The History of Baseball

“Americas Favorite Pass Time”

History…

• The game is thought to originate in the early 19th century from an English game called “rounders.” It was formerly called “town-ball” or “base-ball”

• Throughout the early part of the 19th century, small towns formed teams, and baseball clubs were formed in larger cities. In 1845, Alexander Cartwright wanted to formalize a list of rules by which all teams could play. Much of that original code is still in place today.

• In 1858 twenty five teams from the Northeast came together and formed the National Association of Base Ball Players, which is the first organized baseball league.

• During the Civil War-Union soldiers played the game all over the Country and the game became very popular.

“The ball rolls on”• As the love for the game grew so did the expenses, that’s when

leagues started charging for games.

• In order for teams to get the financial support they needed, winning became very important.

• Although the league was supposed to be comprised of amateurs, many players were secretly paid. Some were given jobs by sponsors, and some were secretly paid a salary just for playing.

• Two Brothers Harry and George Wright Started the 1st Professional Baseball Association in 1869 (the Cincinnati Stockings) they recruited the best players from around the country.

• The Idea of Professionals getting “paid” to play began here.

More History…• A rival league soon emerged. In 1882, the American Association

started to compete with reduced ticket prices and teams in large cities.

• The National base-ball association was soon named the National league.

• The Two leagues has many disagreement which were eventually settled in court in 1901.

THE GREAT BAMBINO!

“The Babe”• George “Babe” Ruth had been

a successful pitcher with the Boston Red Sox, but the New York Yankees bought his contract FOR 100,000 and made him an outfielder. He was the most tremendous hitter the league had ever seen.

• One of the most popular individuals in American history.

African Americans & Baseball…

• Although it was not a written rule, baseball had always been racially segregated.

• The first known black professional baseball team was the Babylon Black Panthers, a group formed in 1885 in Babylon, New York

•The 1st open discrimination came during a game that was scheduled to be played on July 14, 1887. Baseball hall of famer, Cap Arson refused to play against the Newark Giants, a minor league squad from the International League who had two black players.

• The Black players were ejected from the team and soon thereafter, the International League voted to refuse future contracts to black players. The American Association and National League, who were baseball’s two Major Leagues at the time, quickly followed suit.

Jackie Robinson• In 1947, Jackie Robinson became

the first person to break the color barrier in the twentieth century, joining the Brooklyn Dodgers.

• Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1962.

• At the end of Robinson's rookie season with the Brooklyn Dodgers, he had become National League Rookie of the Year with 12 homers, a league-leading 29 steals, and a .297 average. In 1949, he was selected as the NL's Most Valuable player of the Year!

• Played Professional baseball from 1943-1954

• Named “The All American Girls Professional Baseball League

• Because of World War two many men were being drafted and baseball was losing money. The League needed a fix and decided to start an all women's league.

• Salaries ranged from $45 to $85 dollars a week

• Each Girl had to be physically attractive and attend charm school courses.

• They also had to wear a one piece outfit that consisted of a skirt, long socks and a baseball cap.

Women & Baseball…

Dottie “Wiltse” Collins

• Played for the Rockford Peaches

• She was so good at baseball that the boys in the neighborhood wanted her on their teams.

• She was a star pitcher and fit the beauty requirements.

Sources…• http://www.aagpbl.org/

• http://www.google.com/images?q=dottie+wiltse&hl=en&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&sa=N&start=20&ndsp=20

• http://www.jackierobinson.com/

• http://www.rpi.edu/~fiscap/history_files/history1.htm