The Hidden History of Baseball: It Didn’t Start Where You Think

Baseball feels as American as summer nights, hot dogs, and a game of catch in the backyard… but the real story of how it began is far more surprising.In this episode of Have To Know History, we go beyond the familiar myths and uncover the true origins of baseball—from ancient stick-and-ball games played in Egypt, Greece, and Rome… to chaotic medieval games… to the rise of professional teams in places you might not expect.Was baseball really invented by Abner Doubleday in Cooperstown?Why was the first professional team the Cincinnati Red Stockings… and not a team from New York or Boston?And how did small Midwestern teams like the Fort Wayne Kekiongas help shape the game we know today?This episode explores how baseball evolved—not from a single moment, but over time—and how it became something much bigger than just a game.Because in the end, baseball isn’t just about rules or teams…It’s about something humans have always done:Pick up a stick. Hit something. And see what happens next.🎙️ Have To Know History — history you just have to know.#JasonFreewalt #HaveToKnowHistory #BaseballHistory