Massachusetts city uncovers evidence about its place in baseball history Pittsfield, Massachusetts-AP -- A discovery in a western Massachusetts public library may shed new light on the origins of baseball. Legend says Abner Doubleday invented baseball in Cooperstown, New York in 1839. But historian John Thorn says a document found in the Pittsfield public library predates that by more than 40 years. It's a 1791 bylaw commanding that no one be allowed to play baseball within 80 yards of a new meeting house in Pittsfield, to protect windows in the building. Many in Pittsfield hope the find puts to rest once and for all the debate about the game's origins. It's prompted Pittsfield Mayor James Ruberto to proclaim his city "baseball's Garden of Eden."
wow...interesting story. i've heard that it has been said that the soldiers at valley forge played some form of baseball.
