America’s National Pastime…

While the origins of America’s favorite pastime may be contested, one fact is certain; Americans have had a long-time love affair with the sport of baseball. Though Abner Doubleday is officially credited with inventing baseball in Cooperstown, New York in 1839, boys and even girls of all ages and from all walks of life have played pick-up games of baseball in open fields and empty city lots across the nation for centuries. Ohioans have played an important role in baseball’s heritage, having fielded one of the first all-professional teams in the nation, known as the Cincinnati Red Stockings, as far back as 1869. While these folks are not professionals, pictured here is an image taken during one such spontaneous game, featuring a group of young men and women running the bases in an unidentified open field. Judging by the clothing worn by the players, the image would date to the early 1900s. This photograph is from Dayton History’s Image Collection.

To see other historical images from our collection, search our Digital Photo Archive.