Ashton Ybarra Mrs. Cox English III: A-1 1 April 2024 The Evolution of Baseball: A Journey Through Time Baseball, often dubbed as America's pastime, stands as a testament to the nation's rich cultural heritage and enduring love for sport. With its roots tracing back to the 19th century, baseball has evolved into a global phenomenon; it has captivated audiences worldwide with its blend of athleticism, strategy, and tradition. The game has even created pop culture icons, something not many other sports have done. The American roots of baseball started to take shape in the middle of the 1800s. Baseball was inspired by English sports like cricket and rounders and developed into its own sport over time. The Knickerbocker Baseball Club and the New …show more content…
(“This is a Great Game”). Nonetheless, baseball survived difficult times as a representation of resiliency and patriotism, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s history. The 1950s and 1960s saw baseball reach new heights in popularity and cultural relevance. Baseball became America's pastime in the 1950s, according to "This Great Game," when stars like Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle captivated crowds with their incredible charisma and agility. In addition, the game entered living rooms across the country due to the increase in television coverage, causing “Substantial attendance drops” all over the league (“This Great Game”), further cementing its place in popular culture. With the advent of trailblazing athletes like Sandy Koufax and Roberto Clemente, the 1960s saw the start of a new age: their contributions went beyond baseball and became emblems of activism and social change. But even with all of the enthusiasm, baseball had problems, most notably with the spread of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), tarnishing the image of the