If you've been itching to brush up on your pitching speed or hitting stats, studying the origins of America's favorite pastime will provide a deeper appreciation for these exercises. Baseball has played a critical role in shaping this country over the past 175 years. The following guide provides a brief history of the game.

Origins

Based on rounders, an English game, baseball became popular in the early 19th century. Alexander Cartwright formulated a list of official rules in 1845, and in 1846, the first recorded game took place in Hoboken, NJ. During that contest, the New York Baseball Club beat Cartwright's Knickerbockers. In the years that followed, players formed amateur teams throughout the northeast, and 25 of them came together to create the first organized league in 1858, called the National Association of Base Ball Players.

Growing Popularity

By the end of the Civil War, baseball was more popular than ever. Union soldiers had brought the game to other parts of the country, and in 1869, they created the first professional team. Called the Cincinnati Red Stockings, they were formed by brothers George and Harry Wright, who recruited the best players from around the country. The idea of professionalizing the game caught on fast, and in 1871, the National Association became the first professional league. 

The National League (NL) replaced the National Association following the 1875 season and was run by businessmen instead of players. However, a rival league called the American Association was formed in 1882. Players attempted to take back control and start their own leagues again, but their efforts floundered. The American Association eventually folded, but it was replaced by the American League (AL) in 1901. 

Through the NL and AL, baseball swept across the nation during the 20th century. However, during World War I, 227 major league players left to serve in the military. During World War II, more than 500 players joined the armed forces. During this time, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was founded to compensate for the depleted talent resulting from the war efforts. 

The Modern Game

The game played today is essentially the same as the one that people played during the 20th century. While more than 30 rules were implemented or modified between 1901 and 1975, the game has never lost its heart. The greatest changes have arguably been those that came with equipment modifications, such as major advancements in bat technology that you can find in batting cages in your hometown. 

If you want to brush up on your baseball skills, head to Line Drive Indoor Batting in Jupiter, FL. This reliable business provides batting cages, HitTrax® statistics, and Rapsodo Pitching Units®. In addition, their 8,000-square-foot facility offers instructors hailing from the major leagues. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (561) 283-6614 to reserve a batting cage.