Baseball's status as America's pastime is deeply intertwined with its rich history and the shared experiences it fosters among fans. This bonus episode delves into the unique structure of baseball games, which revolve around innings rather than a strict time limit, allowing for a slower, more reflective pace compared to other sports. We discuss how this leisurely nature of the game has both contributed to its charm and led to challenges in attracting younger audiences, and we touch on baseball's ability to weave stories and memories that endure across generations. ... Special guest: Ben Railton, a professor of US Studies at Fitchburg State. His books include We the People: The 500-Year Battle Over Who is American, and he has just released a new podcast series, The Celestials’ Last Game ... Highlights from this episode: Baseball's official length is determined by innings, with nine total in each game. Each baseball game consists of a top and bottom half for each inning. The modern baseball game lasts significantly longer than the ideal 2.5 hours. Baseball's slower pace allows for storytelling and communal experiences among fans. Fans often share deep emotional connections to baseball through personal and family stories. The passion of baseball fans often revolves around memory and a shared history. ... Listen to the full main episode: How Did Baseball Become an American Pastime? ... Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help: Individuals - support the show with a one-off or monthly donation: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support Universities & Colleges - become an academic partner or email [email protected] for more info Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated! Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.