It’s fair to say, the nation has a real obsession with the sport of baseball and for many, it’s simply a way of life. At times, baseball can be credited with uniting the country through the love of sport and the American people have come together for the game for over a century turning a humble hobby into an internationally renowned sport.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why Baseball is the nation’s favorite sport.
Where did it All Start?
Mar 11, 2020; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Matt Kemp (27) scores a run in the third inning of the spring training game against the New York Yankees at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Baseball attracts an eye-watering number of fans each and at every game. The New York Yankees are no strangers to the adoration of their fans and reportedly almost 300,000 viewers tune in to their games live on TV.
Baseball is a favorite pastime of many Americans but where did this popular hobby take root? In the late 19th century, Massachusetts and Philadelphia both played a version of baseball akin to the present-day game we all know and love, but New York is the real home of the home run.
Despite the New York connection, baseball is now well and truly an international sport with games taking place all over the world. Major League Baseball, the most important fixtures on the baseball calendar, span from the Spring to Summer months from March through October attracting thousands of wide-eyed spectators.
A Game of The People
One of the major reasons for the popularity of baseball is the charismatic stars at the heart of the game. The American public have long held a fascination with the stars of the sport, and in showing their appreciation of the game, have developed interesting ways to honor their favorite hitters.
Baseball cards, originally a freebie within cigarette packets, and memorabilia have at times gripped the nation and there are several original cards such as the ‘Sandy Koufax’, worth well over the $1 million mark.
There is even a National Museum dedicated to housing the most impressive baseball items and souvenirs where thousands flock to visit every year. Get your baseball fix even in the offseason with Imagine Sport’s Diamond Mind Online fantasy baseball simulation game.
Mar 10, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Shun Yamaguchi (1) talks with catcher Reese McGuire (10) at the mound against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Drawing Out Fans in Their Droves
One of the biggest sports of the nation certainly pulls a crowd when it comes to the most important games of the season. The Dodgers Stadium, built in the 1960s in Los Angeles, is the largest capacity venue in the country and, at a push, can hold over 50,000 cheering fans.
As can be seen, the sport of baseball is far more than just a pastime for the American people and the popularity of the sport has far surpassed the realm of a backyard game. Internationally recognized, players of the game of the nation are remembered and regarded as heroes adding a certain panache to the story of the players and the game itself has encouraged some of the countries finest architectural achievements.
The game certainly looks set to see the nation through the century as one of it’s most prized cultural obsessions.
