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First baseball handbook
1834—first baseball handbook is published, setting the stage for standard rules and procedures, essential for a widespread, popular sport.
http://www.mrbrandl.com/downloads/bbdates.pdf -
First womens' baseball team
1866--The first womens' baseball team is started by a group from Vassar College. Opening baseball to women as well as men greatly changed the game, making it equal-opportunity, as well as affecting Civil Rights at the time. http://www.pbs.org/kenburns/baseball/timeline/ -
Curveball
1870s—Candy Cummings credited with inventing the curveball, a commonly used pitch designed to confuse the batter. This adds another level of interest to the game.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curveball -
National League Founded
1876—National League founded, and Chicago white stockings win first game. The founding of the League, the world's oldest current professional team sports league, affected baseball history significantly, as it supported most major league baseball teams. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-chicagodays-nationalleague-story,0,4797394.story -
3 Strikes
1888—3 Strikes rule created (if a batter misses the ball 3 times, a new batter is sent up to bat). This is one of the most iconic rules of baseball, and also ensures that the game does not drag out too long. It also gives more players a chance to bat during a game.
http://www.mrbrandl.com/downloads/bbdates.pdf -
Pitchers Mound Moved
1893—The pitcher’s mound is moved to feet 60.5 feet (originally 45 feet). This affected how pitchers had to play the game, as they had to throw farther.
http://www.mrbrandl.com/downloads/bbdates.pdf -
First World Series
1903—First World Series Game played. Affected the game of baseball by bringing together teams from around the world to play against each other. http://www.mrbrandl.com/downloads/bbdates.pdf -
Baseball Hall of Fame Established
1936—Baseball hall of fame established. The institution recognizes exceptional baseball players, indirectly affecting baseball as a whole by encouraging players to perform better.
http://baseballhall.org/museum/experience/history -
Helmets required
1958—First time that helmets are required for players during games. This helped to prevent injuries and make the game of baseball less dangerous.
http://www.mrbrandl.com/downloads/bbdates.pdf -
Steroid Use
1971—first recorded and proven use of steroids by major leagues baseball player. By proving the use of steroids by players, more effective means could be employed to control the substances and make games for fair.
http://thesteroidera.blogspot.com/2006/08/earliest-accounts-of-steroids-and-hgh.html