Baseball in New Jersey (1855-1870)

Author and baseball historian John G. Zinn will describe “Baseball in New Jersey 1855-1870.” Legend has it that baseball was invented in 1839 in Cooperstown, NY by Civil War hero Abner Doubleday. Actually, the direct ancestor of the game as we know it developed in New York City during the 1840s and 1850s and New Jersey baseball played an important developmental role in these early days of our “national pastime”. Focusing on the game’s beginnings in New Jersey, Zinn will describe its prominent players and some important differences between this early game, then called base ball, and its modern descendant. For instance, in those early days, fielders did not wear gloves and pitchers were required to pitch the ball underhand. This free program is co-sponsored by the Mt. Tabor Historical Society and the Mt. Tabor Branch of the Parsippany Public Library and begins at 7:30 p.m. with refreshments served starting at 7:00 p.m. The Bethel is located in Trinity Park across from the library. Park at the post office at 26 Simpson Ave and walk up the path. For information 973-975-0001 or www.mounttabornj.org