Baseball Photos - The National Pastime

Photos of the U.S. national pastime - images of baseball in history.

Baseball has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century in the United States. The game evolved from various bat-and-ball sports played in England and the United States, and it gained widespread popularity in the late 1800s. The National League, the first professional baseball league, was formed in 1876, and the American League followed in 1901.

Since then, baseball has become one of the most popular sports in the United States, with millions of fans following their favorite teams and players. Baseball has also become a global sport, with many countries having their own professional leagues and participating in international competitions such as the World Baseball Classic.

Baseball has played an important role in American culture, and many people have fond memories of attending games with family and friends, listening to games on the radio, or watching games on television. By sharing these memories, fans can relive important moments in baseball history, such as Babe Ruth's "called shot" in the 1932 World Series or Jackie Robinson's breaking of the color barrier in 1947.

Sharing memories allows fans to connect with each other and to form a community of people who share a love of the game. This community can be especially important for people who may feel isolated or lonely, as it provides a sense of belonging and connection to something larger than themselves.

Almost everyone loves baseball - playing and watching, children and adults. Here are some fun facts for you aficionados:

• "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" was written in 1908 - by two men, Jack Norworth and Albert von Tilzer, who had never been to a game.
• The Dodgers, who moved to L.A. from Brooklyn in the late 1950s, got their name from Brooklynites who were famous for “dodging” the trolley streetcar system.
• The NY Yankees have the most World Series wins at 27.
• The piece of sports equipment that has changed the most during the years? The baseball glove.
• Fenway Park in Boston is the oldest MLB park in continuous use. The first game there was in 1912.
• Mickey Mantle of the NY Yankees holds the record for the longest home run on record. On April 17, 1953, he hit a 565-footer.
• William Howard Taft was the first U.S. President to throw out a ceremonial ball - on April 14, 1910. He was a former semipro baseball player.
• Great movies about baseball? Lots! Some of them: The Bad News Bears (1976), The Pride of the Yankees (1942), Field of Dreams (1989) The Natural (1984), Bull Durham (1988), Bang the Drum Slowly (1973), Moneyball (2011), 42 (2013), A League of Their Own (1992), Fear Strikes Out (1957), and Eight Men Out (1988).

You will enjoy these photos of baseball as much as you enjoy the game!