Baseball History

The history of baseball begins in the 1870's though primitive forms of the game were played before this time. The origin history of baseball talks about games played on lots outside New York City and two leagues. The first professional league was the National Association of Professional Baseball Players, which lasted from 1871 to 1875.

The baseball history timeline runs from approximately 1870 to the present. Over the decades, the game evolved until it became the game it is today. Along the way great baseball players emerged who set records and simply played as if baseball was the only game ever worth playing. Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron are names that people who don't like baseball can recognize.

The history of baseball will have to include baseball bat history. Bats began as simple one-piece woodcarvings in the 19th century but today are made of wood or aluminum or composite alloys. The history of aluminum baseball bats is a story in itself. The history of the baseball bat includes the appearance of the famous Louisville Slugger company in 1884.

Early baseball history origins are documented through oral stories, commentary and newspaper articles. In 1901 the American League was begun and this became one of the turning points in baseball history. Before this time baseball had a reputation for fist fights and rude behavior that was affecting public attendance. The American League, followed by the National League, created behavior and playing rules. Attendance between 1901 and 1909 was 50 million.

Early baseball history in the 20th century reflects American history. The first of the Negro leagues, a part of baseball black history, began in 1920 in response to segregation. Some white baseball players refused to play black players. Yet the Negro Leagues produced baseball legends despite the enforced separation from mainstream baseball.

The history of baseball cannot be discussed without reference to the importance of statistics. Player and game statistics are carefully maintained and fans love to share them with anyone who will listen. A real baseball fan can tell you about the longest baseball game in history or their favorite player's batting average.

By the way, the longest Major League Baseball game in history in extra innings was in 1984 between Chicago and Milwaukee. When a fan talks about the longest played baseball game in history they have to specify what they are talking about. The longest game in baseball history might be referring to the longest 9 innings or the longest double-header or even the longest game played during the day.

Baseball teams' history is the story of love and war, money, fan devotion, brilliant players and fascinating commentators. Through wars, segregation, and even drug scandals, the game has endured to become the most American of the sports games.