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The New York Knickerbockers Are Founded
The New York Knickerbockers were the first group to play baseball under modern rules. The club was formed as a social club for the upper middle classes of New York City and was strictly amateur until it disbanded. This completely changed the game by showing that it was now a real sport. -
First Recorded Baseball Game
A game between the Knickerbockers and the New York Baseball club in which the Knickerbockers lost 23 to 1. It was the first recorded baseball game in history. -
The National Association of Base Ball Players is Founded
The New York Knickerbockers along with 15 other teams founded the NABBP and established the first championship games of the sport. The Association created the official rules of the game, getting rid of the New York and Massachusetts rules entirely and creating a new set. The Association later had over 400 clubs enrolled. -
The National Association of Professional Base Ball Players Founded
To separate the professionals from the amateurs, the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players was founded. Amateur clubs drifted away and it was later changed into the National League of Professional Base Ball Players. This is the same league that is operated today. -
The 'Dead Ball' Era Begins
The 'Dead Ball' era was a time in which baseball was tested to its limits, with low-scoring pitcher dominated games and little entertainment to crowds. Even though it seemed like it wouldn't make it out, it created some of the biggest legends of the game. -
Babe Ruth Sold to the New York Yankees
Once Babe Ruth went to the Yankees, he completely changed the game and ushered in the golden age of baseball. His hitting power was supreme and he went on as a legend in the history of baseball. -
Ray Chapman Dies
Ray Chapman is hit by a wild pitch from Carl Mays, and dies 12 hours later. This leads to the ban of tampering with the ball and the discoloration of the ball. -
Hall of Fame Instituted
The Baseball Hall of Fame was instituted with the election of five players: Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, and Babe Ruth. Through 2016, 314 players have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. -
First Televised Major League Game
The first televised game was a doubleheader with the Brooklyn Dodgers against the Cincinnati Reds at Ebbets Field. With only two cameras, both games were televised. The Reds won the first, the Dodgers the second. -
Jackie Robinson Plays for the Brooklyn Dodgers
The first African-American to play in the Major Leagues in the modern age, Jackie Robinson first played for the Kansas City Monarchs before he played for the Dodgers. He broke the color barrier for more African-Americans to come.
