April 24 marks a significant day in the history of professional baseball. 123 years ago today, in 1901, the first official game in American League history was played. The Chicago White Stockings (now the White Sox) beat the Cleveland Blues (now Guardians) 8-2. It occurred at the Chicago Cricket Club. Also, on this day in 1894, Lave Cross became the first Philadelphia Phillies player to hit for the cycle in a 22-5 win over the Bridegrooms at Eastern Park, Brooklyn.
Today in 1901: First Game in American League History
Baseball History At Its Finest
Today In 1901: The first official game in American League history is played! The Chicago #WhiteSox (pictured) defeat the Cleveland Blues (#Guardians), 8-2 at the Chicago Cricket Club! #MLB #Baseball #History pic.twitter.com/bXdkJRbA9M
— Baseball by BSmile (@BSmile) April 24, 2024
It’s amazing to think that the structure of MLB as we know it began so many years ago, and how much the game has grown and changed. Aside from the White Sox and Cleveland, several teams had talented players that, to this day, we will never forget. Some of these players, such as Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds, and Ted Williams, have recorded the top OBPs since 1901.
MLB teams have played 2,692 combined seasons since 1901. This year’s White Sox joined some rare company with three or fewer wins in their first 22 games, with a combined 45 runs scored and 123 allowed. They also became the first team in MLB history to start a season being shut out eight times in their first 22 games. So, if you thought nothing historic would occur this year, you were wrong.
Some names who played on the Blues in 1901 were Ollie Pickering (right field), Jack McCarthy (left field), Frank Genins (center field), Candy LaChance (first base), Bill Bradley (third base), Erve Beck (second base), Bill Hallman (shortstop), and Bob Wood (catcher). The 1901 White Sox had players such as Nixey Callahan, Frank Dupee, Clark Griffith, Zaza Harvey, Jack Katoll, Jack McAleese, Roy Patterson, and Wiley Piatt.
Wrapping Up Baseball History
The first baseball game of the American League (as a major league) was played between the Chicago White Stockings and The Cleveland Blues at Chicago’s South Side Park on April 24, 1901. Chicago beat Cleveland 8-2.
Postcard image of South Side Park c. 1915 via Wikimedia pic.twitter.com/2Fgqi4uxnL
— Heartfelt History (@GettysburgGifts) April 24, 2023
It is worth remembering that the two-league system we know today began in 1901. And since April 24th, 1901, it has continued to be an attraction for fans and players alike. Baseball history is always fascinating, and it’s nice to be able to look back on it. From team names changing to the game’s rules and uniforms, one thing that will never change is people’s love for the game. Cleveland’s team name has changed from the Blues to the Naps to the Indians and now to the Guardians. Even the design and architecture of stadiums have drastically changed also. To think that the first game in American League history occurred 123 years ago shows that baseball has plenty of staying power. Along with the game itself, the passion, the heart, the tenacity, and the hustle continue to live on in baseball.
Photo Credit: © Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
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