Baseball is one of America’s favorite pastimes. Though it may seem like a simple game, there is much more to baseball than meets the eye. Here are 10 little-known facts about America’s favorite pastime.
1. The first baseball game was played in the United States in Hoboken, New Jersey on June 19, 1846.
2. The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs was founded on February 2nd, 1876 in New York City and consisted of 8 teams: Boston Red Stockings, Chicago White Stockings, Philadelphia Athletics, Cincinnati Red Stockings, St. Louis Brown Stockings, Louisville Grays, Hartford Dark Blues and Mutuals of New York.
3. The first World Series was played in 1903 between the Boston Americans and Pittsburgh Pirates.
4. Baseball’s first African American player was Jackie Robinson who debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
5. The New York Yankees hold the record for the most World Series titles with 27 wins.
6. The first night game was played on May 24, 1935, between the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies at Crosley Field in Cincinnati.
7. Babe Ruth hit his legendary home run on August 16, 1920, which was 8 times farther than the longest previous home run.
8. Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, is the second oldest ballpark in America after Boston’s Fenway Park.
9. Lou Gehrig played 2,130 consecutive games for the New York Yankees from 1925 to 1939 – a feat still unmatched today.
10. The first perfect game was thrown by Lee Richmond on June 12, 1880.
Baseball has a storied history and is an integral part of American culture. From its humble beginnings in the mid-1800s to its place as one of America’s most beloved pastimes today, there is much more to baseball than meets the eye. With this list of little-known facts, we hope to shed light on the history and legacy of baseball. Now put on your cap and get ready to play ball!