Duck on a Rock Becomes Basketball

James Naismith is Born

Nov 6, 1861

On November 6, 1861, James Naismith was born in Canada near Almonte, Ontario. His parents were John Naismith and Margaret Young.

James Graduates from McGill University

Apr 30, 1887

He graduated the top ten in his class.

James becomes a Presbyterian Minister

Oct 19, 1890

Basketball is Born

Dec 21, 1891

James. taught many sports at YMCA Training School in the spring, summer and fall. He was asked to come up with a winter sport. He remembered playing duck on a rock as a kid and this is how he came up with the idea of Basketball. The first game of basketbal was played on December 21, 1891 at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. The two baskets were peach baskets.

James gets Married

Jun 20, 1894

James married Maude Sherma. She was on one of the first women's teams. James and Maude had 5 children.

James is a P.E. Teacher

Oct 19, 1895

At the YMCA in Denver, Colorado, James became a Director of Physical Education.

James Graduates as a Medical Doctor

Oct 19, 1898

At Gross Medical College in Denver, James gradutes as a medical doctor.

James Works at the University of Kansas

Oct 19, 1909

James is a doctor, minister and a professor at the University of Kansas.

James was in World War I

Oct 19, 1917

In World War I, James was a military chaplain and helps American soldiers.

James becomes a United States Citizen

Oct 19, 1925

James was invited to the Olympic Games.

Oct 20, 1936

This was the first time basketball was an official game in the Olympics. The games took place in Berlin, Germany.

James Dies

Nov 28, 1939

James dies from a heart attack. He was 78 years old.