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In 1837 the Knickerbockers of New York became the first organized baseball team in the U.S. Early member Alexander Cartwright is credited for writing and publishing most of the rules of baseball.
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In 1876 the National League was created. The League consisted of 8 teams.
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In 1901 the American League was formed. This league also consisted of 8 teams.
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In 1903 the first World Series was held. It was a matchup between the Boston Americans and Pittsburgh Pirates. At the time there was a lot of tension between the players of both leagues.
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In 1908, the Sacrifice Fly Rule was adopted. The rule states that if a baserunner can advance and score when a fly ball was caught, then the at-bat will not affect the batter's average.
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The cork center being introduced to the baseball gave the ball more pop off the bat, starting the beginning to the end of the "dead ball era."
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In 1969 the pitchers mound was dropped from 15 inches to 10 inches. The thought was that the pitcher had too much of an advantage being that high up.
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In 1969, the save rule was introduced to the official rules of baseball.
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In 1971, the MLB enforced a rule saying that all batters had to wear protective helmets. This was to lower the risk of injury, and keep the players safer.
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In 1973 the American League started experimenting with the Designated Hitter. The N.L. does not have this and it has always been a controversial topic.
