Leisure-Time Activities
Innovation and industry created time saving technology. Workforce legislation created shorter workdays and a five- or six-day workweek in some industries. There was more time for leisure time activity in the late 1800s. Baseball became America’s sport. The Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first professional baseball team in 1869. As more teams were formed, they established the National League in 1876. The American League was formed in 1901 and the first World Series was played in 1903.
Football became popular as a collegiate sport. Early football was an adaptation of the European game Rugby. The first professional football game was played in 1895. Basketball was invented in 1891. Women’s sports were also popular collegiate activities. With the introduction of the safety bicycle, which had a foot brake system, in the 1890s, cycling became popular among women, as well.
 Early football players |