Who is the legend of baseball?

1. Babe Ruth . It's hard to argue against Babe Ruth being named the most legendary baseball player of all time. His name is well-known even today and it comes up most frequently when the question of the greatest baseball player to ever live is asked.

When did baseball become a sport?

Baseball had evolved into an organized sport in the 1840s and 1850s . Many early teams were established in New York City and Brooklyn. Alexander Cartwright (of the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club), drew up rules that were widely adopted. By 1866 baseball was being referred to as the national pastime.

Who actually invented baseball?

The Mills Commission concluded that Doubleday had invented baseball in Cooperstown, New York in 1839; that Doubleday had invented the word "baseball", designed the diamond, indicated fielders' positions, and written the rules.

Who was the first black MLB player?

Jack Roosevelt Robinson (January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972) was an American professional baseball player who became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era. Robinson broke the color line when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947.

What is the oldest team in the MLB?

Atlanta Braves , the oldest continually operating team in North American sports. Known as "Beaneaters" and other nicknames, as original nickname faded and became re-associated with Cincinnati (and later with the Boston Red Sox). Adopted name "Braves" in 1912. Moved to Milwaukee (1953) and to Atlanta (1966).

What did baseball used to be called?

By the early 1830s, there were reports of a variety of uncodified bat-and-ball games recognizable as early forms of baseball being played around North America. These games were often referred to locally as " town ball ", though other names such as "round-ball" and "base-ball" were also used.

Who was the first player in the MLB?

Nate Berkenstock October 30, 1871, for the Philadelphia Athletics MLB statistics Games played 1 Batting average .000 14 more rows

Who is the best baseball player in history?

1. Babe Ruth , Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. It should come as no surprise that “The Sultan of Swat” tops our list of the best baseball players of all time. He posted Hall of Fame-caliber numbers in his first five seasons with the Boston Red Sox (981 OPS, 190 OPS+.

What legend of baseball is known as the Babe?

George Herman "Babe" Ruth (February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948) was an American professional baseball player whose career in Major League Baseball (MLB) spanned 22 seasons, from 1914 through 1935.

Why is Babe Ruth so legendary?

As a young left-handed pitcher with the Red Sox, he was one of the game's heroes. But later as a power-hitting outfielder for the Yankees, Ruth became an icon – transcending sport. Ruth became the first star of a world where virtually every citizen could share in common media experiences.

What are the baseball gods?

The Baseball Gods is a term that emerged over time to explain the mysterious and coincidental events that occur in the world of baseball . When fans, sports writers, players, managers and coaches witness these miracle moments, they reference this mysterious force in the universe as the work of the Baseball Gods.

Rochester sports legend made his MLB debut on this date 76 years ago (2024)

You won't find it in any history book, but July 4, 1948, is significant date in Rochester history.

It's the day when Johnny Antonelli, the greatest modern baseball player in Rochester history, made his major league debut.

Antonelli, a six-time All-Star who finished his 12-year career with a 126-110 record and a 3.34 ERA, remains one of a handful of big league players who never appeared in a minor league game.

Antonelli wouldn't have been there without his dad

Veteran sports writer Sal Maiorana said Gus knew his son Johnny was special.

The elder Antonelli rented out Red Wing Stadium, home of the triple-A Rochester Red Wings, and organized an exhibition game featuring Rochester-area semi-pros, and invited bird dogs from all the big-league clubs to attend so they could get a true indication of Johnny's talent.

Rochester sports legend made his MLB debut on this date 76 years ago (2)

Johnny worked his magic, tossing a 17-strikeout no-hitter.

Johnny Antonelli's major league debut

While Antonelli was living his dream, his debut on July 4, 1948, wasn't really dreamy.

He came in in the ninth inning of doubleheader against the Phillies at Shibe Park and surrendered an earned run on two hits and a walk in Boston's 7-2 loss.

What they said after Antonelli's first game

"You can't tell anything about any pitchers ability in one appearance," Braves manager Billy Southworth said after the game. "But he seemed to have good stuff and what I liked most about him was his poise."

Phillies manager Ben Chapman said, "He had good form and seemed to know what it was all about, but he didn't seem too fast to me and the curves that he threw hung in the air. But gosh, you can't pass judgment on a youngster only 18 by one inning. I wish him all the luck, except when he pitches against the Phillies."

A tough first year for Johnny Antonelli

When he joined the Braves, former Democrat and Chronicle reporter Sean Lahman said Antonelli was an 18-year-old kid surrounded by veteran players, many of whom wereearning salaries less than the big bonus check he'd just received.

"Warren Spahn, the Braves ace, wouldn't talk to him," said his son-in-law, Monroe County Surrogate Court Judge Christopher Ciaccio.

Antonelli made three appearances in August, but pitched only four innings total in 1948, as he continued to deal with jealous teammates thanks to his bonus.

"He handled it so adroitly as a young man, with such class," Ciaccio said.

Antonelli breaks out in 1954

Rochester sports legend made his MLB debut on this date 76 years ago (3)

His finest years didn't come until he was traded to the New York Giants in 1954.

Backed by sluggers Willie Mays and Monte Irvin, the young left-hander dominated opposing hitters and earned a spot on the National League All-Star team. He finished the seasonwith a won-loss record of 21-7 and a league-leading 2.30 ERA. The Giants would go on to sweep the then-Cleveland Indians in the World Series, with Antonelli pitching a complete game in Game 2 and closing out Game 4.

Johnny Antonelli's legacy

Rochester sports legend made his MLB debut on this date 76 years ago (4)

Johnny Antonelli remained a visible presence in Rochester throughout his life, and was a popular guest at fundraising dinners, where he would enthrall crowds with stories about his baseball days.

He used his money from winning the World Series to start a tire business at Keeler Street and North Clinton Avenue. It became the Johnny Antonelli Tire Co., with 28 locations across New York state.

The tire company held Johnny Antonelli Night every year at Red Wings games at the old Silver Stadium and gave away prizes like tires and TVs. The company also started a promotion with radio station WVOR called "Captain Friendly," in which store managers cruised around in a van and helped stranded motorists.

Captain Friendly never charged for the roadside assistance

“He was so good with people,” said former Democrat and Chronicle sports columnist Scott Pitoniak.“If I think of one word to describe him it would be ‘class.’ He was genuinely kind to people.”

Johnny Antonelli died Feb. 28, 2020.

Sal Maiorana is a veteran Democrat and Chronicle sports writer who has covered the Buffalo Bills for more than three decades.

Sean Lahman is a former investigative reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle and served as an editor of a number of best-selling sports encyclopedias — including Total Baseball: The Official Encyclopedia of Major League Baseball and The ESPN Pro Football Encyclopedia.

Bill Wolcott is 30-year journalist who works as a producer at the Democrat and Chronicle.