In the 1870s, Jackson, playing under the name Bud Fowler, will become the first paid professional Negro player. Early in his career, Fowler stars for white baseball teams in Toronto, Ontario and Topeka, Kansas. The New York Game, the Massachusetts Game and North American cricket co-exist. Varying forms of base ball are now played in every corner of the continent. The Civil War disrupts baseball's organizational development but, with the war and the great movement of soldiers that it brings, base ball's popularity is solidified.
Cricket remains an elitist game.
The Cincinnati Red Stockings become baseball's first professional team. This being a colored regiment ornaments of this kind seem very appropriate. I would also like to purchase baseball implements for the amusement of the men and a Magic Lantern for the same purpose. The fund is ample and I think these expenditures would add to the happiness of the men. This page last updated September 27, 2000.