Have you ever wondered why a baseball field is in the shape of a diamond? One, reason is for the runner to cover the same distance between each base. But the biggest reason for the diamond shape is to benefit not the players, but the umpire. The unique diamond shape of the field allows the umpire to have a better view of the entire playing field from behind the catcher, so accurate calls are made throughout the game.
Take me out with the crowd…
Long before the Cleveland Indians were a team the game of baseball was being played all across America. Baseball which comes from “Rounders” that the British invented for small kids became an extremely popular sport during the 1800’s. In 1947 Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in the major leagues. No woman has ever played in the major leagues. However from 1943-1954 women played in the only American professional league for women known as the All- American Girls Professional Baseball League. Today you will find many boys, girls, men and women of all ages playing baseball or softball in leagues sponsored by co
mmunities and organizations making it truly America’s “National Pastime.”
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack…
A summer visit to the ballpark is a treat for all the senses. See the green grass and colorful scoreboard , hear the cheers from the crowd and the food vendors, smell and taste the popcorn, peanuts and hotdogs, feel the warm sun as you do the wave, root for your favorite team and sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” It is so much fun you will understand why the umpire calls “PLAY BALL” to start the game.
Opening Day is Monday, April 5th!