"Take Me Up to the Ball Game" is a 1980 Canadian animated television special that offered a whimsical, intergalactic take on the sport of baseball. Premiering on CBC in Canada and syndicated in the United States on September 18, 1980, this special marked the final installment in Nelvana's series of specials produced between 1977 and 1980. It was also the last Nelvana television special to be distributed by Viacom Enterprises in the United States.
The title itself is a clever play on the iconic 1908 song, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," setting the stage for a story that, while rooted in baseball, ventured far beyond traditional diamond play.
An Interplanetary Baseball Challenge
The plot of "Take Me Up to the Ball Game" centers around a children's baseball team composed of anthropomorphic animals. Their ordinary world is turned upside down when they encounter a talent scout from outer space named Irwin, voiced by Phil Silvers. Irwin extends an extraordinary invitation to the team: the chance to play against a team from another planet. This proposition immediately elevates the stakes of their game, transforming a simple children's match into an intergalactic championship.As the Earth team prepares for this cosmic showdown, they soon discover a crucial detail about their opponents: the alien team has an undefeated record. The reason for their consistent victories becomes apparent during the game itself. In interplanetary baseball, making up one's own rules—what Earthlings would unequivocally call "cheating"—is a common and accepted practice. This revelation presents a significant ethical and strategic dilemma for the Earth team, forcing them to confront a very different understanding of sportsmanship.
Earthlings Versus Cheaters: A Test of Integrity
During the initial innings of the championship game, the Earth team finds itself at a distinct disadvantage. With only seven players, they struggle against their rule-bending opponents. Some members of the Earth team begin to suggest that they should also resort to cheating to level the playing field. However, their team leader firmly rejects this idea, asserting the principle that "cheaters never prosper." This declaration, surprisingly, elicits laughter from the entire stadium, highlighting the cultural differences in how fair play is perceived across planets.Despite the initial setbacks and the temptation to compromise their integrity, the Earth players choose a different strategy. They begin to anticipate their opponents' tricks and find ways to counter them effectively, all while strictly adhering to the established rules of baseball. This unexpected turn of events thrills the spectators, who are clearly enjoying the genuine challenge that the Earthlings present. Even the home team, accustomed to easy victories through their unconventional tactics, starts to relish the competitive spirit of the game as the Earthlings begin to win.
