Major League Baseball Impact On Society
Baseball has been a popular sport and an important part of any peoples lives. Our nation's love for the game lead to the creation of the professional organization known today as Major League Baseball. Major League Baseball has had major influences that have transformed professional baseball into its current organization. Major League Baseball has been influenced by many things, such as, players, by war, by racism, by technology, and by drugs. There have been great players, great teams, ability to overcome adversity, ability to overcome obstacles, and just the ability to survive. The organization has not only thrived but also gives back to the people to continue to foster a love for sport. There were many games in the early 1800's that required
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what could be described as a bat and ball. Although some groups formed from these baseball like games none lasted long. It as not until a group of young men formed baseball club in 1845 that something special began and would eventually turn into the game we love and the organization known as Major League Baseball. The name of the club was the New York Knickerbocker Base Ball Club. The group came up with rules of the game. The rules used terms similar to those in cricket rules and in a game called rounders (Rader).
The baseball club would have intraclub games. By the early 1850's, several more baseball clubs were formed. The clubs in the New York formed into a organization called the National Association of Base Ball Players (Rader). Eventually, clubs from other areas joined the association. It was not until 1869 that the first professional baseball team was formed. On May 15, 1869 was the team known as the Cincinnati Red Stockings was formed. The Cincinnati Red Stockings were very successful and popular in their first season playing. They were the only professional team playing against intramural clubs. Because of their success, other professional teams were formed. On February 2, 1876, Major League Baseball had its first league of teams formed. The league was known as the National League. There are some important first time events that are note worthy. The first pitcher to throw a no hitter was George Bradley on April 15, 1867. The first pitcher to throw a perfect game was Lee Richmond on June 17, 1880. The first World Series was played in 1903. The two teams that played in that World Series were the Boston Americans and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The first All-Star game was played on July 6, 1933. Among the players participating in this game were Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, and Lefty
Gomez. World War II played a big part during the beginning of Major League Baseball. The nation needed more men to enlist in the military to defend our country and fight for the freedom of our nation and it's people. In order to ensure there were enough soldiers to defend our country, President Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act on September 16, 1940. This is probably better known as the draft. The draft required every American male citizen between the ages of 21 and 36 to register for twelve months of military service. Unfortunately, many baseball players were called to serve their country after the United States was attacked by the Japanese. In the year preceding the attack on Pearl Harbor baseball had a big year, Ted Williams batted a .406, Joe DiMaggio had a 56 game hit streak, and Lefty Grove played his 300th winning game (Bedingfield). Because the war took so many players not only from the major league but also from the minor league, there was talk about not having baseball until the war was over. However, President and members of the armed forces wanted the games to continue. In what is known as the “Green Light” letter, President Roosevelt asked that Major League Baseball games continue saying “I honestly feel that it would be best for the country to keep baseball going.” (Bedingfield). There were many very talented baseball players that chose to defend their country. Some players that served their country were Hank Greenburg, Stan Musail, Joe Dimaggio, and Ted Williams. Even though over 500 Major League baseball players and over 4,000 Minor League baseball players went to war, Major League Baseball survived the war. Major League Baseball survived because it had the support of the President, the armed forces, and the citizens. Baseball really was Americans favorite past time. During a nasty time period in baseball, racism was a horrible problem. Just as in almost all aspects of life during this period, African Americans were not allowed to play on Major League Baseball teams. Instead of playing for Major League Baseball teams, they started their own league called the Negro League and that is how they enjoyed the game they love at his time. The biggest influence and start to integrating Major League Baseball teams was Jackie Robinson. Jackie was playing in the Negro League when asked to play for the farm team of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Not long after playing for their farm team, Jackie was called up to play with the
Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie broke the color barrier in 1947. He didn't even have to get a hit the ball or do anything good, he already made history. On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson played for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field against the Boston Braves. He played first base in that game. Jackie had a good game despite the crowd and other players using racial slurs. His first at bat was an easy out the third baseman. On his second at bat, he had an awesome hit but the Boston Braves shortstop had an equally awesome catch and Robinson was out. On his third at bat, he laid down a bunt and the runner moved from first to third on a throw that hit Robinson and went down the line. Robinson advanced to second on the bad throw. The next batter hit them in and the Dodgers won the game. Jackie Robinson later went on to be a Hall of Famer in 1962. He along with a few other African Americans players were the first to play in a All-Star game. The Brooklyn Dodgers became known as “Robinson's team” (Jackie Robinson). They won their first World Series with the help of Jackie. Jackie played with the Dodgers for 10 years, in addition to the World Series he helped them win 6 pennants. Robinson helped paved the way for countless other African Americans to play Major League Baseball. He serves as a role model for all. Technology has caused Major League Baseball to change along the way. The changes in uniforms, gloves, bats, stadium design, and video replay have caused Major League Baseball to continually update rules and policies. Uniforms have advanced greatly from what they used to have to wear. They used to look like sloppy in the poor fitting heavy wool uniforms that were initially worn. Uniforms have been transformed into nice fitting uniforms made out breathable fabrics. Gloves have also changed over time too. Gloves where also made of a thin layer of leather molded to the shape of the persons hand and having a web in between the thumb and index finger. Gloves now are still made of leather but they are padded have webbing between all fingers. This allows better control to catch and keep the ball. Bats have not changed much in Major League Baseball. Major League Base ball still requires the use o wooden bats. Even though aluminum bats are technologically better and are designed to hit the ball further. Major League Baseball does not want any advantage because of bat designs. Because wooden bats have always been used, the statistics would be constant and would not be skewed by the use of aluminum or composite bats. The newest technology to effect Major League Baseball is instant replay. Even though the technology has been around for some time, instant replay was first used in a Major League Baseball game on March 31, 2014. Chicago Cubs Manager Rick Renteria challenged a double play against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The call on the field was confirmed the call during the game and the Chicago Cubs lost the challenge. Now he call is not only dependent on what the umpires see, calls made by the umpires can be challenged. Coaches can challenge calls they think the umpired called wrong and based on instant replay the call can be confirmed or overruled. This could be a game changer for the good and for the bad. If this was available, there would have been many games where the outcome would have been very different. The great Babe Ruth is known for many accomplishments. Even though he is best known for his batting, he was initially just a pitcher with the Boston Red Sox. But at that period in time, there were a lot of good pitchers. That was when he was noticed for his hitting. Because batting record was so good, he was being transitioned to an out fielder so he would always be in the batting lineup. Even with all of his successes, Babe Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees. The decision made by the Boston Red Sox's turned out to be terrible. Babe Ruth became a New York Yankee in 1919. He came out in 1919 hitting a outstandingly crazy 54 home runs. But in 1921 Babe Ruth had an even better season. He hit 59 home runs, brought in 171 runs, scored 177 runs, and had a batting average of a .386, and a .846 slugging percentage (Babe Ruth). Not only did he break records on his own left and right, he also helped his team win four world Series and seven pennants, before that they had won none! Babe became a superstar and icon to every Yankee fan. When the Yankees moved into the new stadium they started to call it “The House that Ruth Built” (Babe Ruth). Today, Major League Baseball has evolved from its meager beginnings into an professional sports organization with two leagues and 30 teams. The organization not only carries on America's favorite past time but also gives back to its community.
what could be described as a bat and ball. Although some groups formed from these baseball like games none lasted long. It as not until a group of young men formed baseball club in 1845 that something special began and would eventually turn into the game we love and the organization known as Major League Baseball. The name of the club was the New York Knickerbocker Base Ball Club. The group came up with rules of the game. The rules used terms similar to those in cricket rules and in a game called rounders (Rader).
The baseball club would have intraclub games. By the early 1850's, several more baseball clubs were formed. The clubs in the New York formed into a organization called the National Association of Base Ball Players (Rader). Eventually, clubs from other areas joined the association. It was not until 1869 that the first professional baseball team was formed. On May 15, 1869 was the team known as the Cincinnati Red Stockings was formed. The Cincinnati Red Stockings were very successful and popular in their first season playing. They were the only professional team playing against intramural clubs. Because of their success, other professional teams were formed. On February 2, 1876, Major League Baseball had its first league of teams formed. The league was known as the National League. There are some important first time events that are note worthy. The first pitcher to throw a no hitter was George Bradley on April 15, 1867. The first pitcher to throw a perfect game was Lee Richmond on June 17, 1880. The first World Series was played in 1903. The two teams that played in that World Series were the Boston Americans and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The first All-Star game was played on July 6, 1933. Among the players participating in this game were Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, and Lefty
Gomez. World War II played a big part during the beginning of Major League Baseball. The nation needed more men to enlist in the military to defend our country and fight for the freedom of our nation and it's people. In order to ensure there were enough soldiers to defend our country, President Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act on September 16, 1940. This is probably better known as the draft. The draft required every American male citizen between the ages of 21 and 36 to register for twelve months of military service. Unfortunately, many baseball players were called to serve their country after the United States was attacked by the Japanese. In the year preceding the attack on Pearl Harbor baseball had a big year, Ted Williams batted a .406, Joe DiMaggio had a 56 game hit streak, and Lefty Grove played his 300th winning game (Bedingfield). Because the war took so many players not only from the major league but also from the minor league, there was talk about not having baseball until the war was over. However, President and members of the armed forces wanted the games to continue. In what is known as the “Green Light” letter, President Roosevelt asked that Major League Baseball games continue saying “I honestly feel that it would be best for the country to keep baseball going.” (Bedingfield). There were many very talented baseball players that chose to defend their country. Some players that served their country were Hank Greenburg, Stan Musail, Joe Dimaggio, and Ted Williams. Even though over 500 Major League baseball players and over 4,000 Minor League baseball players went to war, Major League Baseball survived the war. Major League Baseball survived because it had the support of the President, the armed forces, and the citizens. Baseball really was Americans favorite past time. During a nasty time period in baseball, racism was a horrible problem. Just as in almost all aspects of life during this period, African Americans were not allowed to play on Major League Baseball teams. Instead of playing for Major League Baseball teams, they started their own league called the Negro League and that is how they enjoyed the game they love at his time. The biggest influence and start to integrating Major League Baseball teams was Jackie Robinson. Jackie was playing in the Negro League when asked to play for the farm team of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Not long after playing for their farm team, Jackie was called up to play with the
Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie broke the color barrier in 1947. He didn't even have to get a hit the ball or do anything good, he already made history. On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson played for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field against the Boston Braves. He played first base in that game. Jackie had a good game despite the crowd and other players using racial slurs. His first at bat was an easy out the third baseman. On his second at bat, he had an awesome hit but the Boston Braves shortstop had an equally awesome catch and Robinson was out. On his third at bat, he laid down a bunt and the runner moved from first to third on a throw that hit Robinson and went down the line. Robinson advanced to second on the bad throw. The next batter hit them in and the Dodgers won the game. Jackie Robinson later went on to be a Hall of Famer in 1962. He along with a few other African Americans players were the first to play in a All-Star game. The Brooklyn Dodgers became known as “Robinson's team” (Jackie Robinson). They won their first World Series with the help of Jackie. Jackie played with the Dodgers for 10 years, in addition to the World Series he helped them win 6 pennants. Robinson helped paved the way for countless other African Americans to play Major League Baseball. He serves as a role model for all. Technology has caused Major League Baseball to change along the way. The changes in uniforms, gloves, bats, stadium design, and video replay have caused Major League Baseball to continually update rules and policies. Uniforms have advanced greatly from what they used to have to wear. They used to look like sloppy in the poor fitting heavy wool uniforms that were initially worn. Uniforms have been transformed into nice fitting uniforms made out breathable fabrics. Gloves have also changed over time too. Gloves where also made of a thin layer of leather molded to the shape of the persons hand and having a web in between the thumb and index finger. Gloves now are still made of leather but they are padded have webbing between all fingers. This allows better control to catch and keep the ball. Bats have not changed much in Major League Baseball. Major League Base ball still requires the use o wooden bats. Even though aluminum bats are technologically better and are designed to hit the ball further. Major League Baseball does not want any advantage because of bat designs. Because wooden bats have always been used, the statistics would be constant and would not be skewed by the use of aluminum or composite bats. The newest technology to effect Major League Baseball is instant replay. Even though the technology has been around for some time, instant replay was first used in a Major League Baseball game on March 31, 2014. Chicago Cubs Manager Rick Renteria challenged a double play against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The call on the field was confirmed the call during the game and the Chicago Cubs lost the challenge. Now he call is not only dependent on what the umpires see, calls made by the umpires can be challenged. Coaches can challenge calls they think the umpired called wrong and based on instant replay the call can be confirmed or overruled. This could be a game changer for the good and for the bad. If this was available, there would have been many games where the outcome would have been very different. The great Babe Ruth is known for many accomplishments. Even though he is best known for his batting, he was initially just a pitcher with the Boston Red Sox. But at that period in time, there were a lot of good pitchers. That was when he was noticed for his hitting. Because batting record was so good, he was being transitioned to an out fielder so he would always be in the batting lineup. Even with all of his successes, Babe Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees. The decision made by the Boston Red Sox's turned out to be terrible. Babe Ruth became a New York Yankee in 1919. He came out in 1919 hitting a outstandingly crazy 54 home runs. But in 1921 Babe Ruth had an even better season. He hit 59 home runs, brought in 171 runs, scored 177 runs, and had a batting average of a .386, and a .846 slugging percentage (Babe Ruth). Not only did he break records on his own left and right, he also helped his team win four world Series and seven pennants, before that they had won none! Babe became a superstar and icon to every Yankee fan. When the Yankees moved into the new stadium they started to call it “The House that Ruth Built” (Babe Ruth). Today, Major League Baseball has evolved from its meager beginnings into an professional sports organization with two leagues and 30 teams. The organization not only carries on America's favorite past time but also gives back to its community.