4/11/2012 Listening Lounge

THE CHURCH OF BASEBALL

Red Barber on This I Believe by Edward R. Murrow
Murrow hosted a program titled This I Believe which aired from 1951 to 1955. The series presented the personal philosophies of thoughtful men and women in all walks of life. In this installment, Brooklyn Dogers sportscaster Red Barber speaks about his spirituality.

Church and Baseball by Jay Allison
You're supposed to be a good dad... or at least you try. That means (even if you don't much want to) taking yer kids places and doing stuff together. While attending a spring training game with his brood, producer Jay Allison discovers that "like in church, tradition is all around you." Allison contemplates the "comforting rituals" in both stadium and chapel -- and the allure of each for his children.

Me and Hank by Sandy Tolan
The story of a boy and his hero, home run champion Hank Aaron, and an exploration of the hatred Aaron endured in chasing a white man's record. Growing up in Milwaukee, Sandy Tolan worshiped Aaron and as "The Hammer" approached his record-breaking homer, Tolan sent his hero a well-wishing letter. To Sandy's surprise, Aaron wrote back and twenty-five years later, Tolan finally got to meet his idol face to face.