There are few things more American than baseball. It has been a part of our national identity for over a century, and it continues to captivate millions of fans around the world. But despite its popularity, there are still many secrets and surprises that even diehard fans might not know. Here are five fascinating facts about Major League Baseball that are sure to surprise you:
Introduction
1. The Origin of Baseball’s Name – Did you know that “baseball” was originally called “rounders”? In fact, the game we now know as baseball evolved from an English sport called rounders, which dates back to at least the early 1800s. When Americans began playing this game in the mid-nineteenth century, they eventually gave it a new name: baseball. So why did they choose such a strange word? Some historians believe that it may have come from the French word “baston,” which means stick or club. Others think it may be related to the Old English word “basse-ball,” which refers to a similar game played with a ball and bat. Whatever the origin, one thing is clear: baseball is here to stay!
2. Unusual Rules and Customs in MLB History – One of the great things about baseball is that it has always had its own unique set of rules and customs. For example, did you know that until the late nineteenth century, pitchers were required to throw underhanded? This rule was changed after several pitchers suffered arm injuries, but it meant that early baseball looked very different from what we see today. Another interesting fact is that during World War II, major league teams were forced to use substitute players because so many stars were drafted into military service. These substitutes included women, teenagers, and even some professional football players! And finally, did you know that until recently, it was considered bad luck for a player to touch the foul pole while running out a home run? While this superstition has largely disappeared, it remains a fun piece of baseball history.
3. Little-Known Facts about Famous Players – Everyone knows about Babe Ruth’s legendary home runs and Joe DiMaggio’s incredible hitting streak, but there are plenty of other famous players who have surprising stories behind them. For instance, did you know that Mickey Mantle once hit a ball that traveled over 640 feet? That’s farther than two football fields put together! Or how about the fact that Hank Aaron actually struck out more times (1,375) than he homered (755)? These little-known facts help us appreciate just how difficult it is to play at the highest level of baseball.
4. Fun Trivia for Diehard Fans – If you consider yourself a true fan of baseball trivia, then you’ll love these fun facts:
The first night game in major league history took place on May 2, 1935 between the Reds and Phillies.
There have only been three perfect games thrown in postseason history: Don Larsen in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series, Roy Halladay in Game 1 of the 2010 NLDS, and Dallas Braden in 2010.
The most strikeouts ever recorded by a single batter in a nine-inning game is 18, held by former Yankee catcher Jim Leyritz.
These are just a few examples of the endless stream of fascinating facts and figures that make up the rich history of Major League Baseball. Whether you’re a casual fan or a diehard enthusiast, there’s something for everyone when it comes to America’s favorite pastime.