Baseball is the great American pastime. It has been a staple of Americana for years and it will no doubt continue to be popular in the centuries to come. What makes the culture of baseball so captivating to us? Everyone has their own opinion, but whatever it is, it will always be with us.
First, let's begin with the history of baseball. Though the game has several similar cousins around the world, in the United States, "townball," as it was called, began to gain major popularity in the mid-1800s. Many played it in the streets and parks of their local communities. Before long, baseball sporting clubs and organized amateur traveling leagues began to form up. In 1871, the first professional baseball league was founded.
Since that time, baseball has continued to survive the decades of change in America. The game has mirrored society. Early on, blacks were not allowed to play with whites. Of course, Jackie Robinson eventually showed the world that African Americans can make great ball players too. Today, some of the biggest professional baseball stars are black.
Of course, the sporting news as of late has been characterized by steroid abuse and scandal. Many prestigious players have turned to drugs to help them get the edge over the competition. In spite of this, baseball fans still fill the stands every night and choose to focus on the fun and excitement of the game and not the few cheaters that may pop up here and there. Baseball is here to stay, and the future of the sport is looking brighter every day.
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