Changes/History of Baseball
Who was the first President to throw out a ball on opening day?
President Williams Howard Taft (pg 179)
Who holds the streak for hitting in 56 consecutive games in 1941?
Joe DiMagio (pg 184)
What position is responsible for overseeing Major League Baseball as a whole?
The Commissioner
What is the main factor that began driving many decisions in baseball?
Money
What type of organization helped players gain bargaining power?
A union
In what year did four balls change from being considered a hit to a walk?
1889 (pg 178)
Who surpassed Lou Gehrigs record for consecutive games played (2,130) in 1998?
Cal Ripken Jr. (played 2,632 consecutive games) (pg 184)
What group began gaining more power through unions and contracts?
The players
What type of seating or experience became more common for wealthier fans?
Premium or luxury seating
What system allowed players more freedom to choose teams?
Free agency
In 1976 Harvard student Fred Thayer adapted what mask for Alexander Tyng, a catcher for the Harvard team?
A fencing mask (pg 178)
In 1961 who broke Babe Ruth's 60 home run record in a 162-game season?
Roger Maris (pg 185)
What group traditionally held the most control over teams and league decisions?
The Owners
What revenue source became increasingly important besides ticket sales?
Media and broadcasting deals
What was a major result of increased player power in negotiations?
Higher salaries
In 1882 who urged fans to stand up and cheer in the bottom half of the seventh inning before the home teams turned at bat, now known as the seventh inning stretch?
Brother Jasper of Manhattan College (pg 178)
Who surpassed Babe Ruth's career home run record first?
Henry Aaron (new record 755) (pg 185)
What is the central question raised in Chapter 18 about baseball leadership?
Who is really in charge of the game
What effect did rising costs have on the average fan experience?
It became more expensive and less accessible
What tension developed between players and owners as salaries increased?
Disputes over money and control
In 1920, who was killed by a pitch from Carl Mays of the Yankees?
Ray Chapman (pg 179)
Who currently holds the record for most total hits and will likely always hold this record?
Pete Rose - 4,256 hits (pg 185)
What conflict arose as different groups tried to control baseball’s direction?
Power struggles between owners, players, and league officials
What long-term concern arises when money dominates baseball decisions?
The integrity of the game may be compromised
What broader impact did player empowerment have on the structure of baseball?
It shifted the balance of power away from just owners