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...and so it began
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| October 27, 2011, 11:19 |
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Re: ...and so it began
Since I first declared my preference for the knickers and long socks baseball uniform, I have been looking up a little history of the uniforms.
It was maybe in the mid to later 80's when the longer pants came to the game. Which maybe why I get the impression of them being tired and dated even though a current trend of wearing the long pants kind of bagging and long enough to bunch up around their shoes and drag the ground.
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| October 27, 2011, 12:54 |
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Iwant2kssuallovr
62 / female
Bendover, Florida, US
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Re: ...and so it began
I think the history of baseball in general is pretty amazing. Years ago I watched a special, and I'd love to see it again...
In the 19th century, small towns formed teams, and baseball clubs were formed in larger cities. In 1845, Alexander Cartwright wanted to formalize a list of rules by which all teams could play. Much of that original code is still in place today.
In 1958, the National Association of Base Ball Players, was formed. In its first year of operation, the league supported itself by occasionally charging fans for admission. As the league grew, so did the expenses of playing. Charging admission to games started to become more common, and teams often had to seek out donations or sponsors to make trips.
In 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings decided to become a completely professional team. The Cincinnati team won sixty-five games and lost none. The idea of paid players quickly caught on.
In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first person to break the color barrier in the twentieth cetury, joining the Brooklyn Dodgers. But integration was a very slow process. Other teams were slow to adopt African-American and other minority players. It was another ten years before all of the teams had integrated , and it wasn�t until the early sixties that professional baseball could truly call itself integrated.
In 1960, baseball prospered economically, as attendance continued to grow and national television and radio contracts brought in huge amounts of money. Soon, the players began to see that the owners were not sharing
the wealth. Salaries had remained stagnant for many years, and the players were still bound by the reserve clause. Although they had a union, its only real function was to administer the meager pension former players received. Seeing the success of organized labor in the auto industry and the steel industry, the players decided to put some teeth into their union. After nearly a hundred years, the players wanted to regain some control of the game. And they would get it.
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| October 27, 2011, 14:23 |
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Re: ...and so it began
Would that be the Ken Burn's PBS documentary, Kss?
I missed that one, hoping to catch it sometime. I adore Ken Burn's films.
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| October 27, 2011, 15:04 |
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Luv2Chat4U
55 / male
Way Downstate, Illinois, US
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Re: ...and so it began
Iwant2...GREAT comments...I'm actually somewhat interested in early baseball history. Here's a weird peek into my life...on the side, as a hobby, I am the umpire for a "Vintage Baseball Team" in our area. I got the job because the manager of the team called the community theatre offices and said, "we need somebody loud, funny and not afraid to get up in front of a crowd." For some reason my name immediately came up!
I did a ton of research into the "character" before I started and it was very interesting. The guy who started the team had a couple of books on the subject. I also spent a fair amount of coin on my bowler hat, vintage shirt with the interchangeable collars, vest, pocketwatch, cane and I even do some serious mutton chops with spirit gum.
We play by the officially adopted rules of 1859. Those were the first published rules recognized by all teams in the US after the organizational meetings of 1858. It is really barely recognizable as baseball (actually...at that time it was "Base Ball" - 2 words) but it is a LOT of fun.
The umpire back in those days was a part of a club. He was usually a gentleman who provided financial backing for the club and either wasn't physically able to play or chose not to play. The umpire acted only as arbiter...he didn't "call" anything. If there was a dispute at a base, the umpire would discuss it with the parties involved and a gentleman's agreement would be struck with all parties being very cordial. The umpire also enforced rules of decorum...no cussing, spitting, hooliganism or other lewd or ungentlemanly actions or gestures would be tolerated either on the field or among the spectators. Any "hand" (player) found in violation could be fined up to 25 cents (a day's wages at the time).
The game itself is pretty exciting to watch and we do have regulars who follow us during a season. It doesn't look ANYTHING like what we do today. The "hurler" (pitcher) tosses the ball underhand to the "Striker" (batter). The striker can actually request where and how he wants the hurler to deliver the ball and it was considered unsportsmanlike for the hurler to attempt to intentionally throw the ball past the striker or make it difficult for him to hit the ball. Foul ticks are not considered strikes. If a striker hits the ball into fair territory, it could be caught either in the air or "on first bound" and the striker would be considered "dead" (out). These guys were playing without gloves, so the first bound (bounce) rule was designed to save their hands by taking some of the energy out of long hit balls. It is VERY weird to get used to watching a guy intentionally let the ball hit the ground in centerfield then he nabs it on first bound and the hand is dead.
We have period bats turned from hunks of oak and ash and these handmade balls that are kind of round...but not quite.
If a striker reaches home plate, he must "respectfully request that the tally keeper record the ace. The base runner then rings the tally bell to make the ace official." Stealing bases and sliding are both considered unsportsmanlike and are strictly prohibited.
We play by the 1859 rules, but sometimes we play against teams that use the 1864 rules which changed a few things...then there were the 1869 rules, the 1871 rules...it was all changing fast back then. We have to agree on what set of rules we are using before a game.
We do have some fun with the "decorum" issues...the guy who manages our team is also the pitcher. At a side change he'll whisper to me that he is going to spit while pitching in the next inning so I can keep an eye out. When he does, I'll call a halt to the proceedings and storm out on the field..."Sir! Sir, did you just expectorate on my field?!?" or, if he's scratching his crotch, "Sir! Did you just touch yourself in an impure and ribald manner? Do you realize that ladies are present here today, my good sir?!?" We'll have a discussion about his behavior and I'll fine him a dime or a quarter. The cranks (spectators) love it!
Oh, another weird rule from back then...if a crank catches a foul tick...that is an out! So you could actually help your team if you are sitting along the sidelines and you catch a foul tick from the other side!
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| October 27, 2011, 15:22 |
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perveman
111 / male
Tucson, Arizona, US
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Re: ...and so it began
I'm not involved in this thread Luv2Chat4U, but I will say, kiss, has a wealth of knowledge of most topics. I could try to share some info that I know little about, and she can correct me (plus my grammer and spelling). Just raying. Have a great day! 
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| October 27, 2011, 16:39 |
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Iwant2kssuallovr
62 / female
Bendover, Florida, US
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Re: Re: ...and so it began
QUOTE (Chazzy @ October 27, 2011, 15:04)Would that be the Ken Burn's PBS documentary, Kss?
I missed that one, hoping to catch it sometime. I adore Ken Burn's films.
Seriously, I don't know if it was Ken Burn's PBS documentary on baseball? It states his documentary is of race, business, labour relations and baseball and society. The series had an audience of 45 million viewers, which would make it the most watched program in Public Television history.
I did find this, Encore Presentation:
Episode 1, Nov. 8 at 9 PM
Episode 2, Nov. 15 at 9 PM
(check local listings)
I wish I could find it again.
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| October 27, 2011, 18:43 |
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Re: ...and so it began
Such good stuff Luv2, love all the vintage rules, and "hurler" and "striker"
I'd would love to see the game played with the old rules, that would be a blast.
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| October 28, 2011, 00:23 |
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wandering5tar
53 / male
London, England, UK
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Re: ...and so it began
That would be a hoot Chazzy, since the history of baseball is...
It's played by girls and we call it rounders :-)
[Such a pity Josie's not here for this...]
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| October 28, 2011, 09:49 |
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Re: ...and so it began
Do they play cricket in their knickers?
Had to read Luv2's post again, I would love to see that, just love it.
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| October 28, 2011, 11:06 |
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newbie1011
62 / female
The Shore, New Jersey, US
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Re: ...and so it began
I loved reading the old rules . I have to say that the more I learn about the sport the more I enjoy baseball.The family friend I mentioned in a previous thread is a second in a three or might be the third in a four generation of baseball players. He is part on the few family's that can say he , his father and his son all played baseball as a career. His father was a big part of the color barrier time and he was a big part of the time when the players and owners really went at it.
I have to ask him if he knew all these old rules next time I see him. I have a feeling since the entire family lives and breathes the game I bet they do.The funny thing about your story for me was he was managing a minor league team now that he is retired and we went to see a bunch of games. They had a visiting team from I think it was Japan come and play their team for two days. Something happened on the field that we couldn't quit hear but the guy from the Japanese team went on a cursing spree that would curl your hair. The funny thing is they supposedly didn't speak a word of English. This guy spoke these words loud and clear! They did have to stop the game and have a bit of a discussion. They almost didn't play the next day but they worked it out after the game.I do understand the offending team did have to pay a fine but don't know how much.
Baseball and football seem to have gone through so many changes in a short time. Because I have had the chance to know a few pro spots people in my life I have heard many stories. I am shocked at the stories they tell me.Some are really sad. Like how fucked up football players are because they are basically forgotten about after having the crap beat out of their bodies and the NFL has no use for them anymore. I found out that Fred "The Hammer" Williamson, got his name from a move that would be illegal in football today. Jim Brown (AND MAJOR ASSHOLE!) is considered to be one of the best athletes ever.Even going back about 25 years when I had the misfortune of having to spend time with this asshole he walked like he was a beaten old man.(Maybe it was due to trying to carry that big fat ego around.It was bigger than most people could handle.)
Things have changed in all sports I guess. Bats and balls are made of different materials which in itself makes it like comparing apples to oranges when comparing a hitter from the past who might have hit a rag ball,with a basic wood bat,that is not even round to the technological marvel of a baseball and bat of today.
All sports have their issues it seems.A gymnast of the time I was competing to today. It is almost a completely different sport.I knew a boxer named Chuck Webner who had his brain basically destroyed because of the old rules or lack of them.Wrestlers are no better and wrestling I'm talking about isn't even a real sport. Look how beaten up Hulk Hogan is. I knew him (Pre-Rocky days). He was well built, strong and I must say for the record smart and a very nice man. Unlike his "Hulk"persona.He can barely walk these days.They have even changed swimming and golf drastically. The risk they put an athlete in at times is stupid. It's a sport not a gladiator match to the death.As for all these "records" Again how can you compare apples to oranges. When athletes train on a whole different level these days, they have technologically as well as medical science to boost things.As a parent with athletic and highly competitive kids I worry when I see some of the changes sports have taken. Not always for the better.
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| October 29, 2011, 07:29 |
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