Reel Baseball

Cinema's dalliance with the great American pastime reaches back to the medium's birth. The burgeoning moving picture shows were perfect for capturing the excitement and drama contained within four bases and a swath of outfield grass. Some might even argue that baseball has film to thank for its perpetuation. It brought the sport to the masses, allowing those unable to attend games to enjoy the action at penny arcades or vaudeville shows. We can glimpse into those old-time days thanks to this two-DVD set of some of the earliest recorded baseball-related images, two features and 11 shorts spanning from 1899 to 1926. The collection is fascinating. Highlights include 1920's Headin' Home, essentially The Babe Ruth Story, with a young (and thin) Ruth playing himself. The story is hokey and predictable but has an innocent charm. An older and much larger Ruth also appears in an undated Kinogram news clip in the set. Filmed by Thomas Edison Co. in 1899, the comedic brawl clip, Casey at the Bat or The Fate of a "Rotten" Umpire, is one of the earliest surviving celluloid baseball relics. As with many silent relics, the images can be rough and scratchy, but the value to baseball and film history trumps any imperfections. (Phil Morehart) Grade: B+