Baseball History

        Baseball is originated from the English sport, cricket that was called "rounders."  Baseball had actually been invented by the Civil War hero, Abner Doubleday in Cooperstown NY in 1839.  Joy Cartwright established the modern baseball playing field in 1845.  the rules were different when baseball first began.  A team had to score 21 runs to win the game in however many innings needed.  Baseball became a leisure activity for wealthy young men.  Civil war soldiers had brought back baseball from playing behind the lines to their hometowns.  Baseball was played and watched by Americans of every social status.  

         Baseball was further developed by the National Association in 1858.  The Cincinnati Red Stockings were the first professional team in 1869.  The first World Series game was played in 1903 and the first all-star game was played in 1933.  The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Jackie Robinson.  That broke the color barrier that had separated blacks from playing with whites. 

        Baseball has continued to embrace more players and fans of all ages, both sexes, and various backgrounds.  Baseball has spread throughout the world, especially in Central America and Japan.  Despite the minor league strike of 1944-45 baseball is still the quintessential American pastime.  Baseball has become one of the most popular and growing sports in America.    

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