Baseball HistoryBaseball History

Why is it American’s Pastime?Why is it American’s Pastime?

Rounders – an English Rounders – an English game – 1826??.game – 1826??.

Some contention…Some contention…perhaps from cricket.perhaps from cricket.

First printed rules: 1796 – First printed rules: 1796 – Guts MuthGuts Muth

Knickerbocher rules: Knickerbocher rules: 18451845 http://www.sabr.org/http://www.sabr.org/

sabr.cfm?sabr.cfm?a=cms,c,1017,34,0a=cms,c,1017,34,0

What baseball began as???What baseball began as???

First recorded baseball contest took place in First recorded baseball contest took place in 1846, Elysian Fields, in Hoboken, New Jersey 1846, Elysian Fields, in Hoboken, New Jersey

In 1857, a convention of amateur teams was In 1857, a convention of amateur teams was called to discuss rules and other issues. Twenty called to discuss rules and other issues. Twenty five teams from the northeast sent delegates. five teams from the northeast sent delegates. The following year, they formed the National The following year, they formed the National Association of Base Ball Players, the first Association of Base Ball Players, the first organized baseball league. In its first year of organized baseball league. In its first year of operation, the league supported itself by operation, the league supported itself by occasionally charging fans for admission.occasionally charging fans for admission.

Ball and bat games…Ball and bat games… 10851085 Stool ball, a primitive stick and ball game and a forerunner of Stool ball, a primitive stick and ball game and a forerunner of

rounders and cricket, is mentioned in the Domesday Book. rounders and cricket, is mentioned in the Domesday Book. 1200s1200s "The scholars of every school have their ball, or baton, in "The scholars of every school have their ball, or baton, in

their hands; the ancient and wealthy men of the city come forth on their hands; the ancient and wealthy men of the city come forth on horseback to see the sport of the young men... " From horseback to see the sport of the young men... " From Sports and Sports and Pastimes Of Old Time Used In This CityPastimes Of Old Time Used In This City, Fitzstephen. , Fitzstephen.

1200s-1300s1200s-1300s Primitive bat and ball games are used in religious Primitive bat and ball games are used in religious observances in Eastern France. observances in Eastern France.

16211621 Christmas Day: Governor Bradford finds the men of Plymouth Christmas Day: Governor Bradford finds the men of Plymouth Plantation, "frolicking in ye street, at play openly; some at Virginia Plantation, "frolicking in ye street, at play openly; some at Virginia pitching ye ball, some at stoole ball and shuch-like sport." pitching ye ball, some at stoole ball and shuch-like sport."

17001700 In his memoirs, the Rev Thomas Wilson, a Puritan divine in In his memoirs, the Rev Thomas Wilson, a Puritan divine in Maidstone, England, states: "I have seen Morris-dancing, cudgel-Maidstone, England, states: "I have seen Morris-dancing, cudgel-playing, stool ball and cricketts, and many other sports on the Lord's playing, stool ball and cricketts, and many other sports on the Lord's Day."Day."

17441744 John Newbery's John Newbery's A Little Pretty Pocket-BookA Little Pretty Pocket-Book contains a wood- contains a wood-cut illustration showing boys playing "baseball" and a rhymed cut illustration showing boys playing "baseball" and a rhymed description of the game. description of the game.

17481748 Lady Hervey describes in a letter the activities of the family of Lady Hervey describes in a letter the activities of the family of Frederick, Prince of Wales: "... diverting themselves with baseball, a Frederick, Prince of Wales: "... diverting themselves with baseball, a play all who are or have been schoolboys are well acquainted with."play all who are or have been schoolboys are well acquainted with."

17781778 George Ewing, a Revolutionary War soldier, tells of playing a George Ewing, a Revolutionary War soldier, tells of playing a game of "Base" at Valley Forge: "Exercised in the afternoon in the game of "Base" at Valley Forge: "Exercised in the afternoon in the intervals playd at base." intervals playd at base."

17861786 Games of "Baste Ball" are played by students on the campus Games of "Baste Ball" are played by students on the campus of Princeton University. (A year later, the faculty prohibits ball "on of Princeton University. (A year later, the faculty prohibits ball "on account of its being dangerous as well as beneath the propriety of a account of its being dangerous as well as beneath the propriety of a gentleman".) gentleman".)

17971797 Daniel Webster, in private correspondence, writes of "playing Daniel Webster, in private correspondence, writes of "playing ball" while a student at Dartmouth College. ball" while a student at Dartmouth College.

17981798 Jane Austen mentions "base-ball" in her novel Jane Austen mentions "base-ball" in her novel Northanger Northanger AbbeyAbbey. .

18031803 An informal group called the "New York Cricket Club" is An informal group called the "New York Cricket Club" is headquartered in New York City at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern, headquartered in New York City at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern, No.11 Nassau Street. The club flourishes for a year, then dies. No.11 Nassau Street. The club flourishes for a year, then dies.

18061806 Louisiana Purchase explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Louisiana Purchase explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark attempt to Clark attempt to teach the Nez Perce Indians to play the "game teach the Nez Perce Indians to play the "game of base."of base."

18091809 The first formally organized cricket club is established in Boston, The first formally organized cricket club is established in Boston, Massachusetts. Massachusetts.

18101810 The rules for "Poisoned Ball" are described in a French book of boys' The rules for "Poisoned Ball" are described in a French book of boys' games. "In a court, or in a large square space, four points are marked: one games. "In a court, or in a large square space, four points are marked: one for the home base, the others for bases which must be touched by the for the home base, the others for bases which must be touched by the runners in succession, etc." runners in succession, etc."

18121812 Peter Van Smoot, an Army private present at the Battle of New Peter Van Smoot, an Army private present at the Battle of New Orleans, writes in his diary: "I found a soft ball in my knapsack, that I forgot I Orleans, writes in his diary: "I found a soft ball in my knapsack, that I forgot I had put there and started playing catch with it."had put there and started playing catch with it."

18161816 June 6: Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown, NY enact an June 6: Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown, NY enact an ordinance: "That no person shall play at Ball in Second or West Street [now ordinance: "That no person shall play at Ball in Second or West Street [now Pioneer and Main Streets], under a penalty of one dollar, for each and every Pioneer and Main Streets], under a penalty of one dollar, for each and every offense." offense."

18241824 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a student at Bowdoin College in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a student at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, writes: "... there is nothing now heard of, in our leisure Brunswick, Maine, writes: "... there is nothing now heard of, in our leisure hours, but ball, ball, ball." hours, but ball, ball, ball."

18251825 The following notice appears in the July 13, 1825 Hamden, NY edition The following notice appears in the July 13, 1825 Hamden, NY edition of the of the Delhi GazetteDelhi Gazette: "The undersigned, all residents of the new town of : "The undersigned, all residents of the new town of Hamden, with the exception of Asa Howland, who has recently removed to Hamden, with the exception of Asa Howland, who has recently removed to Delhi, challenge an equal number of persons of any town in the County of Delhi, challenge an equal number of persons of any town in the County of Delaware, to meet them at any time at the house of Edward B Chace, in Delaware, to meet them at any time at the house of Edward B Chace, in said town, to play the game of Bass-Ball, for the sum of one dollar each per said town, to play the game of Bass-Ball, for the sum of one dollar each per game." game."

18281828 The Boy's Own BookThe Boy's Own Book is published in London and contains a set of is published in London and contains a set of rules for rounders, an early version of baseball. rules for rounders, an early version of baseball.

1820s1820s A group of Philadelphians who will eventually organize as the A group of Philadelphians who will eventually organize as the Olympic Town Ball Club begin playing town ball but are prohibited from Olympic Town Ball Club begin playing town ball but are prohibited from doing so within the city limits by ordinances dating to Puritan times. A site in doing so within the city limits by ordinances dating to Puritan times. A site in Camden, New Jersey is used to avoid breaking the laws in Philadelphia.Camden, New Jersey is used to avoid breaking the laws in Philadelphia.

18321832 Baseball - not rounders or town ball - is played in New York City by Baseball - not rounders or town ball - is played in New York City by two clubs. One club is comprised of players from the first ward (lower two clubs. One club is comprised of players from the first ward (lower Manhattan). The second club includes players from the ninth and fifteenth Manhattan). The second club includes players from the ninth and fifteenth wards (upper Manhattan). The club from lower Manhattan evolves into the wards (upper Manhattan). The club from lower Manhattan evolves into the New York Club (see entry for 1843) and later splits into the Knickerbockers New York Club (see entry for 1843) and later splits into the Knickerbockers and Gothams. The club from upper Manhattan evolves into the Washington and Gothams. The club from upper Manhattan evolves into the Washington Club which in turn gives way to the Gothams. Club which in turn gives way to the Gothams.

18341834 Rules for "Base" or "Goal Ball" are published in Rules for "Base" or "Goal Ball" are published in The Boy's and Girl's The Boy's and Girl's Book of SportsBook of Sports by Robin Carver. Carver's book copies the rules for rounders by Robin Carver. Carver's book copies the rules for rounders published in published in The Boy's Own BookThe Boy's Own Book. A line drawing of boys "Playing Ball" on . A line drawing of boys "Playing Ball" on Boston Common is included. Boston Common is included.

18381838 James Fenimore Cooper, a resident of Cooperstown, describes in his James Fenimore Cooper, a resident of Cooperstown, describes in his novel novel Home As FoundHome As Found the return of the Effingham family to Templeton and the return of the Effingham family to Templeton and their ancestral home. There they find a gang of boys playing ball on the their ancestral home. There they find a gang of boys playing ball on the lawn. The passage is thought to be based on a similar incident in Cooper's lawn. The passage is thought to be based on a similar incident in Cooper's life in 1834. life in 1834.

18381838 June 4: Residents of Oxford County gather near Beachville, Ontario, to play the June 4: Residents of Oxford County gather near Beachville, Ontario, to play the first recorded game of baseball in Canada. The Canadian version uses five bases, first recorded game of baseball in Canada. The Canadian version uses five bases, three strikes and three outs to a side. An oblique, irregular foul line delineates three strikes and three outs to a side. An oblique, irregular foul line delineates buildings at the playing site creating an out-of-bounds area. buildings at the playing site creating an out-of-bounds area.

1839 Abner Doubleday1839 Abner Doubleday, later to become a Civil War hero, is said to have "invented , later to become a Civil War hero, is said to have "invented baseball" at Cooperstown, New York, according to the findings of the Mills baseball" at Cooperstown, New York, according to the findings of the Mills Commission (1904-1908), a group of baseball magnates appointed by the American Commission (1904-1908), a group of baseball magnates appointed by the American and National League Presidents to investigate the origins of baseball. The and National League Presidents to investigate the origins of baseball. The Commission bases its findings on letters received from Abner Graves, a resident of Commission bases its findings on letters received from Abner Graves, a resident of Cooperstown in his childhood. The Commission's findings are soon discredited by Cooperstown in his childhood. The Commission's findings are soon discredited by historians who proclaim the historians who proclaim the ""Doubleday Invention" to be entirely a myth. Doubleday Invention" to be entirely a myth.

18391839 May 8: The New York City By-laws and Ordinances prohibit New York, NY ball May 8: The New York City By-laws and Ordinances prohibit New York, NY ball playing. playing.

18401840 DL Adams plays a game in New York City, which he understands to be DL Adams plays a game in New York City, which he understands to be baseball, "... with a number of other young medical men. Before that there had been a baseball, "... with a number of other young medical men. Before that there had been a club called the New York Base Ball Club, but it had no very definite organization and club called the New York Base Ball Club, but it had no very definite organization and did not last long." The game played by Adams was the same as that played by the did not last long." The game played by Adams was the same as that played by the men who would become the Knickerbockers. The game was played on a square, at men who would become the Knickerbockers. The game was played on a square, at first with eleven men on a side, modeling cricket and perhaps the Massachusetts first with eleven men on a side, modeling cricket and perhaps the Massachusetts Game. Game.

18401840 The Eagle Ball Club of New York is organized to play Town Ball; in 1852 the The Eagle Ball Club of New York is organized to play Town Ball; in 1852 the club reconstitutes itself as the Eagle Base Ball Club and begins to play the New York club reconstitutes itself as the Eagle Base Ball Club and begins to play the New York Game. Game.

18421842 The New York Cricket Club is formed. The club consists at first of American- The New York Cricket Club is formed. The club consists at first of American-born sporting men affiliated with Porter's "Spirit Of The Times". The American-born born sporting men affiliated with Porter's "Spirit Of The Times". The American-born emphasis stands in contrast to the British-oriented St George Club. emphasis stands in contrast to the British-oriented St George Club.

1842-451842-45 A group of young men begin to gather in Manhattan for informal A group of young men begin to gather in Manhattan for informal ball games. The group plays ball under an evolving set of rules from which ball games. The group plays ball under an evolving set of rules from which emerges a distinct version of base ball. In the autumn of 1845 the group emerges a distinct version of base ball. In the autumn of 1845 the group organizes formally as the organizes formally as the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York City. Twenty rules or by-laws are adopted and printed for distribution City. Twenty rules or by-laws are adopted and printed for distribution to the members. to the members.

18431843 The New York Club, a semi-organized group, commence playing intra- The New York Club, a semi-organized group, commence playing intra-mural games at Elysian Fields, Hoboken, New Jersey. mural games at Elysian Fields, Hoboken, New Jersey.

18451845 September 23: Led by Alexander Cartwright, a bank clerk, the September 23: Led by Alexander Cartwright, a bank clerk, the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York City organizes and adopts 20 Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York City organizes and adopts 20 rules for baseball. This rule book becomes the basis for the game we now rules for baseball. This rule book becomes the basis for the game we now call baseball. call baseball.

18451845 October 21: The October 21: The New York Morning NewsNew York Morning News reports the first recorded reports the first recorded inter-club match between the New York Ball Club and a team of Brooklyn inter-club match between the New York Ball Club and a team of Brooklyn players. New York wins the match 24-4 in Elysian Fields, Hoboken, New players. New York wins the match 24-4 in Elysian Fields, Hoboken, New Jersey. Nothing is known of the rules used to play this game. Jersey. Nothing is known of the rules used to play this game.

1846 June 19: 1846 June 19: The Knickerbockers meet a team called "New York" at The Knickerbockers meet a team called "New York" at Elysian Fields, New Jersey, in an early match game played under the Elysian Fields, New Jersey, in an early match game played under the 1845 rules. The Knickerbockers lose the contest 23-1. Some historians 1845 rules. The Knickerbockers lose the contest 23-1. Some historians regard this game as the first instance of inter-club or match play.regard this game as the first instance of inter-club or match play.

1846 Walt Whitman writes in his journal: "I see great things in baseball. It's 1846 Walt Whitman writes in his journal: "I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game. It will take people out-of-doors, fill them with our game - the American game. It will take people out-of-doors, fill them with oxygen, give them a larger physical stoicism. Tend to relieve us from being oxygen, give them a larger physical stoicism. Tend to relieve us from being a nervous, dyspeptic set. Repair these losses, and be a blessing to us." a nervous, dyspeptic set. Repair these losses, and be a blessing to us."

18491849 DL Adams (see entry for 1840) invents the position of shortstop by DL Adams (see entry for 1840) invents the position of shortstop by moving the fourth outfielder into the infield. moving the fourth outfielder into the infield.

1850s1850s Numerous clubs, many of them colonized by former New York, NY Numerous clubs, many of them colonized by former New York, NY members of the Knickerbockers, form in the New York City area and play members of the Knickerbockers, form in the New York City area and play under the under the Knickerbocker rulesKnickerbocker rules. Inter-club competition becomes common . Inter-club competition becomes common and baseball matches begin to draw large crowds of spectators. The and baseball matches begin to draw large crowds of spectators. The capacity for spectators in the New York Game is aided by the foul lines capacity for spectators in the New York Game is aided by the foul lines which serve to create a relatively safe area for spectators to congregate and which serve to create a relatively safe area for spectators to congregate and yet remain close to the action without interfering with play. The New York yet remain close to the action without interfering with play. The New York Game's capacity for spectators builds its popularity and eventually fuels an Game's capacity for spectators builds its popularity and eventually fuels an economic bonanza for clubs and owners of baseball grounds. The economic economic bonanza for clubs and owners of baseball grounds. The economic vitality of the New York Game leads eventually to the professionalization vitality of the New York Game leads eventually to the professionalization and commercialization of baseball. and commercialization of baseball.

18561856 December 5: December 5: The The New York MercuryNew York Mercury refers to base ball as "The refers to base ball as "The National Pastime".National Pastime".

18571857 The New York Game rules are modified by a group of New York, The New York Game rules are modified by a group of New York, NYclubs who send representatives to meetings to discuss the conduct of NYclubs who send representatives to meetings to discuss the conduct of the New York Game. The Knickerbocker Club recommends that a winner be the New York Game. The Knickerbocker Club recommends that a winner be declared after seven innings, but nine innings are adopted instead upon the declared after seven innings, but nine innings are adopted instead upon the motion of Lewis F Wadsworth. motion of Lewis F Wadsworth. The basepaths are fixed by DL Adams at The basepaths are fixed by DL Adams at 30 yards and the pitching distance at 15 yards30 yards and the pitching distance at 15 yards. .

18581858 March 16: John Jackson, an American Negro, is born in Fort Plain, March 16: John Jackson, an American Negro, is born in Fort Plain, NY. Jackson grows up in Cooperstown, where he learns to play baseball. In NY. Jackson grows up in Cooperstown, where he learns to play baseball. In the 1870s, Jackson, playing under the name Bud Fowler, will become the the 1870s, Jackson, playing under the name Bud Fowler, will become the first paid professional Negro player. Early in his career, Fowler stars for first paid professional Negro player. Early in his career, Fowler stars for white baseball teams in Toronto, Ontario and Topeka, Kansas.white baseball teams in Toronto, Ontario and Topeka, Kansas.

Civil War and baseballCivil War and baseball

In those years of the Civil War, the number In those years of the Civil War, the number of baseball clubs dropped dramatically. of baseball clubs dropped dramatically. But interest in baseball was carried to But interest in baseball was carried to other parts of the country by Union other parts of the country by Union soldiers, and when the war ended there soldiers, and when the war ended there were more people playing baseball than were more people playing baseball than ever before. The league’s annual ever before. The league’s annual convention in 1868 drew delegates from convention in 1868 drew delegates from over 100 clubs. over 100 clubs.

The Civil War GameThe Civil War Game Section 11Section 11

The striker is out if a foul ball is caught, either before The striker is out if a foul ball is caught, either before touching the ground, or upon the first bound; touching the ground, or upon the first bound; No gloves.No gloves.

Umpire wore a top hat. Umpire wore a top hat. ””He shall be the judge of fair He shall be the judge of fair and unfair play, and shall determine all disputes and and unfair play, and shall determine all disputes and differences which may occur during the game; he shall differences which may occur during the game; he shall take especial care to declare all foul balls and baulks, take especial care to declare all foul balls and baulks, immediately upon their occurrence, unasked, and in a immediately upon their occurrence, unasked, and in a distinct and audible manner .”distinct and audible manner .”

No pitcher’s moundNo pitcher’s mound

Red StockingsRed Stockings

In 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings In 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings decided to become a completely decided to become a completely professional team. Brothers Harry and professional team. Brothers Harry and George Wright recruited the best players George Wright recruited the best players from around the country, and beat all from around the country, and beat all comers. The Cincinnati team won sixty-comers. The Cincinnati team won sixty-five games and lost none. The idea of paid five games and lost none. The idea of paid players quickly caught on. players quickly caught on.

National LeagueNational League The National Association fielded nine teams in 1871, and The National Association fielded nine teams in 1871, and

grew to 13 teams by 1875. grew to 13 teams by 1875. The National Association was short-lived. The presence The National Association was short-lived. The presence

of gamblers undermined the public confidence in the of gamblers undermined the public confidence in the games, and their presence at the games combined with games, and their presence at the games combined with the sale of liquor quickly drove most of their crowds the sale of liquor quickly drove most of their crowds away. Following the 1875 season, the National away. Following the 1875 season, the National Association was replaced with the National League. Association was replaced with the National League. Previously, players had owned the teams and run the Previously, players had owned the teams and run the games, but the National League was to be run by games, but the National League was to be run by businessmen. They established standards and policies businessmen. They established standards and policies for ticket prices, schedules, and player contracts. for ticket prices, schedules, and player contracts.

American LeagueAmerican League In 1882, the American Association started to In 1882, the American Association started to

compete with reduced ticket prices and teams in compete with reduced ticket prices and teams in large cities. Rather than fight each other, the two large cities. Rather than fight each other, the two leagues reached an accord, ratifying a National leagues reached an accord, ratifying a National Agreement. It called for teams in both major Agreement. It called for teams in both major leagues and all of the minor leagues to honor leagues and all of the minor leagues to honor each other’s player contracts. In addition, the each other’s player contracts. In addition, the agreement allowed each team to bind a certain agreement allowed each team to bind a certain number of players with the Reserve Clause. This number of players with the Reserve Clause. This clause granted teams the rights to unilaterally clause granted teams the rights to unilaterally renew a player’s contract, preventing him from renew a player’s contract, preventing him from entertaining other offers. entertaining other offers.

Babe Ruth’s effectBabe Ruth’s effect

The growing of a hitting game…The growing of a hitting game…

Labor UnionsLabor Unions

Concerned about getting a piece of growing Concerned about getting a piece of growing television revenues, the players sought to television revenues, the players sought to strengthen their union in 1965. strengthen their union in 1965.

They hired Marvin Miller, a veteran labor They hired Marvin Miller, a veteran labor organizer who had fought for the United organizer who had fought for the United Steelworkers union for years. He knew there Steelworkers union for years. He knew there was more at stake than adding broadcasting was more at stake than adding broadcasting money to the pension fund. When Miller came money to the pension fund. When Miller came on board and saw what the conditions were, he on board and saw what the conditions were, he knew much more was at stake.knew much more was at stake.

Labor UnionsLabor Unions For one thing, the minimum salary was $6,000, just a For one thing, the minimum salary was $6,000, just a

thousand dollars more than it had been in 1947. As he thousand dollars more than it had been in 1947. As he began to collect data, the players were surprised at how began to collect data, the players were surprised at how poorly they were being paid. poorly they were being paid.

This education paved the way for the first collective This education paved the way for the first collective bargaining agreement in 1968. It provided some modest bargaining agreement in 1968. It provided some modest improvements, but most importantly it gave the players improvements, but most importantly it gave the players some leverage. For nearly a hundred years, team some leverage. For nearly a hundred years, team owners had a “take it or leave it” relationship with owners had a “take it or leave it” relationship with players. The union could (and did) file complaints with players. The union could (and did) file complaints with the National Labor Relations Board when they were the National Labor Relations Board when they were treated unfairly. Players also won the right to have their treated unfairly. Players also won the right to have their grievances heard before an independent arbitrator. grievances heard before an independent arbitrator.

Curt FloodCurt Flood The owners did not like this. They did not like the union The owners did not like this. They did not like the union

interfering in their business, and they did not like the interfering in their business, and they did not like the players standing up to them. Curt Flood, one of the players standing up to them. Curt Flood, one of the league’s premier centerfielders refused to report to league’s premier centerfielders refused to report to training camp in 1969, demanding that the St. Louis training camp in 1969, demanding that the St. Louis Cardinals offer more than a $5000 raise. They relented, Cardinals offer more than a $5000 raise. They relented, but after an unexceptional season, they traded him to but after an unexceptional season, they traded him to Philadelphia. Flood did not want to go. He had strong Philadelphia. Flood did not want to go. He had strong ties to the community, and filed a suit against ties to the community, and filed a suit against Commissioner Bowie Kuhn. Flood argued that the Commissioner Bowie Kuhn. Flood argued that the Reserve Clause was illegal, and that he should be Reserve Clause was illegal, and that he should be allowed to negotiate freely with other teams. The allowed to negotiate freely with other teams. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled against him, but it made Supreme Court ultimately ruled against him, but it made a lot of players think. a lot of players think.

Free AgencyFree Agency

By 1975, two pitchers decided to challenge the By 1975, two pitchers decided to challenge the reserve clause again. It said that the teams had reserve clause again. It said that the teams had the right to renew a players contract for one the right to renew a players contract for one year. They interpreted that to be recurring, that year. They interpreted that to be recurring, that they could renew it every year. Dave McNally they could renew it every year. Dave McNally and Andy Messersmith refused to sign their and Andy Messersmith refused to sign their contracts. If the reserve clause bound them for contracts. If the reserve clause bound them for the 1975 season, there was no contract that the 1975 season, there was no contract that could be renewed for 1976. An arbitrator upheld could be renewed for 1976. An arbitrator upheld their case, and free agency was born. their case, and free agency was born.

New TechnologyNew Technology

New balls – compact, more density.New balls – compact, more density.The rumor on the Japanese Ball.The rumor on the Japanese Ball.Metal Bats versus Wood Bats.Metal Bats versus Wood Bats.

What you saidWhat you said

Zach, p. 1Zach, p. 1Dominique, p. 1Dominique, p. 1Kevin, p. 1Kevin, p. 1Jeremy, p. 1Jeremy, p. 1Liz, p. 1Liz, p. 1