Play Ball!

Every spring, fans crowd baseball stadiums to cheer on their teams—usually while eating snacks like Cracker Jack! This mix of caramel popcorn and peanuts was made famous in the 1908 song “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” That may seem like a long time ago, but the story of baseball begins even earlier.

English colonists brought a baseball-like game to North America in the 1700s. The official sport was first played in the U.S. in 1846. Eventually, it became a national pastime.

Baseball continues to change with time. “Players are getting better with each generation,” says John Thorn, the official historian for Major League Baseball.

Change can indeed be sweet. In 2022, Cracker Jill hit concession stands. It’s like Cracker Jack, but its packaging and name honor women and their contributions to sports!

Every spring, fans visit baseball stadiums. They cheer for their favorite teams. And they usually eat snacks, like Cracker Jack! Cracker Jack is a mix of caramel popcorn and peanuts. The treat was made famous in the 1908 song “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” That may seem like a long time ago. But the story of baseball begins even earlier.

English colonists once played a game similar to baseball. They brought this game to North America in the 1700s. The official sport of baseball was first played in the U.S. in 1846. Eventually, it became a national pastime.

Baseball continues to change with time. “Players are getting better with each generation,” says John Thorn. He’s the official historian for Major League Baseball.

Change can indeed be sweet. In 2022, Cracker Jill hit concession stands. It’s similar to Cracker Jack. But its packaging and name honor women and their contributions to sports!