Episode Details

With Super Bowl week upon us and the new administration in the White House, we’re resharing this vital episode from the Sportly archive—because sports have always been about more than just the game.

Step into the bleachers of Comiskey Park, 1918, where the Boston Red Sox face the Chicago Cubs in a historic World Series matchup. With Babe Ruth on the mound and World War I casting a long shadow, baseball becomes a much-needed escape. But this game isn't just about the score—it marks the first time "The Star-Spangled Banner" is played at a sporting event, setting the stage for a tradition that would shape American sports forever.

Fast forward through history:

World War II solidifies the anthem's presence in stadiums.

The Civil Rights Movement sees athletes using their platforms to call for justice.

Post-9/11, America witnesses both unity and controversy over national symbols in sports.

Sportly host Kavitha Davidson dives into the powerful intersection of sports, patriotism, and protest, exploring how athletes have sparked critical conversations about identity and justice.

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Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther & Kavitha A Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound

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