chapman. An African American woman that truly does have a powerful arm but of course, is denied entry into the league in this tale, because of the color of her skin. Giving rise to an incredible decision on her part, in that… she expects to play in this league and will find a way to do so. Providing all of us with a far more relatable journey regarding obtaining one’s dream while also allowing for representation and education to take place. Since we will undoubtedly garner better understanding of the experiences that African Americans went through during that era and undoubtedly still deal with now. 

Yet what is amazing, is that there is still more wonder to be found in this opening chapter. Because the whole matter of the AAGBPL is still quite the big deal, since it was indeed a chance for women to be professional ballplayers at a time where their place was (incorrectly) in the kitchen and being seen and not heard, and seeing that on display here… is still incredible and dynamic and well, what we saw here regarding the league is likely the tip of the iceberg regarding what this show wishes to explore about it. Because it is inherently clear that this series wishes to celebrate so much. Which means we are in for one incredible ride, one that will finally do what few sports stories have done and reach us on a fundamental level while celebrating history and the sport, and it will be simply incredible to see what the rest of this season has in store for us and the members of the Rockford Peaches. Until next time.

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