“It’s a story about coming to terms with the end of an era”: Carson Lund on Eephus at London Film Festival 2024

From neighbourhood parks to iconic stadiums, baseball holds a deep cultural resonance across the United States. For many, it stirs a sense of nostalgia – evoking memories of playing the game, watching Major League Baseball on television, or recalling legends like Babe Ruth, who have become cultural icons. Yet, in recent years, baseball’s viewership has steadily declined, especially among younger generations, as the sport struggles to capture the attention of a digital-first audience.

In Carson Lund’s Eephus, the story unfolds on a baseball field that is about to be demolished for a new school. Set in a New England fall in the mid-1990s, the local team, led by Ed (Keith William Richards), and their rivals, the Riverdogs, captained by Graham (Stephen Radochia), are united by their impending loss. As they face the closing of their cherished playing ground, their game becomes a poignant reflection of a time when baseball still held a stronger grip on the hearts of Americans, even as it faces the reality of a changing cultural landscape.

In an interview with The Upcoming, Lund discusses the inspiration behind his directorial debut, the challenges he faced during its making, and the memorable cameo by Red Sox icon Bill “Spaceman” Lee.

Christina Yang

Eephus does not have a release date yet.

Read more reviews from our London Film Festival coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the London Film Festival website here.

Watch the trailer for Eephus here: