Sports
7 Interesting Facts about MLB that You Should Know
Major League Baseball is one of the most popular sports in America, with attractive MLB picks. It’s also one of the oldest, with its first game being played nearly 150 years ago.
If you’re a baseball fan who loves learning about all things related to this sport, then this article is for you! We’ll be taking a look at seven interesting facts about Major League Baseball that will make you feel like a die-hard fan:
1. MLB is the Most Attended Professional Sporting Event in the United States
MLB is the most attended professional sporting event in the United States. It draws an average of more than 41 million viewers each year, making it one of the most-watched sports in America.
The MLB is also more lucrative than any other major league sport: Forbes estimates that Major League Baseball has generated $20 billion in revenue since 2000, while NFL football has generated only $17 billion. The game also gives its lovers the opportunity to win big by placing bets on melbet Zambia app.
2. Spalding Developed the First Official Ball Used in Major League Baseball
Spalding was the first official supplier of baseballs to Major League Baseball. The company is still the official supplier of balls for all major league games today and has been since 1911.
In 1910, Spalding developed what would become known as “the ball,” a hollow sphere made from vulcanized rubber. It could be inflated with air and used as a weighted ball on fielders’ bats or foul poles during games.
3. Cincinnati Red Stockings Was The First MLB Team
Baseball was a popular sport during the Civil War, and it wasn’t long before soldiers brought their love of baseball back home. The first professional baseball team, Cincinnati Red Stockings, was formed in 1866.
Baseball was first played in America by English immigrants around the time of the Civil War. It quickly became a favorite pastime among Americans, especially after a series of strikes in 1869 forced many teams to disband or merge into new organizations.
The Cincinnati Red Stockings were one such team. Players formed it from local clubs who wanted to continue playing ball while on active duty during the war. They often played against other military teams as well as against local civilian clubs.
4. The First MLB Game Was Played in 1871
The first MLB game was played on April 22, 1871, between the Cincinnati Red Stockings and the Chicago White Stockings. The game was held at Cincinnati’s Recreation Park (now called Mapfre Stadium).
The final score of this historic matchup was 25-23 in favor of Chicago. It was a tiebreaker because they had beaten their opponents 15-14.
5. Baseball Players Throw Very Fast
The average time it takes a baseball player to make a throw from the outfield to home plate is 4-5 seconds. The fastest throw recorded was clocked at 105.1 MPH, which Aroldis Chapman threw on the mound in 2010, pitching for the Cincinnati Reds.
Nowadays, baseball has been taken over with the velocity of players. If you can work out and train your arm to throw fast, you can go far in the sport.
6. Babe Ruth: Terrible in a Pinch
Many people know Babe Ruth as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. But few may be aware that he was pretty bad at the plate regarding pinch-hitting.
Babe Ruth had a career batting average of .344 and won 13 titles during his time with the New York Yankees. However, he wasn’t so great as a pinch hitter. Ruth managed just a .167 batting average during his career. Out of 67 at-bats, he only managed to get 13 hits.
7. Jackie Robinson Was The First Black Player to play in MLB
Baseball is America’s pastime. But it’s also a symbol of a nation shaped by the color of its citizens’ skin.
When Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, he became the first black man to play Major League Baseball. That same year, baseball was still a segregated sport. It took more than half a century for African Americans to be allowed into the game they loved so much.
Jackie Robinson’s breaking of baseball’s color barrier was met with strong resistance from fans and players alike. As a result, his career in MLB was not without controversy.
Conclusion
MLB is a great sport that has been around for more than 100 years. It’s also a great way to get involved in the community, as well as a good way to meet new people.
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest competition in North America. Its history dates back to 1869 when the National League was formed, and seven teams were in it. There are 30 teams in each league, with many more minor leagues having their teams.
We hope you enjoyed reading these facts and that they can help you learn more about baseball. Please let us know in the comments below if another interesting fact needs to be added to this list!
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been drawn in Group C with Egypt, Zambia and Malawi for the defence of their Women’s’ Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in March, which will be hosted again in Morocco.
Last year, the Nigerian team won the record 10th tournament after defeating the host nation, Morocco, 3-2 in a spectacular final after going down 2-0.
The 2026 edition will be played in Morocco from March 17-April 3, eight months after the last tournament.
The last edition slated for 2024 was postponed by a year for logistical reasons as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) could not get interested hosts.
The next edition which will be the 14th edition and Nigeria will be hoping to win the women’s tournament for the 11th time.
Nigeria’s dominance is only rivalled by Equatorial Guinea which won as hosts of the 2008 and 2012 editions. South Africa won the 2022 edition to become the third African nation to ever win the tournament.
The next edition carries added importance because it serves as qualifying for next year’s Women’s World Cup, with the top four finishers taking up Africa’s slots in the global tournament to be hosted by Brazil.
GROUPS
Group A (Rabat Moulay Hassan Stadium): Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya,
Group B (Rabat Al Madina Stadium): South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C (Casablanca): Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D (Fes): Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Chairman of BUA Group, Mr Abdul Samad Rabiu, has reaffirmed his commitment to reward the Super Eagles with the promised $500,000 despite losing the semi-final match against Morocco in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday night.
The Nigerian senior national football team lost the tie against Morocco 4-2 on penalties after both sides failed to break the deadlock after 120 minutes.
In a post on his official Instagram on Thursday, the billionaire industrialist commended the football team for their determination and unity throughout the competition.
Mr Rabiu said the players displayed admirable grit and commitment on the field, adding that although the trophy eluded them, their performance inspired pride and admiration among Nigerians at home and abroad.
“To our brave Super Eagles, You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.
“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matter. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.
“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation.
“Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons, and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories!” the statement read.
Nigeria failed to advance to the final of the 2025 AFCON yesterday after losing to Morocco’s Atlas Lions in a tense penalty shootout, a result that sent the North African side through to the final.
Moroccan goalkeeper, Yacine Bounou saved kicks from both Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria will play Egypt in the bronze medal match on Sunday, January 18 while Morocco will face 2021 winners, Senegal for the chance to win the trophy for the first time in 50 years.
Midweek football delivers decisive moments across three competitions as the Carabao Cup reaches the semi-final in England, Serie A’s title contenders play their games in hand, and the Africa Cup of Nations narrows down to its final two. Fans can follow every fixture live on SuperSport across DStv and GOtv.
Carabao Cup: Semi-Final Second Legs Decide Wembley Places
The Carabao Cup semi-finals conclude with two heavyweight fixtures as clubs push for a place in the final at Wembley.
On Tuesday at 9:00 p.m., Newcastle host Man City at St James’ Park. Newcastle enter the second leg as defending Carabao Cup champions and come into the tie in strong domestic form, having recorded three straight league wins and progressed in the FA Cup after a penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth.
City arrive after a heavy FA Cup win against Exeter City but are still searching for consistency in the league following a run of draws. Both sides have navigated the competition efficiently so far, setting up a finely balanced contest.
Wednesday’s second semi-final sees Chelsea host Arsenal at 9:00 p.m. Chelsea begin the second leg under new manager Liam Rosenior after a convincing FA Cup victory over Charlton, though league form has been less consistent following a recent defeat to Fulham.
Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive as Premier League leaders and remain active in all major competitions this season. Their FA Cup win over Portsmouth maintained momentum as they look to secure a return to Wembley.
Both Carabao Cup semi-final matches air live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).
Serie A: Games in Hand Shape the Title Race
Serie A’s midweek programme features three fixtures involving clubs playing their game in hand, with implications at both ends of the table.
On Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Napoli host Parma. Napoli were held to a draw by Inter Milan in their previous outing and sit fourth, level on points with Juventus. With other contenders also in action, a win could lift them further up the standings. Parma arrive after a narrow victory over Lecce and continue to look upward from mid-table.
Later on Wednesday at 8:45 p.m., leaders Inter Milan face Lecce at the San Siro. Inter saw their winning run halted by Napoli but remain three points clear at the top. Lecce arrive having suffered consecutive defeats and will be aiming to secure a positive result in a difficult away fixture.
Thursday’s action concludes at 8:45 p.m. as AC Milan travel to face Como. Milan sit second but have been held to back-to-back draws and will be seeking a return to winning form. Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas, have impressed this season and sit sixth, boasting one of the league’s strongest defensive records.
All Serie A fixtures are broadcast live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208).
AFCON 2025: Semi-Finals Decide Finalists
The Africa Cup of Nations reaches its penultimate stage with two semi-final clashes scheduled for Wednesday.
Senegal face Egypt at 6:00 p.m. in Tangier in a renewal of a recent AFCON rivalry. Senegal, winners of the 2021 edition, have progressed with control and balance, while Egypt have relied on resilience and decisive moments in the knockout rounds. The matchup once again brings together key figures from both sides as a place in the final is at stake.
Later at 9:00 p.m., Nigeria meet hosts Morocco in Rabat. Nigeria advanced after a disciplined quarter-final performance, while Morocco continue to combine defensive organisation with efficiency in attack. With home support behind them, Morocco face a Nigerian side that has shown attacking consistency throughout the tournament.
Both AFCON semi-finals air live on SS AFCON (GOtv Ch. 59, DStv Ch. 202).
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