In 1845, the New York Knickerbockers established formal rules for baseball, and this is cited as the beginning of modern baseball. In 1857, the National Association of Base Ball Players was founded and the Knickerbocker rules were adopted. These rules set the length of the game (9 innings), the distance between bases was standardized (30 yards). In addition to these standard rules, a pitcher threw a ball underhanded and the batter asked for a specific throw. The goal was to hit the ball, not strike the batter out.
1861, the American Civil War broke out and with this, men from different regions began playing baseball together, meaning that they needed common rules. The rules they turned to, were the Knickerbocker rules. By the end of the war, there were 400 member clubs belonging to the National Association of Base Ball Players.
(Company G, 48th New York State Volunteers playing a game of baseball at Fort Pulaski, 1862.)
The Civil War is often reenacted by Civil War enthusiasts. They are known for being eccentric and dedicated. But they are not the only ones who reenact the 1800s. There are 19th century baseball reenactors as well!
Due to racial segregation in America, African Americans were not allowed to play with white players so they played in "Negro Leagues." This practice continued until Jackie Robinson broke the color line in 1947 when he played for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
My baseball team is the Washington Nationals. Prior to 2005, the nation's capital did not have a professional baseball team since 1971. Today is our home opener against rival Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately, we lost, but as I said, it's a six month long season (162 games) so we've got time!
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