[legendsport]

Letter to the Editor, Chicago World, July 4, 1876:

Dear Sir,

It has now been one century since our nation earned its independence from the British. It also has been eight years since the disastrous Battle of Gettysburg which saw half our country successfully withdraw from the Union. In the intervening time, we've seen the relocation of the capital (ed. note: the capital was moved to Columbus, OH and renamed Columbia, in early 1865) and the onset of economic depression forced by the burden of paying reparations to our erstwhile brothers in the South.

In a desire to commemorate the good, and let pass from memory the recent misfortunes of our grand republic, I believe the time has come for a legitimized and professional league of base ballers. As your sports department has written, there are many good amateur clubs promoting the game of base ball. A group of the best of these would be the ideal foundation upon which a professional circuit may be built. I would hope your readers feel the same as I.

Sincerely,
Albert G. Spalding

Letter to the Editor, Chicago World, July 6, 1876:

In response to the missive of Mr. Spalding of the 4th instant, I would like to point out that in the present economic atmosphere, it would not be feasible nor wise, to pursue the creation of a professional base ball organization. Our nation needs to get back on its feet and see its population resume normalcy of life, before such a thing may be considered.

from the Atlanta Journal, August 8, 1880:

This writer recently witnessed an unlikely sporting gathering outside the environs of our fair city. Upon a fair-sized meadow a group of men was pursuing what our Northern neighbors have termed "base ball" - a game originating in New York, which has since spread across the Northern Union, but has not yet made serious in-roads here in the Confederacy.

The playing of this game, which appeared to afford its participants much merriment, was not the most noteworthy aspect in this reporter's eyes. In light of the recent manumission movement, and the economic realities of these hard-scrabble times, should have preparted yours truly, but I confess that it did not do so.

The participation of recently freed slaves with their former overseers - that was the strangest sight these eyes have beheld and a sure sign that times are changing here in Dixie land.