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First MLB Team Founded in Cincinnati
The MLB officially began in 1869 when the Cincinnati Red Stockings (Reds) started the NABBP (National Association of Baseball Players). They were the first professional team as they had ten players on salary. -
The First World Series
The World Series has become an October tradition for millions of baseball fans across the world. This event attracts millions of viewers on TV and thousands filling the stadiums each night. The first of these was played in 1903 between the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates. -
Babe Ruth Traded to Yankees
This move can almost be labeled as the beginning of baseball popularity. Once he was traded to the Yankees Ruth's career took off as he went on to become one of the greatest hitters of all time. His big swing and personality made him a perfect fit for New York and the populaity of baseball in the big apple, and the entire country took off. -
The Great Depression Hits MLB
The Great Depression affected millions of Americans including players and owners. People had no discretionary income so they could not attend any games. Since the owners had less money they had to cut players and reduce thier salaries. Duing the time of the Great Depression only two MLB teams turned any sort of profit. -
First MLB All Star Game
The MLB All Star Game has become a sort of summer time tradition, attracting millions on TV and thousands in the stadium to watch the best of the best all play on one field. The first of these games was played in 1933 at Comiskey Park in Chicago. -
First Televised MLB Game
The first ever televised baseball game was on August 26th 1939 as the Cincinnati Reds played the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. The game was broadcasted on W2XBS (NBC) and had Red Barber announcing. -
World War II
When World War II started many americans joined the military including some of the MLB's biggest stars, like Joe Dimaggio. This, as well as wartime blackout restrictions, made it hard for the MLB to continue going and there popularity and income during this span was very low. -
Jackie Robinson Breaks Color Barrier
Dodgers owner Branch Rickey signed Jackie Robinson from the Negro League to play in the MLB. After a short amount of time in the minor leagues Jackie made his MLB debut and in turn became one of the most recognizable names and figures in American History. As well as helping to lead the civil rights movement, Jackie opened the MLB to an entire new audience. -
Dodgers Move To Los Angeles
Walter O'Malley had become the majorit owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, and was looking to purchase new real estate in Brookyln to build a new stadium, but he was having a hard time finding land and getting permission from the New York Government. Eventually a group of Los Angeles convinced O'Malley to move the team from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. This opened the MLB to milliosn of more fans from all over the country. -
MLB Launches the MLB Network
The MLB became the fourth major american sport to launch it's own TV station. Today MLB network is aired in all 50 states and many other countries around the world. Their headquarters are about 40 minutes away in Secaucus, New Jersey
