Baseball has always been known in the U.S. as the national pastime. Most of us will never play a real game of baseball, especially since pitching is so difficult. There are however, derivative games that are a lot of fun. You don't have to be a professional athlete to play them and softball and slow-pitch leagues are fun to join.



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.

Different forms of baseball have existed around the world so it's hard to come up with an exact history. The first games were played in the United States in the early 19th century, and were based on an English game known as rounders. By the beginning of the next century baseball was the favorite game in the country. Alexander Cartwright built the baseball diamond as we know it today. He also wrote the modern rules for playing.

Baseball craze has gripped the whole of America, young and old, men and women alike. One reason for this could be that it is a skill oriented rather than athleticism allowing all to participate. First recorded baseball game in its modern avtar was played by Cartwright and his team in 1946.

Top baseball players have always attracted our interest. Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds, and Mark McGwire are names we all know. Kids play for hours hoping to become the next Willie Mays. A lot of people love to go to batting cages and just practice hitting baseballs.

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 continues to draw people from all walk of life and all ages. It's a great pastime to not only watch in the stands, but play as well. There are even songs dedicated to this fascinating game.