How did baseball become the American pastime?

Answer 1

Baseball is considered a development from an older game called rounders that was made popular in Great Britain and Ireland. It became an extremely popular sport during and just after the American Civil War. It was called "America's Pastime" because during the late 19th and early 20th century it was probably the most widely played sport in the country. Baseball was to that time period as Video Games and television are to today. Before TV Baseball was what kids did after school and on the weekends and during the summer...etc. It was literally how America passed the time.

Before the time of television, the internet, DVD's and the rise of American football, Basketball, hockey, NASCAR, extreme sports, and the general splintering of American culture, baseball was probably one of the few things that almost every American knew something about and could discuss/share with their neighbors, coworkers, family members that they might sit down next to on a bus etc... Hence, it was the nation's pastime.

I don't think, in this day and age, we have a "national pastime" anymore. Culture is simply too splintered. American football may the most popular sport, but being the most popular sport does not make something the "national pastime." They became no life.

Answer 2

As far as I know, history has not recorded the person who first coined the phrase. The first use of the phrase is attributed to newspapers in the early 1870s when the National Association, considered by some the first 'major league'was formed and became popular.

Answer 3

There are many factors....but here are a few.

In the early days it was a lot easier to get off work early (or a few hours) and go see the Yanks, or the Sox, or whoever your team was. Cities took great pride in their Baseball teams becasue for the most part, that is all they had. Baseball clubs were not competing with NBA teams and NFL teams back then either.

In the earliest days of baseball, Getting the game on television was not possible..... So if you did not have a ticket you would huddle with your budies around a radio to hear the game. But if you had a ticket, you would always go see your team.

When you go to a ball game, you have time to get a hotdog, or take a leak, and not miss any action at all. Between innings there is extra time to chat with your kids, friends, foes, in the crowd.

Lastly, the legends back then were something else. Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Mickey, and so on.

But many people belive that football should be our pastime because it is our sport. O and don't forget that Edgar Allen Poe is the best jedi ever!!!

because its one of Americas most watched and enjoyed sports

Answer 4

To start the 1910 season, President William Howard Taft through out the ceremonial "first pitch" to open the season for the Washington Senators game with the Philadelphia Athletics. Vice-president James Sherman and other national political leaders were also in attendance at the game. Many historian recognize this unpredented event as marking baseball as the "official" national pastime.

Answer 5

It is one of Americas most popular sports and one of the first

Answer 6

yes i believe it is