Tenney: A star-spangled pastime in Arizona

From SABR member John Tenney at Base Ball in Arid Land on July 2, 2013:

The 4th of July always evokes a deep sense of Patriotism in most of us. Bar-b-ques, fireworks, decorations, plenty of flag waving and of course games of base ball come to mind. What could be a better way to celebrate our Independence and Nation’s birth than by playing our National Pastime?? In Territorial Arizona, the Fourth was held in high honor along with Washington’s Birthday and Decoration Day as the biggest holidays of the year that drew everyone in town out to show their national pride. 

The photo below, taken in Jerome on July 4, 1924 is a good illustration how entire towns came together, with sporting events being at the center of their celebration festivities.

Read the full article here: http://baseballinaridland.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-star-spangled-pastime.html



Originally published: July 5, 2013. Last Updated: July 5, 2013.