On this day in history, March 15, 1869, Cincinnati Red Stockings become first professional baseball team

The Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first professional baseball team on this day in history, March 15, 1869. They popularized the sport playing coast to coast.

"The cradle for this groundbreaking practice was Cincinnati, where the first openly professional baseball team was founded."  "The onset of professionalism was no small step for baseball." — Baseball Almanac "Huge crowds turned out to see the handsome young men in their crimson hose and white-knicker uniforms." — National Baseball Hall of Fame "Triumphs over all the top Eastern clubs had made them the center of attention in the sporting press." — Society for American Baseball Research Kerry J. Byrne is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.

Baseball had evolved from earlier sports such as cricket and rounders over the previous three decades.