"The game of baseball has now become beyond question the leading feature of the outdoor sports of the United States ... It is a game which is peculiarly suited to the American temperament and disposition; ... in short, the pastime suits the people, and the people suit the pastime."\n\n10 points to correct answer
125693
Charles A. Peverelly, 1866\nhttp://www.around-the-horn.com/?p=90
628494
It's based partially on the english game of rounders. The distinct evolution of baseball from among the various bat-and-ball games is difficult to pin down. However, it is mainly agreed that modern baseball is an American development from earlier British games, such as rounders, with possible influences from cricket.\n\nThe earliest known mention of the sport is in a 1744 British publication, A Little Pretty Pocket-Book by John Newbery. It contains a wood-cut illustration of boys playing "base-ball" (showing a similar set-up to the modern game, yet significantly different) and a rhymed description of the sport.\n\nAlexander Cartwright had a hand in compiling and publishing an early list of rules in 1845 (the so-called Knickerbocker Rules) to meet the demands of the already popular sport, and today's rules of baseball have evolved from them.
462704
It is generally credited to the Hall of Fame baseball player and manager Yogi Berra, who is perhaps known more at this point in time for his oxymoron sayings rather than his baseball accomplishments during the 1940's - 1980's.\n\nHis point being that even if unlikely due to the odds (score), until the game is complete, anything could happen and be a rallying point.
271450
Well, people in most countries start to like the sport because it doesn't take much to play (two stones to set goalposts, one empty can to serve as the ball) and thus can be played virtually anywhere in the world (and not only developed nations).\n\nAs for the game itself, it's a mixture of pace, strategy, individual skill and team effort that allows for players to win a game by themselves sometimes but not always, and for weaker teams to pull an upset every now and then - probably more often than in other sports, but it's just speculation at this point.
69362
it's good for baseball and great for the fans, but it's not so hot for the teams whose spring training is disrupted and whose players suffer injuries.  selig is right though: injuries are possible any time.  \n\nthis is the same argument some nhl fans had regarding their favorite team's players in the olympics, although that was on a much bigger stage.  also, nfl players are seeking a shorter preseason to prevent injuries.  \n\nas long as each player has the final say as to whether he'll play in the WBC, i'm in support of it.  it gets the fans excited about baseball earlier than ever before, and i'm tired of nascar already :)
54676
I think it is great, it proves that there is more than enough room in society for dissabled individules to succeed. Lately I've been outraged over sports emphasis on having "the perfect team", and the newest equipment and such, it is great to see sports make a difference in peoples lives. I have been a involved in bowling for many years, and there are many dissabled bowlers. With ailments such as downsyndrome, autism, and physical ailments as well, I think is is what sports were ment to be about, not wasting tax payer dolars on pointless entertainment, but to create a sense of self worth, and self esteem. I hope sports in general will follow this example, I wouuld much rather watch autistic individules play basketball, than a bunch of spoiled, doped up, snobby, whiny ivy league brats. Fun, teamwork, and competition, that is what playing sports is all about, not "The big leagues" or million dollar contracts, but people who put thier heart and soul into thier game.
569143
These guys are all being literal.\n\nRallying in baseball is when a team strings together some hits and scores some runs, usually when they're behind late in a game.\n\nFans sometimes wear what's come to be called a rally cap for this.  A rally cap is basically a baseball cap that's been turned inside out and flipped into some completely ridiculous position on the head.\n\nExample:  The Yankees headed to the 9th inning trailing by 2 runs... but rallied in the 9th to send the game into extra innings.  See what I mean?
595834
What they mean is that when a baseball game doesn't sell at least a certain number of tickets to the game, networks have to blackout the broadcast of the game for areas close to the stadium.\n\nIt's designed to incourage people to go to the game instead of just watching it on tv.
432083
Abner Doubleday is granted with the invention of baseball. He actually copied a game that was being played in Canada by the Indians there. He tweeked it a bit and called it baseball. I would say Canada was where baseball truly originated it.
93992
It is a simple lesson in economics supply and demand. For athletes, people are willing to pay money to see a game and receive a service. Owners are willing to pay star players more because they attract more fans to the games, sell more gear, get more endorsements, get more radio/tv money. The players pay for themselves.\n\nTeachers, policemen and other civil servants does not fall so much into this same criteria. Most of these are paid with taxpayers money.  The taxes come from property, sales or income taxes.  At the same time, they do not produce the revenue that a baseball player/team can produce.  Due to both of these factors they do not get paid as  pro athletes do.\n\nThe same applies to anyone with a specific job with the city, county, state or federal government such as an attorney or an engineer. They typically get paid less than a counterpart in the private industry. They have the same skill set and experience but get paid less. In exchange, they usually get better hours, more benefits. More importantly they usually enjoy knowing that they are working for the citizens.\n\nAs with everything in life there is a tradeoff.
184093
I'm not a Yank - just north - Canadian.  The game is really taking off here.  Both my kids are playing competitive soccer and loving it.  My son quit hockey to focus on soccer all year - smart kid.  It's a great game and for all the people who think it's boring, it is because they don't understand the subtleties of the game.  A lot of people find baseball boring but only if they don't see all the little things going on.  Soccer (football) is full of so many skilled moves that casual viewers miss - especially the European and South American players.  The World Cup is going to be awesome.  Go England (until my son leads Canada to the Cup in about 2018).
643349
I have been paying attention to this issue and it is just that soccer was here before baseball and those sports. and also most countries preffer soccer. another good thing to add is why doesn't the USA start using the metric system
663934
Yeah, it would be refreshing to see the U.S. play The Ivory Coast , or Poland in baseball. You want to watch the "WORLD SERIES", something that means something, wait till the Little Leaguers square off. Then you will see base played like it was meant to be played....between players who play for the fun of it.
87700
many americans are ignorant unwilling to accept cultures or learn anything about a culture other than their own.  So don't take notice of the greatest sport in the world.\n\nIt's their we have everything we need here already philosophy, which also means that most don't travel outside their own country, great shame given proximity to South America.
608599
I am 12 and I play baseball. But I have a question for YOU: why did you post this on an INTERNATIONAL thing? People all over the world read this and they won't travel 2,000 miles just to go out with someone. This is one of the most pointless questions ever.
321526
WRONG!  It's basically the same as the regular "Take me out to the ballgame" except it says root, root root for the CUBBIES instead of the home team:\n\nTake me out to the ballgame\nTake me out to the crowd\nBuy me some peanuts and cracker jacks\nI don't care If i ever get back\nFor it's root, root root for the CUBBIES\nIf they dont win it's a shame\nFor it's 1,2,3 strikes your out at the old, ball, game!\n\nLETS GET SOME RUNS!!
217262
I think you nailed it. It fits the definition of a sport, \n\n"an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition" .