Baseball goes Professional

On March 15, 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first professional baseball team. Baseball first appeared in the 1820's in the eastern United States. Then in 1845 the first set of rules were announced; later in 1857 these rules were amended by a convention of baseball clubs. This led up to an announcement of the game going to a professional level. The Reds won 170 straight games before losing.