Baseball

Early Beginnings (1700s–1800s)

Baseball's origins are debated, but it likely evolved from older bat-and-ball games like rounders (popular in England) and cricket.The first recorded baseball game in North America was in 1838 in Canada, but the sport took off in the U.S.In 1845, Alexander Cartwright, a New York Knickerbocker Base Ball Club member, formalized many modern rules, including a diamond-shaped field and three-out innings.

Professionalization & Growth 1850s–1900s

The first official baseball team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, was founded in 1869. The National League NL was formed in 1876, followed by the American League AL in 1901. The first World Series was played in 1903, with the Boston Red Sox then the Americans defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Golden Age 1920s–1950s

Babe Ruth revolutionized the game with his home run-hitting power, making baseball more popular than ever. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers and paving the way for racial integration in baseball.

Modern Baseball 1960s–Present

Expansion teams and divisions grew, leading to more teams and playoff games. The designated hitter (DH) rule was introduced in the American League in 1973. International players became a huge part of MLB, with stars from Latin America, Asia, and beyond. Analytics and technology now play a major role in team strategies and player development.