American Baseball history timeline

By Patrick Burns

  • Inventing baseball

    Abner Doubleday is credited with inventing baseball in Cooperstown, New York.

  • The rules

    Alexander Joy Cartwright develops the rules of baseball.

  • First game of baseball

    The first official game of baseball is played between the Knickerbockers and a group of cricket players.

  • California

    California enters the Union.

  • Civil War

    The Civil War begins.

  • Womens baseball

    The first women's baseball team is started by a group from Vassar College.

  • CurveBall

    Candy Cummings throws the first curveball in baseball.

  • First professional team plays

    An all-professional team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, takes the field for the first time.

  • Custer's defeat

    Custer’s defeat at Little Big Horn.

  • National League

    The National League is established, with William Hulbert as president.

  • Bribes

    Four players are banned from baseball for accepting bribes.

  • Beer League is created

    American Baseball Association, also known as the Beer and Whiskey League, is created.

  • The Bridge

    The Brooklyn Bridge opens.

  • First African american player in the majors

    Moses Fleetwood Walker becomes the first African-American player in the Major Leagues.

  • First Louisville Slugger Bat

    Pete Browning uses the first Louisville Slugger bat.

  • Players League

    The Players’ League is created.

  • Cy Young

    Cy Young takes the mound in the Major Leagues for the first time.

  • Ellis Island

    Ellis Island opens as an immigration station.

  • Spanish war begins

    The Spanish – American War begins