Spring training is getting closer and closer and hopefully when you are not outside catching a tan or going for a bike ride, you’ll still be watching TV. Spring and summer is also the time to watch America’s favorite pastime: Baseball. I decided to look back over all of my favorite TV shows to pick out the greatest episodes devoted to the game of baseball. Some of these even feature a famous baseball great from the time period. For the purposes of this article, any TV show that is a baseball or sports themed focused series is not included in our top picks. Did your favorite baseball-themed TV show episode make our list? Find out below:
1. The Simpsons, “Homer at the Bat,” original airdate February 20, 1992
This classic episode of The Simpsons is a favorite of many baseball fans and avid watches of this long-running animated comedy. The episode aired during the third season and follows the Nuclear Power Plant’s softball team on the road to the championships. Mr. Burns places a bet that his team will take home the trophy and hires Darryl Strawberry, Jose Canseco, Steve Sax, Ken Griffey Jr., Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Mike Scioscia, Don Mattingly, and Ozzie Smith to work at the Plant so they can play on the team. Strange things happen to the players, which makes them unable to play in the final game except for Darryl Strawberry. Homer does end up winning the game for the team when he is hit by a pitch and knocked unconscious. This was the first episode of The Simpsons to pass The Cosby Show in number of viewers.
2. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, “The World Series Defense,” original airdate October 22, 2009
The cast and creators of It’s Sunny in Philadelphia has a love for Philadelphia sports teams, which is why it was no surprise that they dedicated an episode to the gang trying to score seats to the World Series. The Phillies won the title in 2008 and made another appearance in 2009 when this classic episode aired. During the installment, the gang is in court, and they try to explain their actions in order to clear themselves from any wrongdoing, which resulted in $1,000 in parking tickets. They retell a story that involves bug bombs and trying to get hit by cars to score tickets to Game 5 of the 2008 World Series. They claim to have found a secret tunnel that led them into the stadium but were locked in linen closest for six days.
3. Arrested Development, “Switch Hitter,” original airdate January 16, 2005
It is the annual Sitwell/Bluth baseball game. When Sitwell comes to visit the Bluth home to make a housing deal, Michael is the only one on board. GOB refuses the offer. Because of this, he is given a job by Sitwell and will be playing on his company’s team instead. At home, an injury makes Lindsey to not be able to play in the game, and since the rules require at least one woman to be on the team, Ann is recruited in her place. Ann serves as the team’s catcher, and when GOB tries to score a run, he knocks into her and chips his tooth. This causes him to now whistle when he talks. The Bluths end up losing after Michael announces that GOB safe at home plate.
4. Married with Children, “The Unnatural,” original airdate October 14, 1990
Married with Children was already an established comedy on FOX when this baseball-themed episode aired during its fifth season. Al’s family blames him for their recent softball team loss. He is certain his terrible game play is from an old sports injury. Al also believes that the umpire (who is actually Marcy) was giving bad calls because of her dislike for Al. The rest of the team stops by the Bundy residence and tells Peg that Al needs to be replaced. The entire team becomes injured at some point during the Championship game, which leaves only Al to take the plate. He hits a home run, and the team is victorious!
5. Seinfeld, “The Boyfriend: Part 1 & 2,” original airdate February 12, 1992
This two-part classic episode of Seinfeld took place during the comedy’s third season. Jerry is lucky enough to bump into his idol: New York Mets first baseman Keith Hernandez. Jerry becomes upset when Keith breaks a meet-up the two had scheduled so he can hang out with Elaine. Kramer and Newman do not like Hernandez as much as the others. They assert that the baseball player spit on Kramer when he visited Shea Stadium, while Jerry believes it was a “second spitter.” In the second part of this baseball-themed episode, Jerry grows even more jealous of Keith and Elaine’s growing relationship. However, Elaine quickly kicks him to the curb when she finds out that he is a smoker. Kramer and Newman call out Hernandez for being the spitter. It turns out that pitcher Roger McDowell was the culprit.
*Bonus Episode: Happy Endings, “KickBall 2: The Kickening,” original airdate January 13, 2013
Yes, I know this is not exactly a baseball-themed episode. That is why it is a bonus feature and not a part of the list. However, you do have to admit that kickball and baseball share a lot of similarities in their rules and game play. This episode of Happy Endings was originally filmed during second season but did not air on television until the series’ third and final season. One of the highlights of this hilarious sitcom is Max as the drunk and surly coach very similar to that of Tom Hank’s character in A League of Their Own. Also, we learn that Brad prefers to bunt every time he is up to the plate and would like everyone to call him “bunt cake.” In the end, the gang is not able to take home the victory. They still celebrate with Penny still on the field nursing her wounded face.
What is your favorite baseball-themed TV show episode? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Photo via FOX]
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