There are many myths that surround the game of baseball and its players as well. These myths may have been debunked a long time ago, but many people still believe them either because that’s what they were told or that is what they came to believe. As America changed so did baseball. Although many people see baseball as a pastime of a bygone era when things were much simpler than they were today, people seem to forget that baseball has spanned a great depression, war time, a changing country, and many other events that can hardly be called a simpler time. This is perhaps the oldest myth the people have about baseball and the one that will be around the longest.

Another myth about baseball is its origins. Historians used to believe that baseball began in Cooperstown, NY and was invented by Abner Doubleday. While the modern version of this game may have been played in Cooperstown, baseball is derived from other games that were popular in Europe at the time. Baseball is not an original creation, but rather a combination of a few games that were played to pass the time. While the baseball hall of fame may be located in Cooperstown, baseball got its start elsewhere.

The third common myth about baseball is that many people think it is an urban game. While many modern day teams are located near larger cities, the game was actually played in fields in small towns that had a lot of land around them that made it perfect to play in. As more people flocked to urban areas, they took the game with them. Franchises were created as a way to make money and to boost moral during war times. Cities would sponsor teams so that people would have a team to root for. This myth became solidified when stadiums were built in largely populated areas so that games could be played in cities where many people could come and watch the game.

The forth myth about baseball is that all players use body enhancing drugs to build strength and stamina. While some players have resorted to these tactics and have been punished for them, many players do not use these types of drugs. Unfortunately, it only takes a few players to ruin it for everybody. Players have routine drug screenings and random drug testing that helps to enforce these rules to make sure that all games are won fairly.

In any sport, especially popular ones, myths will be created in order to keep the game going, to ensure its place in history, and to generate new fans. Many stories have been told about formers players, who have died, that haunt the training rooms and other places where they used to hang out with fellow players. These myths are interesting, but not true. It is important to be able to distinguish these myths from reality as they can sometimes do more harm than good.

Baseball is America’s pastime because it is a game that people still want to see and it has a recorded history that is long and boasts of many player accomplishments. People who remember going to baseball games with their families are more apt to remember a simpler time because they chose not, because it really was. Games for many are good memories they want to create with their own families. It is a fun game that many people enjoy watching either at the ballpark or on television. So, think about taking your family out to a game this year.  Find the closest major league team to follow or the closest minor league team.  Your city might even have its own baseball team for you to enjoy!