Baseball is a sport full of surprises. Here are 10 fun facts that will blow your mind:
1. Baseball’s Origins Are Mysterious
The game we know today evolved from various bat-and-ball games in the 17th century. The first official baseball game was in 1846 in Hoboken, NJ.
2. The Longest Game Ever Was 33 Innings
In 1981, the Pawtucket Red Sox and Rochester Red Wings played a marathon 33-inning game that lasted 8 hours and 25 minutes!
3. The "Seventh Inning Stretch" Was Inspired by a President
President Taft stood up during the seventh inning of a game in 1910, and fans followed his lead, making it a tradition.
4. Babe Ruth Was a Pitcher First
Before hitting home runs, Babe Ruth was a star pitcher for the Boston Red Sox before joining the Yankees.
5. The Fastest Pitch Ever Was 105 MPH
Aroldis Chapman threw a pitch at 105.1 mph in 2010, setting the record for the fastest pitch ever.
6. Perfect Games Are Extremely Rare
A perfect game, where no batter reaches base, has only happened 23 times in MLB history.
7. Baseball Players Wore Corsets
Early baseball players wore corsets under their uniforms to help support their backs during games.
8. A Baseball Game Can Be Played Without a Hit
In 1968, pitcher Catfish Hunter threw a perfect game without allowing a single hit!
9. Baseball's Diamond Isn’t Really a Diamond
The "diamond" is a square that’s rotated, not a true diamond shape.
10. Baseball Was Played Before It Had Official Rules
The first recorded baseball game, played in 1744, had no rules!
