Abbott Elementary has kicked off Season 5 with a strong start, and its latest installment might be one of its best yet.
Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 3 follows the teachers as they attend a Phillies game.
Even if baseball isn’t your cup of tea, “Ballgame” is still an absolute must-watch for any sitcom lover.
From a cameo from a member of the Phillies to hilarious moments with Janine trying her very best to understand baseball, this episode has something for everyone.
So, here are a few of the highlights that prove why Abbott Elementary is one of the best sitcoms airing during this fall season!
Philly Sports Are An Essential Part of Abbott Elementary
Abbott Elementary proudly declares itself a show that loves Philadelphia through and through.
Philly’s beloved football team, The Eagles, has been mentioned previously, and there were even featured cameos from players on the team, like Jalen Hurts.
It was really only a matter of time before the show tackled baseball, too.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, another sitcom set in the city of Brotherly Love, has also focused on the Phillies before.
It’s always heartwarming to see a show express its love for the city that it’s set in, and Abbott Elementary always seems to go above and beyond.
Given that sports are often a uniting force, it’s notable that the sitcom dedicated time to highlighting the Phillies’ importance to Philadelphians and the city’s culture.
Philadelphia also seems to have welcomed Abbott Elementary with open arms, as Phillies’ player and baseball icon Kyle Schwarber made a guest appearance.
Barbara openly expresses her love for Schwarber, culminating in her moment with him at the end.
It’s such a sweet scene that shows how vital baseball and the Phillies team are to the Abbott teachers.
But if you’re skeptical about baseball and its importance, don’t worry — you can also be won over with Janine’s storyline.
Like Comedy, Baseball is For Everyone
If you’re a TV nerd like me, sports might not be your cup of tea, and this might not sound appealing.
But in typical sitcom nature, this “Ballgame” still finds a way to tickle your funny bone and score relatability points with fans of the genre.
From the very beginning of the story, Janine clearly doesn’t seem to know much about baseball.
But as things progress, she sees how the shared love for the Phillies unites everyone at the ballgame, and even gets to show off her dance moves on the big screen.
Even when she gets hit by a baseball in the head, which might throw off fans and non-fans alike, Janine remains in good spirits, excited to meet the iconic Phillie Phanatic.
Her storyline is a cute parallel to Gregory’s, in which he seems very excited about baseball statistics and is significantly more knowledgeable about the game than Janine.
However, they both enjoy themselves and have a wonderful time at the game, proving that everyone doesn’t have to be at the same level of understanding when it comes to finding joy in sports.
Plus, seeing Janine wear the ridiculously large baseball hat is sure to make you crack up (I didn’t even know they made hats that big!).
In stressful times, comedies often serve as a comfort watch for many, and Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 3 is likely to be replayed multiple times to ease some of that burden.
I may not even be a Philadelphian, but this charming addition to the Abbott Elementary library absolutely won me over, and I’m willing to bet it will remain one of the series’ most iconic episodes.
After all, how could you not love seeing the Philly Phanatic hang out with the beloved Abbott Elementary teachers?
Did you enjoy “Ballgame” as much as I did? Share your love for all things Abbott and Phillies in the comments below!
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