Unfortunately, the fate of Fox’s freshman series, Pitch, is still up in the air.
It is arguably one of the best new series of the year, but it has not picked up the fan base and ratings that it deserves. It’s a real shame.
Is television ready for a female-driven sports drama? I’d like to think so. Especially when that female is the talented Kylie Bunbury, and her co-star is Mark-Paul Gosselaar. They are just two of the reasons why this series deserves to be picked up.
It would be a travesty if we weren’t graced with their talent in such a groundbreaking and inspiring series.
If you’re a fan of heartwarming sports family dramas like Friday Night Lights, I urge you to check out Pitch.
You can also check out our Pitch reviews and Pitch Round Tables. If you haven’t watched the series yet or would like to relive it all over again, you can watch Pitch online right here via TV Fanatic!
Check out these 13 reasons why you should watch Pitch and why the show should be renewed!
Kylie Bunbury’s Amazing Performance as Ginny Baker
Saying that this role is Bunbury’s breakout role hardly seems fair. The actress has made the rounds on various television shows and co-starred on Twisted. Yet, Pitch’s Ginny Baker is considered a breakout role for Kylie Bunbury. Her previous work is great, but to get a feel for how exceedingly talented she is, Pitch is a must-watch.
Bunbury had the daunting task of carrying a show that bolsters great actors, some of whom are legendary. She held her own playing one of the best female protagonists we have seen in years. Ginny Baker is compelling, relatable, and someone whom we root for. She’s multi-layered and groundbreaking, while also being grounded. Each week fans were able to tune in and watch a young woman juggle life, friends, and family, all while navigating the pressure, sexism, and scrutiny that came with being the *first pro female in the Leagues. Bunbury’s performance knocks it out of the park each and every week.
It’s Incredibly Diverse
Television is at its best when it realistically reflects the diverse world we live in and/or chooses to provide representation for those who don’t necessarily have it as much as others. Pitch is very diverse. It’s even as diverse behind the scenes as it is in front of it.
Not only does the show star a biracial woman playing the *first African American woman breaking ground in the Leagues, but the rest of the cast is a wide range of race, sex, and age. Most of the supporting cast are ethnic/racial minorities. There are more than a few women, as well. But the best part is, it’s not diversity for diversity sake. It’s organic and realistic.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s Transformative Role
Mark-Paul Gosselaar made quite the transformation in order to play the lovable, seasoned curmudgeon Mike Lawson, including bulking up and growing a beard. The hot lumberjack look suits him. But, more importantly, it’s the nuanced performance as Mike Lawson that helps viewers forget about Zach Morris.
His portrayal of an aging, legendary catcher trying to make it through one final hurrah with Ginny, was much watch TV every week. The more we learned about him, the more we saw just how layered Mike Lawson was. Pitch’s fate may be up in the air, but Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Mike Lawson is proof that an actor can have more than one iconic, memorable role in their career.
It Has A Strong Supporting Cast
Pitch’s supporting cast is just as incredible as its leads. That’s to be expected when regulars consist of legendary Dan Lauria, a formidable Ali Lanter, and an impressive Mark Consuelos. They even have guest stars like Sara Shahi, BJ Britt, and Josh Peck.
Ginny’s team consisting of her hardass and super protective agent, Amelia, and lovable and dedicated Eliot are two highlights. Ginny’s pseudo-family members Blip and Evelyn, are two of the best characters in the series. The inner-workings of the team via Al, Oscar, and Charlie, are fascinating. And Ginny’s journey towards winning over her teammates was one of the best things about the season.
It’s From The Creator of This Is Us
It’s bittersweet that the guy behind the biggest hit of the year hasn’t received just as much praise for Pitch. That’s right, Dan Fogelman, the man behind This Is Us, is also behind Pitch. Clearly, he knows what he is is doing, and he’s good at what he does. This Is Us has stolen America’s hearts, rightfully so. Pitch, unfortunately, has not generated as much praise and buzz as its sister show. It deserves love too!
It Shatters The “Strong Black Woman” Trope
“Wear It” is one of the best episodes of the season, because it showcased this best. Ginny Baker already ran the risk of being pigeonholed as a tomboy because she’s a female athlete in a male-dominated sport, but add on to it the fact that she’s a black woman, and well, she easily could have fallen into the strong, independent black woman trope that is all too common in fiction. Ginny is such a complex character. Fortunately, she isn’t forced to be robotic or unfeeling. She’s allowed to be vulnerable, cry, be feminine, desirable and flirty.
But in a remarkable arc, she has a full meltdown and the realities of self-care and mental health issues were explored brilliantly. She spoke with a therapist, worked out her issues, and was cared for and tended to by colleagues and friends who were genuinely concerned for her. Ginny was allowed to take care of business but also be taken care of. She’s allowed to feel, emote, struggle, and be vulnerable. It’s refreshing and compelling.
Compelling Storytelling
Pitch is a sports drama, but make no mistake, it’s more than just a sports show. A common fear was that the show wouldn’t be able to sustain itself due to its subject matter. However, much like Friday Night Lights, Pitch explores more than just baseball. It’s about life, love, and friendship. Pitch can endear those drawn to the sports genre and those drawn to family dramas.
There is strong story telling and decent arcs for all of the Pitch characters. Whether it’s the trials and tribulations that come with Ginny breaking new ground, Mike coming to grips with his career coming to an end and a failed marriage, Blip and Evelyn’s work-life balance, Oscar’s career aspirations, or Amelia throwing her all into Ginny after a failed marriage and infertility struggles, everyone is interesting and has a story to be told. The strong storytelling is what made Pitch a critical darling.
It’s Not Too Preachy
A show about the first female to play professional baseball could have easily become a series filled to the brim with ‘very special episodes’ while exploring socially charged issues. Fortunately, Pitch is nothing like that. It tackles sexism and feminism with ease. It doesn’t beat the viewer over the head with social issues, instead, it realistically addresses them while remaining balanced. The sexism Ginny faces, overt and subtle, is relatable. Ginny acknowledges the tremendous pressure and scrutiny she’s under as a woman and black woman. Different viewpoints are explored. When it does address issues, it’s with a bit of humor or a lot of heart, and no one is made out to be a bad guy.
Multi-faceted Women And Female Friendship That Passes The Bechdel Test
Pitch not only has a dynamic female lead, but it also has many other fantastic female characters. Whether they’re supporting characters or guest stars, the women of Pitch are some of the best on television. They are complex and are in no way diminished. Whether it’s the single, career oriented Amelia, or the smart, savvy housewife Evelyn, there is room at the table for complex, diverse women.
Not only that, but there is strong female friendship. Ginny and Evelyn have the best friendship of the series. Ginny and Amelia have such a unique bond, and they love and support each other. Along the way, Ginny befriends a new girl her age who doesn’t exploit her. There is even mutual admiration between Ginny and Rachel (Mike’s ex-wife). And all of the women are shown discussing more than just the men in their lives.
It Has A Passionate and Devout Fanbase
To love Pitch is to love their super passionate fans, affectionately referred to as “Pitches.” The Pitch fandom may be small, but they are a fun, obsessed, dedicated bunch with a mighty roar. Pitch fans (and an equally as passionate cast and crew) had the show trending every week. Fans have even been campaigning to anyone who will listen in hopes of getting the show picked up. Whether it’s through sending letters, sending baseballs, creating fan videos and art, Pitches are fighting for the second season. If you want to get in on the action, follow @pitchstreetteam or the #KeepHerInTheGame and #RenewPitch tags on Twitter.
It Nails Platonic Friendship
A woman joining an all-male team could have easily turned into a situation where she had many suitors. One of the best things about Pitch was watching how the guys on her team slowly came around to accepting and respecting Ginny. There are so many platonic friendships to choose from. Ginny and Tommy went from adversaries to friends and brawling partners. Ginny and Livan were instant friends. The strongest of them all was the friendship between Blip and Ginny. Kylie Bunbury and No Mccrae have great chemistry and the friendship between their characters was one of many highlights of the season.
It Strives To Be As Authentic As Possible
One of the best things about the show is the fact that they stay true to the game. Pitch worked hard to stay authentic to baseball. The show has the backing of the MLB. The cast and crew trained with baseball professionals so they appeared as real as possible while out in the field. And by field, of course, I mean Petco Park. Yes, the Padres on Pitch actually filmed from the home of the San Diego Padres.
Speaking of professionals, it should be known that you’ll spot former MLB players in front of and behind the camera, including Padres teammates and sportscasters. They even tackle Ginny’s trick pitch and gender realistically. She doesn’t have a fastball that is as fast as any of her male peers and her screwball is her secret weapon. Her physicality is different than the males. She has to work twice as hard, and she doesn’t sail through the season being perfect. She struggles. Pitch strives for believability and authenticity and succeeds.
Bawson
Whether you love them as friends and mentor/mentee, or you straight up romantically ship them, we all can agree that the chemistry between Ginny and Mike is out of this world. Thanks to the easy, fun, genuine chemistry between Kylie Bunbury and Mark-Paul Gosselaar, that’s like lightning in a bottle.The two command the screen whenever they’re on it together.
Bawson have easy banter that is appealing and heartfelt deep moments that tug at the heartstrings. They are amazing together and no one could argue otherwise. Half of the appeal is watching the two of them interact. Their journey from her idolizing him, to him mentoring her, to them becoming besties, is the highlight of the series. There is no ifs,ands, or buts about it. Long live Bawson! No, really, long live it. Just renew Pitch already! Do it for them!