It's 1956 Brooklyn, where Jules and Sophie Berger live in the same apartment building as their daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren, who experience meaningful events in this opener: his budding social life separates 14 year-old Alan from his less mature friends, while 9 year-old Nathaniel meets Dodger great Gil Hodges.

For Sophie, the funeral of her Uncle Ira (whom no one really liked) requires total family attendance—on the Sunday of Alan's Dodger game date with Katie Monahan.

Alan is asked to be on a television show that showcases young baseball players in a competition at Ebbets Field, winning him the chance to meet Pee Wee Reese of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Depressed after not winning the competition, he goes to visit his father at work while the family worries about his whereabouts.