Podcast Summary: "Eephus" Highlights the Joys of Baseball

Podcast: All Of It
Host: Alison Stewart
Episode Release Date: March 7, 2025
Location: WNYC Studios

Introduction to "Eephus"

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the intricacies of the newly released film "Eephus", directed, co-written, and edited by Carson Lund. The film, which premiered at Cannes in 2024, portrays a heartfelt and humorous narrative centered around a men's recreational baseball league playing their final game before their beloved small town baseball field is demolished to make way for a new school. "Eephus" blends comedy with bittersweet elements, capturing the essence of community, nostalgia, and the passage of time.

Alison Stewart sets the stage by describing the film:

"The film premiers at Cannes in 2024, and it's funny and heartwarming and bittersweet. In their review for the festival, Indiewire wrote, the film's only villain is the passage of time, and its protagonists are simply facing the unpleasant realization that their era is ending sooner than their life."
(00:38)

Understanding the Title: "Eephus"

The conversation begins with an exploration of the film’s unique title, "Eephus".

Alison Stewart asks:

"The title of the film comes from an Eephus pitch. First of all, what is it and why is it the right name for the film?"
(01:40)

Carson Lund explains:

"Eephus pitch is a slow, lobbed pitch that is so radically slow relative to the other pitches that it catches the batter off guard and reorients their sense of time. The term actually derives from Hebrew 'E F, E s,' which means nothing or avoid, because it's sort of like a nothing pitch."
(01:47 - 02:39)

He further elaborates on why the title aptly represents the film:

"Within the canon of baseball films, this one's a little peculiar in terms of really, I think, being faithful to the rhythm of the game, which many describe as slow. I think in all that slowness or those mundane periods between the action, there's so much going on, there's so much richness... It helps you kind of rethink your relationship to the passing moment and makes you more present."
(02:41 - 03:27)

Ensemble Storytelling and Character Dynamics

The film is described as an ensemble piece without a singular protagonist, focusing instead on a group of men facing the end of their baseball tradition.

Alison Stewart comments on the ensemble nature:

"There are no real protagonists of the film. It's truly an ensemble piece..."
(03:27)

Carson Lund responds:

"It's the story of many. Everyone's having the same realization. They're coming to the same conclusion and have to say goodbye to this ritual—a refuge and an escape for them. This allows you a lot of freedom as an editor and storyteller to float between these different characters without losing the audience."
(03:46 - 04:30)

Casting the Characters

The casting process was a blend of previous connections and new talent, conducted remotely due to Carson's relocation to California.

Alison Stewart inquires:

"What was the casting process like?"
(04:33)

Carson Lund explains:

"I conducted the casting remotely, using Zoom calls to assess the actors' ability to throw a pitch and their experience with the game. I sought a specific 'look'—a sense that someone has lived a life, which is often missing from the screen today."
(04:33 - 05:34)

Authentic New England Details

The film is rich with regional specifics that ground it in New England, reflecting the personal backgrounds of the writers.

Alison Stewart notes the attention to regional details:

"There were a lot of little details about New England in there, like that the manhole covers were triangle-shaped versus circular. What did you want to add?"
(05:35)

Carson Lund responds:

"Baseball obsessives love dwelling in details, stats, and categorizing players. We incorporated regional specifics from New Hampshire and Rhode Island to create a genuine sense of space and time. This abundance of details helps the audience feel the authenticity of the setting."
(05:53 - 07:03)

He adds a critique of modern filmmaking:

"We've kind of lost a lot of opportunities for this kind of local specificity because so many movies shoot in the same tax hubs like Atlanta. I wanted to overcorrect by loading the film with details from the 90s in New Hampshire."
(06:28 - 07:03)

The Choice of Demolition: A School Over Commercial Development

Selecting a school as the reason for demolishing the baseball field adds layers to the narrative.

Alison Stewart asks:

"The film takes place in New England. It could have been anything. Why did you pick a school?"
(07:03)

Carson Lund explains:

"A school is positive for society, making the characters wrestle with inevitable change for the betterment of society. Unlike a mini mall or high-rise, a school adds emotional complexity as it forces the characters to confront the necessity of change without vilifying a specific entity."
(07:24 - 08:28)

Themes of Loneliness and Changing Social Spaces

The narrative touches on broader societal issues, such as loneliness among American men and the decline of communal leisure activities.

Alison Stewart shares a quote from Indiewire:

"A lot of ink has been spilled over the loneliness epidemic that plagues American men in the 21st century. But few films crystallize the problem as efficiently as 'Eephus'."
(08:26 - 08:46)

Carson Lund responds affirmatively:

"We've lost many opportunities for leisure activities due to our hyper-paced, late-capitalist society. Places like the baseball field serve as 'third spaces'—neither home nor work—where people can connect and form surrogate families. The loss of such spaces reflects the increasing isolation and diminished communal bonds."
(08:46 - 10:07)

He further shares his personal connection:

"I joined a rec league to find that reckless enjoyment and connection. It's been healthy to get out once a week and pursue a passion with others."
(09:XX)

Carson Lund's Relationship with Baseball

Carson provides insights into his personal history with baseball, shaping his portrayal in the film.

Alison Stewart asks:

"What’s your relationship to baseball?"
(10:07)

Carson Lund details:

"I've played my whole life competitively, even in traveling leagues. Eventually, I grew tired of the culture and left the sport for filmmaking. However, moving to California reignited my passion, leading me to join a recreational league focused on passion and camaraderie rather than competition."
(10:10 - 11:01)

Lessons from Directorial Debut

As his first feature film, Carson shares valuable lessons learned during the production of "Eephus".

Alison Stewart congratulates him:

"This is your feature directorial debut. Congratulations. First of all, what did you learn on this film that you'll take to future projects?"
(11:01)

Carson Lund reflects:

"You always need more money and time, a recurring theme in filmmaking. The fluidity between roles like cinematographer and director has been integral to my process. Collaborating with a reliable and chemistry-rich team has been reinforced as essential for future projects."
(11:11 - 12:16)

Closing Remarks

Alison praises the film's humor:

"It is truly a hilarious film. I have to say that out loud. I really enjoyed it."
(12:16 - 12:21)

Carson expresses gratitude:

"Thank you so much. Appreciate it."
(12:32 - 12:35)

Key Takeaways

• "Eephus" is a comedic yet poignant exploration of community, change, and the enduring love for baseball in a small New England town.
• The film’s title, inspired by the rare Eephus pitch, symbolizes the slow, reflective moments and the reorientation of life’s pace.
• Carson Lund emphasizes the importance of authentic regional details and ensemble storytelling to capture the essence of communal bonds.
• Themes of loneliness and the loss of "third spaces" highlight the societal shifts impacting personal connections.
• The casting process prioritized genuine portrayals of lived experiences, contributing to the film’s authenticity.
• Carson’s personal journey from competitive baseball to filmmaking enriches the film’s narrative depth.

"Eephus" is currently screening at the IFC Center and Film at Lincoln Center, offering audiences a blend of humor, heart, and a nostalgic look at the simple joys of baseball and friendship.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's in all that slowness or those mundane periods between the action, there's so much going on, there's so much richness." – Carson Lund (02:41)
• "We've lost a lot of places where people can just hang out and pursue a passion that they love and just connect with some sort of childhood joy." – Carson Lund (09:XX)
• "You always need more money and more time." – Carson Lund (11:11)

This episode of All Of It offers a comprehensive look into "Eephus", providing listeners with rich insights into the film’s creation, themes, and the personal inspirations driving Carson Lund's directorial debut.