In the early 1900s, there was a debate about the origins of baseball. British sportswriter Henry Chadwick believed it derived from a British game called rounders. However, baseball executive Albert Spalding argued that it was fundamentally American. To settle the matter, a commission was appointed, led by Abraham Mills, the president of the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs. After three years of research, the commission declared that Abner Doubleday invented baseball.

But here’s the juicy secret: Doubleday had no idea he was the father of the game. The truth behind the myth is that it originated from a Colorado mining engineer. He claimed to have witnessed Doubleday drawing a diagram for a new ballgame in the dust during a schoolboy game. However, this game was similar to ones played in various locations for many years.

So why did the mining engineer fabricate this story? That’s the big question. It’s unclear what motivated him to send a letter to Spalding’s secretary from Akron, Ohio, and continue corresponding with the Cooperstown newspaper embellishing his tale.

The real history of baseball goes back much further than the Doubleday myth. Different versions of the game were played in the 18th century in New York, Philadelphia, and Massachusetts. Eventually, the New York game, featuring a foul territory and base path rules, became the popular choice, even though the Massachusetts game had its own charm.

But for baseball to gain attention from adults and the press, there needed to be a tempting incentive: money. Professional gamblers quickly recognized the potential in the game and started making side bets during innings. This not only sparked public interest but also made gambling halls profitable. It’s safe to say that baseball’s rise was intertwined with gambling.

However, gambling soon infiltrated the game itself. Players were approached to throw games in exchange for a cut of the profits. This practice of game-fixing dates back as early as 1865, long before the infamous Black Sox scandal of 1919.

Baseball’s migration from farms to cities also played a significant role in its development. The earliest mentions of baseball come from west-central Massachusetts in the mid-18th century, while records of the game in cities don’t appear until the early 19th century.

Regarding equipment and uniforms, fielding gloves didn’t emerge until the 1870s. Early clubs may have worn ribbons on their shirts or exchanged ribbons as prizes during post-game banquets.

As the game evolved, enclosed ballparks became crucial. The presence of a fence, no matter how distant, allowed for hitting the ball over it. This gradually introduced the concept of slugging, and power became an essential aspect of the game.

Today, Major League Baseball has an official historian named John Thorn. Thorn has authored and edited numerous books on the sport and was also the senior creative consultant for the Ken Burns documentary Baseball. His role as the official historian is to connect younger fans to the joys of baseball’s history, bringing the stories of the game to life.

So, the secret history of baseball reveals a game steeped in tradition, controversy, and a touch of scandal. From humble beginnings to the modern-day spectacle, baseball continues to capture our hearts and imaginations.

For more exciting sports news and stories, visit Sports News.