The baseball season is upon us, with opening day today. Did you know America's past time has its roots in New Jersey?

Whether you like the Phillies, the Yankees, the Mets, or any other team, baseball is one of America's most popular sports. Having a hotdog and Cracker Jacks in the summer watching a game almost seems like a right of passage.

Baseball holds a special place in America's heart and got its start right here in New Jersey.

Alexander Cartwright of New York was the creator of the rules of baseball that we still use today. In 1845, he formed the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York. I bet you're thinking now, I keep seeing New York what about New Jersey.

Like all big New York teams, I'm looking at you Giants and Jets, the club practiced in New Jersey. To be exact they played at Elysian Field in Hoboken. On October 6th the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club played the first ever baseball game with the new rules. This game was played by members of the club only. They played about 14 more games with in the club in Hoboken.

The first official modern day baseball game was on June 19th 1846, at Elysian Field in Hoboken. The Knickerbocker Base Ball Club played the New York Nine and were defeated 23-1. However, many of the players on the New York Nine were originally from the Knickerbockers, but did not want to travel to Hoboken for practice.

Some famous South Jersey players include: Doc Cramer, Lou Bauer, Andy Boswell, Mike Trout, Matt Szczur, Ray Steineder, and Billy Shindle.

Source: State.NJ.US

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