In 1935, a momentous event took place in the world of sports as the first Major League Baseball game was played at night at Cincinnati’s Crosley Field. The Reds emerged victorious over the Philadelphia Phillies with a score of 2-1, marking an important milestone in the evolution of baseball. This marked a significant shift in the game, as night baseball games have now become a beloved tradition for fans.
Fast forward to today, and watching a baseball game on a summer evening under the lights has become a cherished and traditional pastime. Whether it’s at a neighborhood park, a local stadium before a fireworks display or during Game 7 of the World Series, the experience remains timeless. Back in 1935, the Deseret News covered the historic night game extensively, highlighting the performance of rookie shortstop Billy Myers and the pitching prowess of Paul Derringer for the Reds.
The inauguration of night baseball was marked with a ceremonial switch thrown by President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House, signaling its start in Cincinnati. Since then, Major League Baseball has seen an increase in night games, with about two-thirds of all games now played under lights. This trend mirrors broader changes across professional sports towards more night games, offering fans greater flexibility to watch their favorite teams play at prime time or even later.
While night games are now commonplace in modern sports culture, it is worth acknowledging that they were not always so popular. The first night football game was played in 1929 and American football’s first ever night game took place in 1892. These early events laid the groundwork for televised sports contests today and helped pave the way for modern sports culture as we know it today.
Despite advances in technology and our changing viewing habits, many fans still cherish watching daytime baseball – or even better yet – doubleheaders – as special traditions that bring back memories and provide unique experiences.
In conclusion looking back at historical events from different perspectives can offer valuable insights into how far we have come since then and how much progress we still need to make towards creating more inclusive sporting environments for everyone regardless of background or gender identity.
