# Chapter 1: History & Origins Baseball · Chapter 1: History & Origins · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/baseball/interesting-facts/chapter-1-history-origins/) Curiosities from baseball's past: presidents at the ballpark, cards, food, the first spring trainings, the famous song, where club names come from, old ballparks' second lives, the Congressional game and the stories behind baseball words. ## 1.11 Presidents and the First Pitch Presidents at the ballpark, from Taft's toss in 1910 to Yale's first baseman. ### Test 1: Presidents and the first pitch - He tossed the ball from his seat in the stands. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'Presidents and the first pitch' features (baseballhall.org); White House Historical Association; MLB.com Opening Day history) - Historians have found the stretch was older than that game. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'Presidents and the first pitch' features (baseballhall.org); White House Historical Association; MLB.com Opening Day history) - He went to Game 2 in Philadelphia. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'Presidents and the first pitch' features (baseballhall.org); White House Historical Association; MLB.com Opening Day history) - He threw it eight times. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'Presidents and the first pitch' features (baseballhall.org); White House Historical Association; MLB.com Opening Day history) - He threw from the mound in Yankee Stadium wearing a protective vest. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'Presidents and the first pitch' features (baseballhall.org); White House Historical Association; MLB.com Opening Day history) - Babe Ruth presented a manuscript to him at Yale in 1948. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'Presidents and the first pitch' features (baseballhall.org); White House Historical Association; MLB.com Opening Day history) - He was a lifelong fan of the South Side club. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'Presidents and the first pitch' features (baseballhall.org); White House Historical Association; MLB.com Opening Day history) - 1910, 1915, 2001, then 2009. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'Presidents and the first pitch' features (baseballhall.org); White House Historical Association; MLB.com Opening Day history) - 1948, 1952, then 1989. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'Presidents and the first pitch' features (baseballhall.org); White House Historical Association; MLB.com Opening Day history) - Johnson then threw a one-hitter for Washington. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'Presidents and the first pitch' features (baseballhall.org); White House Historical Association; MLB.com Opening Day history) ## 1.12 Baseball Cards From tobacco packs to record auctions. ### Test 1: Baseball cards - Stiff cards protected the cigarettes and advertised the brand. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame card collection (baseballhall.org); Library of Congress Benjamin K. Edwards baseball card collection; Topps company history; Heritage Auctions (2022)) - The company was best known for its gum. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame card collection (baseballhall.org); Library of Congress Benjamin K. Edwards baseball card collection; Topps company history; Heritage Auctions (2022)) - The story helps explain why high-number 1952 cards are so rare. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame card collection (baseballhall.org); Library of Congress Benjamin K. Edwards baseball card collection; Topps company history; Heritage Auctions (2022)) - It was then the highest price ever paid for a sports card. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame card collection (baseballhall.org); Library of Congress Benjamin K. Edwards baseball card collection; Topps company history; Heritage Auctions (2022)) - Griffey's card was number 1 in the set. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame card collection (baseballhall.org); Library of Congress Benjamin K. Edwards baseball card collection; Topps company history; Heritage Auctions (2022)) - A high grade can multiply a card's value. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame card collection (baseballhall.org); Library of Congress Benjamin K. Edwards baseball card collection; Topps company history; Heritage Auctions (2022)) - It also took over MLB's card licence. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame card collection (baseballhall.org); Library of Congress Benjamin K. Edwards baseball card collection; Topps company history; Heritage Auctions (2022)) - The 1880s, 1933, 1951, then 1989. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame card collection (baseballhall.org); Library of Congress Benjamin K. Edwards baseball card collection; Topps company history; Heritage Auctions (2022)) - 1952, 1981, then 2022. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame card collection (baseballhall.org); Library of Congress Benjamin K. Edwards baseball card collection; Topps company history; Heritage Auctions (2022)) - Goudey's 1933 set had four different Babe Ruth cards. (Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame card collection (baseballhall.org); Library of Congress Benjamin K. Edwards baseball card collection; Topps company history; Heritage Auctions (2022)) ## 1.13 Ballpark Food Famous food and drink at the ballpark, from Brooklyn to Seattle. ### Test 1: Ballpark food - His family firm ran concessions in many ballparks for decades. (Source: MLB.com and club ballpark food guides (Dodgers, Rockies, Mariners, Giants, Phillies, Pirates); Smithsonian Magazine on ballpark food history) - It sticks out well past both ends of the bun. (Source: MLB.com and club ballpark food guides (Dodgers, Rockies, Mariners, Giants, Phillies, Pirates); Smithsonian Magazine on ballpark food history) - The dish comes from ranching country. (Source: MLB.com and club ballpark food guides (Dodgers, Rockies, Mariners, Giants, Phillies, Pirates); Smithsonian Magazine on ballpark food history) - They came in a cup seasoned with chilli and lime. (Source: MLB.com and club ballpark food guides (Dodgers, Rockies, Mariners, Giants, Phillies, Pirates); Smithsonian Magazine on ballpark food history) - The smell drifts across the stands. (Source: MLB.com and club ballpark food guides (Dodgers, Rockies, Mariners, Giants, Phillies, Pirates); Smithsonian Magazine on ballpark food history) - It comes from a Pittsburgh restaurant founded in the 1930s. (Source: MLB.com and club ballpark food guides (Dodgers, Rockies, Mariners, Giants, Phillies, Pirates); Smithsonian Magazine on ballpark food history) - The old snack returned within weeks. (Source: MLB.com and club ballpark food guides (Dodgers, Rockies, Mariners, Giants, Phillies, Pirates); Smithsonian Magazine on ballpark food history) - San Francisco, Denver, then Pittsburgh. (Source: MLB.com and club ballpark food guides (Dodgers, Rockies, Mariners, Giants, Phillies, Pirates); Smithsonian Magazine on ballpark food history) - Strangers in the row help the sale along. (Source: MLB.com and club ballpark food guides (Dodgers, Rockies, Mariners, Giants, Phillies, Pirates); Smithsonian Magazine on ballpark food history) - It has been sold there since the 1960s. (Source: MLB.com and club ballpark food guides (Dodgers, Rockies, Mariners, Giants, Phillies, Pirates); Smithsonian Magazine on ballpark food history) ## 1.14 The First Spring Trainings Hot springs, hot sand and the camps that came after. ### Test 1: The first spring trainings - Players soaked in the town's thermal baths. (Source: Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail (hotspringsbaseballtrail.com); Cactus League history (cactusleague.com); Los Angeles Dodgers, 'Dodgertown' history) - Many players had spent the winter drinking and eating well. (Source: Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail (hotspringsbaseballtrail.com); Cactus League history (cactusleague.com); Los Angeles Dodgers, 'Dodgertown' history) - They trained in Jacksonville. (Source: Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail (hotspringsbaseballtrail.com); Cactus League history (cactusleague.com); Los Angeles Dodgers, 'Dodgertown' history) - His Cleveland club trained in Tucson, the Giants in Phoenix. (Source: Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail (hotspringsbaseballtrail.com); Cactus League history (cactusleague.com); Los Angeles Dodgers, 'Dodgertown' history) - They then moved to Arizona. (Source: Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail (hotspringsbaseballtrail.com); Cactus League history (cactusleague.com); Los Angeles Dodgers, 'Dodgertown' history) - Each state has its own spring league. (Source: Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail (hotspringsbaseballtrail.com); Cactus League history (cactusleague.com); Los Angeles Dodgers, 'Dodgertown' history) - It opened in 2009 near Phoenix. (Source: Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail (hotspringsbaseballtrail.com); Cactus League history (cactusleague.com); Los Angeles Dodgers, 'Dodgertown' history) - 1886, 1918, 1947, then 2008. (Source: Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail (hotspringsbaseballtrail.com); Cactus League history (cactusleague.com); Los Angeles Dodgers, 'Dodgertown' history) - Clubs paid for the trip by playing towns along the route. (Source: Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail (hotspringsbaseballtrail.com); Cactus League history (cactusleague.com); Los Angeles Dodgers, 'Dodgertown' history) - Cap Anson's team made the trip. (Source: Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail (hotspringsbaseballtrail.com); Cactus League history (cactusleague.com); Los Angeles Dodgers, 'Dodgertown' history) ## 1.15 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' The 1908 song that every ballpark sings. ### Test 1: 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' - It quickly became a hit of the music halls. (Source: Library of Congress, 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' (loc.gov performing arts); National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'The song that made baseball sing') - He wrote them on a train in New York. (Source: Library of Congress, 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' (loc.gov performing arts); National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'The song that made baseball sing') - He was a successful Tin Pan Alley composer. (Source: Library of Congress, 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' (loc.gov performing arts); National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'The song that made baseball sing') - He did not go to a big-league game until 1940. (Source: Library of Congress, 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' (loc.gov performing arts); National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'The song that made baseball sing') - The sign advertised a game at the Polo Grounds. (Source: Library of Congress, 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' (loc.gov performing arts); National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'The song that made baseball sing') - The first version of 1908 had a different name. (Source: Library of Congress, 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' (loc.gov performing arts); National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'The song that made baseball sing') - He recorded it on a cylinder for Edison. (Source: Library of Congress, 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' (loc.gov performing arts); National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'The song that made baseball sing') - The chorus is all most fans know; the verses are rarely sung. (Source: Library of Congress, 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' (loc.gov performing arts); National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'The song that made baseball sing') - 1908, 1940, then 1982. (Source: Library of Congress, 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' (loc.gov performing arts); National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'The song that made baseball sing') - The verse sets up the famous chorus. (Source: Library of Congress, 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' (loc.gov performing arts); National Baseball Hall of Fame, 'The song that made baseball sing') ## 1.16 National League Club Names Where National League clubs got their names. ### Test 1: National League club names - The owner was a member of Tammany Hall, whose emblem was a Native American chief. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Dodgers, Pirates, Mets, Padres, Cardinals, Giants, Braves, Astros); SABR team-name research) - They signed a player another club believed was theirs. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Dodgers, Pirates, Mets, Padres, Cardinals, Giants, Braves, Astros); SABR team-name research) - A 19th-century New York club had the same name. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Dodgers, Pirates, Mets, Padres, Cardinals, Giants, Braves, Astros); SABR team-name research) - Mission San Diego de Alcalá was founded in 1769. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Dodgers, Pirates, Mets, Padres, Cardinals, Giants, Braves, Astros); SABR team-name research) - A writer heard a fan admire the 'lovely shade of cardinal'. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Dodgers, Pirates, Mets, Padres, Cardinals, Giants, Braves, Astros); SABR team-name research) - The name has stayed since the club moved west. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Dodgers, Pirates, Mets, Padres, Cardinals, Giants, Braves, Astros); SABR team-name research) - NASA's mission control is in Houston. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Dodgers, Pirates, Mets, Padres, Cardinals, Giants, Braves, Astros); SABR team-name research) - The 1880s, 1891, the 1900s, then 1962. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Dodgers, Pirates, Mets, Padres, Cardinals, Giants, Braves, Astros); SABR team-name research) - San Diego, Denver, Milwaukee, then Miami. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Dodgers, Pirates, Mets, Padres, Cardinals, Giants, Braves, Astros); SABR team-name research) - Brooklyn people were known as trolley dodgers. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Dodgers, Pirates, Mets, Padres, Cardinals, Giants, Braves, Astros); SABR team-name research) ## 1.17 American League Club Names Where American League clubs got their names. ### Test 1: American League club names - Earlier Baltimore clubs had used the name too. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Guardians, Royals, Athletics, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles, Twins, Red Sox); Cleveland Guardians name announcement (2021)) - The American Royal has been held in the city since 1899. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Guardians, Royals, Athletics, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles, Twins, Red Sox); Cleveland Guardians name announcement (2021)) - The A's adopted it with pride in 1902. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Guardians, Royals, Athletics, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles, Twins, Red Sox); Cleveland Guardians name announcement (2021)) - They reached the World Series that same season. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Guardians, Royals, Athletics, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles, Twins, Red Sox); Cleveland Guardians name announcement (2021)) - Fans chose the name in a contest. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Guardians, Royals, Athletics, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles, Twins, Red Sox); Cleveland Guardians name announcement (2021)) - The 'Twin Cities' lie on either side of the Mississippi. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Guardians, Royals, Athletics, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles, Twins, Red Sox); Cleveland Guardians name announcement (2021)) - The city's National League club had dropped its red stockings. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Guardians, Royals, Athletics, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles, Twins, Red Sox); Cleveland Guardians name announcement (2021)) - 1908, 1913, 1969, then 2022. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Guardians, Royals, Athletics, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles, Twins, Red Sox); Cleveland Guardians name announcement (2021)) - 1976, 2008, then 2022. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Guardians, Royals, Athletics, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles, Twins, Red Sox); Cleveland Guardians name announcement (2021)) - The 'Guardians of Traffic' were carved in the 1930s. (Source: Club histories on MLB.com (Guardians, Royals, Athletics, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles, Twins, Red Sox); Cleveland Guardians name announcement (2021)) ## 1.18 Old Ballparks' Second Lives What stands today where famous ballparks once stood. ### Test 1: Old ballparks' second lives - The buildings are named after the old ballpark. (Source: SABR Ballparks Project (sabr.org); club and city histories of Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds, Forbes Field, Tiger Stadium, Comiskey Park, Griffith Stadium and Shea Stadium) - They are called the Polo Grounds Towers. (Source: SABR Ballparks Project (sabr.org); club and city histories of Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds, Forbes Field, Tiger Stadium, Comiskey Park, Griffith Stadium and Shea Stadium) - Home plate is set in the floor of a university building. (Source: SABR Ballparks Project (sabr.org); club and city histories of Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds, Forbes Field, Tiger Stadium, Comiskey Park, Griffith Stadium and Shea Stadium) - A youth league now has its headquarters there. (Source: SABR Ballparks Project (sabr.org); club and city histories of Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds, Forbes Field, Tiger Stadium, Comiskey Park, Griffith Stadium and Shea Stadium) - Markers show home plate and the bases. (Source: SABR Ballparks Project (sabr.org); club and city histories of Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds, Forbes Field, Tiger Stadium, Comiskey Park, Griffith Stadium and Shea Stadium) - It is called Heritage Field. (Source: SABR Ballparks Project (sabr.org); club and city histories of Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds, Forbes Field, Tiger Stadium, Comiskey Park, Griffith Stadium and Shea Stadium) - Howard University's hospital was built there. (Source: SABR Ballparks Project (sabr.org); club and city histories of Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds, Forbes Field, Tiger Stadium, Comiskey Park, Griffith Stadium and Shea Stadium) - 1960, 1964, 1991, then 2009. (Source: SABR Ballparks Project (sabr.org); club and city histories of Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds, Forbes Field, Tiger Stadium, Comiskey Park, Griffith Stadium and Shea Stadium) - 1988, 2000, then 2014. (Source: SABR Ballparks Project (sabr.org); club and city histories of Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds, Forbes Field, Tiger Stadium, Comiskey Park, Griffith Stadium and Shea Stadium) - The White Sox's old home stood across the street from today's park. (Source: SABR Ballparks Project (sabr.org); club and city histories of Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds, Forbes Field, Tiger Stadium, Comiskey Park, Griffith Stadium and Shea Stadium) ## 1.19 The Congressional Baseball Game Republicans against Democrats, every summer since 1909. ### Test 1: The Congressional Baseball Game - It is one of Washington's oldest traditions. (Source: Congressional Baseball Game for Charity (congressionalbaseball.org); Roll Call coverage; National Baseball Hall of Fame on John Tener) - He had pitched for Chicago in the 1880s. (Source: Congressional Baseball Game for Charity (congressionalbaseball.org); Roll Call coverage; National Baseball Hall of Fame on John Tener) - He also served as governor of Pennsylvania. (Source: Congressional Baseball Game for Charity (congressionalbaseball.org); Roll Call coverage; National Baseball Hall of Fame on John Tener) - The Nationals' park opened that year. (Source: Congressional Baseball Game for Charity (congressionalbaseball.org); Roll Call coverage; National Baseball Hall of Fame on John Tener) - It is named after a Capitol Hill newspaper. (Source: Congressional Baseball Game for Charity (congressionalbaseball.org); Roll Call coverage; National Baseball Hall of Fame on John Tener) - The game went ahead the next day before a record crowd. (Source: Congressional Baseball Game for Charity (congressionalbaseball.org); Roll Call coverage; National Baseball Hall of Fame on John Tener) - Money goes to a young women's cancer charity. (Source: Congressional Baseball Game for Charity (congressionalbaseball.org); Roll Call coverage; National Baseball Hall of Fame on John Tener) - 1909, 1913, 2008, then 2017. (Source: Congressional Baseball Game for Charity (congressionalbaseball.org); Roll Call coverage; National Baseball Hall of Fame on John Tener) - Practices begin weeks before the game. (Source: Congressional Baseball Game for Charity (congressionalbaseball.org); Roll Call coverage; National Baseball Hall of Fame on John Tener) - It is the best-known game in Washington. (Source: Congressional Baseball Game for Charity (congressionalbaseball.org); Roll Call coverage; National Baseball Hall of Fame on John Tener) ## 1.20 Where Baseball Words Come From The stories behind baseball words. ### Test 1: Where baseball words come from - With home plate in the west, a lefty's throwing arm pointed south. (Source: Paul Dickson, The Dickson Baseball Dictionary (3rd ed.); National Baseball Hall of Fame features; SABR research on baseball terms) - It is named after shortstop Mario Mendoza. (Source: Paul Dickson, The Dickson Baseball Dictionary (3rd ed.); National Baseball Hall of Fame features; SABR research on baseball terms) - Free tickets were punched with holes, like the sharpshooter's targets. (Source: Paul Dickson, The Dickson Baseball Dictionary (3rd ed.); National Baseball Hall of Fame features; SABR research on baseball terms) - Orioles hitters chopped down on the ball on their hard-packed infield. (Source: Paul Dickson, The Dickson Baseball Dictionary (3rd ed.); National Baseball Hall of Fame features; SABR research on baseball terms) - He used it on Brooklyn Dodgers broadcasts. (Source: Paul Dickson, The Dickson Baseball Dictionary (3rd ed.); National Baseball Hall of Fame features; SABR research on baseball terms) - Coaches use a long, thin fungo bat to hit them. (Source: Paul Dickson, The Dickson Baseball Dictionary (3rd ed.); National Baseball Hall of Fame features; SABR research on baseball terms) - A big, slow curve is sometimes called 'Lord Charles'. (Source: Paul Dickson, The Dickson Baseball Dictionary (3rd ed.); National Baseball Hall of Fame features; SABR research on baseball terms) - A curve is thrown, a chopper bounces, an easy fly falls into the glove. (Source: Paul Dickson, The Dickson Baseball Dictionary (3rd ed.); National Baseball Hall of Fame features; SABR research on baseball terms) - That kind of practice hit has its own name. (Source: Paul Dickson, The Dickson Baseball Dictionary (3rd ed.); National Baseball Hall of Fame features; SABR research on baseball terms) - The word is now used for left-handers in other sports too. (Source: Paul Dickson, The Dickson Baseball Dictionary (3rd ed.); National Baseball Hall of Fame features; SABR research on baseball terms) Sources: Primary/official sources only, no Wikipedia citations: the National Baseball Hall of Fame, MLB and its clubs, the WBSC, SABR's BioProject, the Library of Congress, Guinness World Records, makers' and leagues' own histories and named reputable media. Take the tests: https://insporta.app/try?utm_source=book&utm_medium=referral