Sports in Sci-Fi TV...?

Many writers of "popular" Sci-Fi series have incorporated one or more present day sports, such as baseball, into their storylines. Some have even created their own sports, like Star Trek's 'Velocity'.

What is it that makes sports so appealing to the writers of Sci-Fi TV? Perhaps the writers feel the need to connect the future with the past. Since the days of the first Olympic games, back in the time of the ancient Greeks, sports have been a part of the 'human condition'.

Another reason sports appeal to Sci-Fi TV writers is that sports, in many cases, can be a common thread linking different cultures together, allowing them to forge a bond. For instance, if a human met up with a Klingon and the two started talking, after a while they might find that they have a common appreciation of fencing (although the Klingon might call it 'war').

For each person different sports mean something different, unique. For one person, baseball may be something that demonstrates strategy, teamwork and a way to challenge their intellect. For others, it is simply a magical game where, when you step out onto the field, your age, colour and creed no longer matter. An example of this is when Star Trek: DS9's Captain Sisko picks up his 20th Century baseball, he indulges in a bit of nostalgia and revels in the magic of the game.

While other sports may appeal to other people in still more ways. Fencing may be seen as a test of agility, intellect and endurance. Horseback riding can be a way to help clear a person's mind and get away from the rigors of daily life. Martial Arts is, for many, a way to achieve 'self-discipline' and balance, while learning how to connect to your soul and find inner peace.

Among the popular 'present day' sports in Sci-Fi TV are baseball (as seen in Babylon 5, The X-Files and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), clay shooting (Star Trek: The Next Generation and in it's adapted and more athletic form as 'Velocity' in Star Trek: Voyager). Even more sports have made appearances on Sci-Fi programs including Fencing, Horseback riding and, although it's not really a sport it can be competitive, Martial Arts.

Other sports have made minor appearances or have been mentioned in episodes skiing and rock climbing. Almost all of the episodes that contain sports have held memorable moments.

One of my favourite 'Sci-Fi' baseball scenes is from Star Trek: DS9. In it Sisko and co. are in the outfield an opposing player is up to bat. Sisko calls out "C'mon Niners...let's hear some chatter...". One by one the team starts to create some noise to distract the batter. When the camera lands on Worf, he calls out "Death to the opposition!" That's one of the great lines from an interesting and comedic Star Trek: DS9 episode.

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