Twin Cities PBS (TPT) premieres a new documentary about Minnesota sports in 1960 with Becoming Big League. The documentary is the latest in the Minnesota Experience series – programming that dives into bygone eras and holds history up to the modern moment unveiling insights about what it means to be Minnesotan.
“Sports is such a defining part of the American – and Minnesota – experience,” says Daniel Bergin, the producer of the film. “1960 is a defining year for Minnesota sports. So much of what was happening in sports reflects what was going on in society as a whole and continues to shape how Minnesotans view themselves.”
Becoming Big League explores Minnesota becoming ‘Major League’ – in more ways than one. It delves into the dynamics of the Lakers leaving for LA, while the Minnesota Vikings and Twins arrived. The film also discusses the University of Minnesota as a leading recruiter of athletes of color, a defining factor in the national championship in football. In addition, while women’s sports were largely unsupported, Patty Berg became Minnesota’s greatest golfer. From small towns to big league cities, from origins to championships, Becoming Big League explains why 1960 was the most dynamic and dramatic year in Minnesota sports.
Narrated by longtime Minnesota sportscaster Mark Rosen, the documentary will premiere on Monday, October 14th at 9:00 P.M. (CT) on TPT 2. It will also be available for streaming on the PBS Video App and on tpt.org. Preview the documentary here.
There is also a premiere screening event at the TPT Studios in downtown St. Paul on October 3, 2019 at 6:00 P.M. The screening of the documentary will be followed by a panel discussion and Q & A featuring people highlighted in the film, along with fun sports-themed activities including air hockey and foosball, and video games including Atari and NES. The event is free and open to the public. Please register here.
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