Inning Five: Shadow Ball

Summary

The story of the Negro Leagues in the 1930s. “Shadow Ball” refers to a common pre-game feature in which the players staged a mock game with an imaginary ball. Though unintended, the pantomime was an apt metaphor for the exclusion of blacks from major league play at that time.

Guest stars

• George Plimpton as Self
• Gerald Early as Self
• Red Barber as Self
• Vin Scully as Self
• Shelby Foote as Self
• Adam Arkin as (voice)
• Philip Bosco as (voice)
• Ossie Davis as (voice)
• Paul Roebling as (voice)
• Eli Wallach as (voice)