Baseball is known as the national pastime, and there are many offshoots of baseball including softball and slow- pitch. While most people won't play the real game of baseball (pitching can be very hard to do) there are many softball and slow-pitch leagues that are fun to participate in.

America also has a number of leagues in baseball. Some of the best known are the major leagues, the minors, little leagues and more. Parents often prefer that their children play baseball rather than the rougher sports of football and hockey. Baseball is a game of skill and involves little physical contact with other players. The game doesn't focus on hitting your opponents. Kids need good hand-eye coordination as well as patience to excel in baseball. Without these traits they would be unable to hit a ball traveling toward them at 50 miles per hour.

In the end of the 19th century baseball which was based on an English game called rounders took on its modern form and became the most popular American sport. Alexander Cartwright is the one who is credited for developing the modern version of baseball rules. In 1845 he created the modern baseball field. Though the first baseball teams had started appearing as far back as early 1800's

Cartwright's team played the first recorded baseball game in history in 1946. Ever since that day men and women of all ages have been in love with baseball. Anyone can play this game and its derivatives, as players don't have to be outstanding athletes.

People are fascinated with the top players in the Major League. Players such as Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds, and Mark McGwire have become household names. Many kid's want to be the next Willie Mays and spend hours playing ball. Batting cages are also a popular past time as many people enjoy just hitting a few balls around.

The growing popularity of baseball has lead to the emergence of The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown New York. This popular museum is visited by thousands every year and showcases the paraphernalia of baseball players over the years such as bats, jerseys etc. A visit to the museum is awe inspiring one as you come face to face with the game and passion in the American people for it.

Baseball is without doubt the most popular pastime of the American people from all walks of life and all ages. It is loved, played and watched by millions having even songs dedicated to it.