What Is America's Pastime?

The MLB didn’t start until 1876 with the National league and then they brought in the American league in 1901. The first World Series was held in 1903 with the Boston Americans beating the Pittsburg pirates 5-3. Baseball hasn’t always been glorified as it was though. It experienced rough times in the 1940’s when African Americans weren’t allowed to play in the major league but thanks to Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby, they eliminated the racial discrimination in baseball and outside the baseball world. Baseball has also experienced rough times during the WWII and Vietnam era. During the time of war, players would go and serve in the military and baseball would have to replace them with less talented players. But Upon return, baseball returned to its once prestige self.

At the time, I was not impressed with the “American” sport, but now that I have read Stephen Jay Gould’s essay, “The Creation Myths of Cooperstown,” I will have something to say when the subject arises. Don’t get me wrong: I didn’t like America’s baseball then

Baseball continues to be America’s favorite pastime because of how involved baseball is America’s history. Since baseball began

Like the bald eagle, baseball has become an icon for the term “American”. It was the nation’s first major sport and quickly was coined America’s pastime. It was created from a combination of other games during the 1840’s and became increasingly popular during the years of the Civil War (Brinkley 392). In their

When the topic of baseball comes up in a conversation, what do you think of? The field, a bat, the ball, or amazing plays, crucial games, and game winning performances. What about American history? Does World War II come to mind; most likely not. According to an article called “Food for Thought: Baseball and American History,” John P. Rossi quotes Jacques Barzun saying, “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball.” Negro League Baseball can be used to shed light on the historical experience of African American’s in the United States.

The American Civil War had a very dynamic effect on the growth of baseball during the 1860s. Before the Civil War baseball was flourishing and was at a point of dramatic growth and widespread popularity. During the beginning of the Civil War baseball was dramatically hampered with personnel issues and while still played, it was reported as more of a recreational, social support play style which was commonly used as propaganda to promote the Union “beating off the rebels who would dismember this glorious ‘Union of States.’ “ . Toward the end of the Civil War baseball seemed to regain much of its popularity through a combination of ruleset changes, and the changes within the economic and political climate. Baseball’s effects on the Civil

The game of baseball became an organized sport in 1840 and 1850. Baseball is becoming more popular in America. For example, by 1860 the sport took the crown of America favorite sport over England cricket.

The sport of baseball has been a staple in American culture since the 1800s and has been deemed America’s past time for many years. The addition of African Americans into Major League Baseball has made it a richer game. The United States of America is known as a huge melting pot as many immigrants and refugees would come to America as a new home and beginning. Baseball was a game that brought happiness to all Americans, despite their color, ethnicity or background. Major League Baseball began in about 1867 and prior to the 19th century, we all know that the United States of America was built on slavery. Even after the slaves were emancipated racial tensions still ran high. The 13th amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery

“Negro baseball was at once heroic and tawdry, a gladsome thing and a blot on America’s conscience.” wrote Mr. Peterson. Members of the Negro League faced all-night travel in inadequate automobiles and irregular pay along with the humiliation that came with being a target of racial prejudice in 20th century America. One day a team might be playing in front of a large crowd in Yankee Stadium and the next it might be traveling through the countryside broke and looking for a game to earn money. Racial discrimination in 20th century baseball provides American history with an additional perspective of the scope of racial discrimination during the time. The history of baseball in many ways is also the history of America. The sport acted as a microcosm of society during the time period. It reflected the racial prejudice and segregation faced by African Americans in all aspects of life. Peterson’s book, Only the Ball Was White, has left an everlasting imprint on African American history as well as American history as a

The sport is such an integral part of our culture today that we Americans sometimes take for granted its significance in our everyday lives. Contemporary baseball is so closely related with American ideals and identity that it often has served as an expression of patriotism. In times of national hardships, baseball has been used to encourage and rally the nation. In speaking of the emergence of America's nationalism in the historic and contemporary playing field, there are several key issues that surface. Of these issues I will specifically address the long residuals of how baseball has helped to establish our (Americans) national spirit and identity. That is the links between our heritage and national institutions and the game of baseball as a cultural and political representative abroad and unifying tradition at home. I will also address ideals and injustices. That is how baseball's acceptability has changed over time, and how this acts as a microcosm for America's changing attitudes about equality and opportunity.

For over one hundred years, Americans young and old have enjoyed the sport of baseball. Some are actively and some leisurely. No matter which role the person has, he or she enjoys America’s favorite pastime, baseball, but is it originally an American sport? Over the many years that the sport has existed, there has been a variety of theories. The origin of baseball is unclear because some believe it began in England, others claim Abner Doubleday originated the sport, and a third faction claims it evolved in New York.

The Negro Leagues, baseball leagues for merely black players, allowed urban communities to “pass down the tradition of ‘their’ game 25.” As the Negro leagues ended, baseball’s popularity diminished because it no longer acted as a unique and individualized aspect of African-American culture. The Negro Leagues and the black baseball movement inspired hope as a part of the larger civil rights movement of the 20th century and the black community utilized baseball “as a means of collective identity and civic pride 26.” African- American’s racial advances in baseball signaled the long term success of the larger civil rights movement of the 20th century. As a result, baseball became essential in identifying the progress and identity of African-American culture. Baseball lost its social prevalence after the African-American civil rights movement due to the emergence of other

Whether or not the accolade is accurate, baseball is widely regarded as the “America’s pastime.” For the past 100 years the game has remained largely unchanged. The National and American leagues still compete for the World Series Pennant, games are nine innings, and there are four bases to round; except for the designated hitter experiment that stuck in the American League, baseball has been business as usual. Business has been changing over the past decade though, after the wildly popular Moneyball book and movie combo exposed the market inefficiencies that Oakland general manager Billy Beane discovered in the player market, things took a turn for the analytical. The exploding usage of advanced analytics in baseball front offices has led to

America’s favorite pastime has now become the galaxy’s favorite sport. Baseball. It is a source of entertainment and arguments. It is fun to watch, but it is a greater experience to play. Humans and aliens alike are captivated with the sport and are vying for a chance to play. Is your planet ready to play? If you are one of many alien species that would like to learn, this would be a great opportunity to do so.

Baseball is america's sport, it has been for many year. Baseball is my favorite sport and I have many stories of baseball moments. Some of the moments include bad umpires (in my opinion,) and walkoffs. These are some of the best things that you can talk about when you are talking baseball.