Baseball was invented in 1845 by Alexander Cartwright to provide exercise and entertainment outside of work. A standard game consists of 9 innings with each team batting until they have 3 outs, while 9 defensive positions rotate between innings. The first recorded baseball game was in 1846 between the New York Nine and Knickbockers. Major league baseball now includes teams in both the American and National Leagues, and iconic players from different eras help grow the sport's popularity.

1. By: Jonathan RakesBaseball: America’s National Pastime

2. The Creation of BaseballBaseball was first invented by Alexander Cartwright in 1845. The sport was created to escape their office lives and get some exercise after a long days work.

3. One game consists of nine inningsEach team gets three outs per inningEach hitter gets three strikes to get a hitThere are nine positions, consisting ofPitcherCatcherFirst BasemenSecond BasemenShortstopThird BaseballRight FielderLeft FielderCenter fielderBasic Rules of Baseball

4. The first game of baseball was played on June 19, 1846.The New York Nine defeated the Knickbockers 23-1 in four inningsNotable players during this era includes Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Babe Ruth, and Rogers HornsbyThe Beginning of Baseball (1846-1946)

5. Home runs are more prevalent now than ever before (“chicks dig the long ball”)Fields are more elaborate and electronically enhanced (thanks to CIS 100 classes)Notable players of the new era include Barry Bonds, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Roger ClemensBaseball as it is Now

6. Major League Teams

7. Famous Baseball Fields

8. Fun Facts!!! The New York Yankees have won 26 World Series titles, more than any other team

9. Cal Ripken holds the major league record of playing in 2,632 consecutive games

10. Satchel Paige played in the major leagues until he was 59 years old!

11. The Baseball Hall of Fame is located in Cooperstown, NYThe largest number of home runs hit in a season is 73 by Barry BondsThe longest hitting streak in a single season is held by Joe DiMaggioMost hits in a career is by Pete Rose with 4,256 hitsMost home runs hit in a career is 762, also by Barry Bonds Monumental Records

12. The strike lasted from August 12, 1994 to April 2, 1995The World Series was cancelled for the first time since 1994The Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals), who were expected to win their first World Series, never got the opportunityThe Strike of 1994

13. Bull DurhamRookie of the YearThe RookieAngels in the OutfieldThe SandlotMr. BaseballMajor LeagueThe ScoutField of DreamsMoviesRelatedtoBaseball

14. I played baseball for ten years, from little league to high school baseballI had the chance to play in the state tournament with Boyd County High School my junior and senior yearMy Experiences with Baseball

15. My favorite baseball player is Chipper JonesHe has played baseball with the Atlanta Braves his whole careerI also own a pair of his autographed batting gloves My Favorite Baseball Player