It was our National Pastime. It sold tickets and hot dogs and souvenirs. There were heroes, records, rivalries and controversy.
As each decade of Baseball came to a close, the next one would be at least a little different from the previous one. In some eras Baseball would have an affect on American culture; and in others American culture would have an affect on Baseball.
During a time when Americans were down and out, Baseball was still there and would somehow lift our spirits. It was our National Pastime.