History of America’s Favorite Pastime

1. History of America’s Favorite Pastime Presented By: April Kroll ETE 100 Sec. 03 Monday, March 10, 2014

2. Americans began playing baseball in the early 1800s. By the 1860s, the sport had unmatchable popularity, and became known as America’s national pastime. Official rules of the game were later formalized and documented in the late 1800s. Baseball in the Beginning

3. Timeline of Establishing Leagues • 1869: Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first salaried team. • Therefore are considered the first professional team. • 1871: The first professional baseball league, the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players, was formed. • 1876: The first major league, the National League, was formed.

4. History of American League • The American League is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball (MLB). • Developed from a minor league called the Western League • Received major league status in 1900 • Starting in 1901, the eight teams that made up the American League were the following: • Baltimore Orioles • Boston Americans • Chicago White Sox • Cleveland Blues • Detroit Tigers • Milwaukee Brewers • Philadelphia Athletics • Washington Senators

5. History of National League • The National League in 1876 consisted of seven teams: • St. Louis Brown Stockings • Hartford Dark Blues • Boston Red Caps • Louisville Grays • New York Mutuals • Philadelphia Athletics • Cincinnati Reds • National league was known as being a more traditional or pure league • In 1903, the champions of the two leagues met in the World Series • In 1994, the league was divided into three divisions: East, West and Central

6. African Americans Role In Baseball • African Americans were not permitted to play on professional white baseball teams. • Therefore in the late 1800s, Professional African-American teams and "negro leagues" were established. • Interracial games occurred when major league white teams played black teams in exhibition games.

7. First African American in Professional Baseball • In 1942, Dodger’s manager and owner began plans to bring black players to the team. • Jackie Robinson officially broke the color boundary in the major league when he put on a Dodgers uniform in April 1947.

8. Influential Players Of The Past • Babe Ruth • Nickname: Great Bambino • Dominant hitter and pitcher • In 1919 hit 29 homeruns shattering records • Hit homerun in every park in his league • In the Hall of Fame

9. Influential Players Of The Past Contd. • Nolan Ryan • Most dominating and intimidating pitcher of the game • Enjoyed longest career of any player in major league history • Won his 300th game in 1990 • Achieved his 5,000th career strikeout in1989 • Made it on the All Century Team in 1999

10. Influential Players Of The Past Contd. • Hank Aaron • Baseball’s home run king • Received the Medal of Freedom George W. Bush to honor the achievements despite poverty and racism • From 1954 to 1976, Aaron hit 20 or more HRs in 20 seasons and hit 30 or more in 15 seasons. Those two feats have never been equaled . • Hall of Fame

11. Baseball Today • Today, baseball teams can be found in most communities, large or small, made up of people of different ages and races. • Different leagues are available depending on age and experience • Still America’s favorite pastime