On this episode of A New York Minute In History, co-hosts Devin Lander and Lauren Roberts take a crack at early baseball. Through interviews with John Thorn, the official historian of Major League Baseball, and Tom Shieber of the Baseball Hall of Fame, the episode explores the beginnings of baseball in America, the origin stories and how the game developed into America’s pastime in the 19th century.

Also in this episode, WAMC’s Jesse King – on assignment for A New York Minute In History – attended a vintage baseball game between the Fleischmanns Mountain Athletic Club and the Brooklyn Atlantics in New York’s Hudson Valley to learn how the early game is remembered and honored.

Devin and Lauren took the podcast on a road trip to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. While in the hallowed halls, they explore the Abner Doubleday story and how it is thought of today. The episode also examines how women and African Americans contributed to the growth of baseball in the 19th century.

Thanks to John Thorn, the official historian of Major League Baseball as well as Senior Curator Tom Shieber and the staff of the Baseball Hall of Fame for their help with this episode. 

Music used in this episode of A New York Minute In History includes “Begrudge” by Darby, “Hash Out” by Sunday at Slims, “Kid Kodi” by Skittle and “Mr. Graves” and “Georgia Overdrive” by Truck Stop.

A New York Minute In History is a podcast about the history of New York and the unique tales of New Yorkers. It is hosted by Devin Lander, the New York State Historian, and Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts. WAMC’s Jim Levulis is the producer. A New York Minute In History is a production of the New York State Museum, WAMC Northeast Public Radio and Archivist Media.

Support for this podcast comes from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation®, which helps people celebrate their community’s history by providing grants for historic markers and plaques. Since 2006, the Foundation has expanded from one to six different signage grant programs, and funded nearly 900 signs across New York State and beyond … all the way to Alaska! With all these options, there’s never been a better time to apply.

The Foundation’s programs in the Empire State include commemorating national women’s suffrage, historic canals, sites on the National Register of Historic Places, New York State’s history, and folklore and legends. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and municipalities. To apply for signage at no cost to you, or to learn more about the Foundation’s grant programs, visit WGPfoundation.org.

This program is also funded in part by Humanities New York with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.