The Golden Game: The Story of California Baseball

By Kevin Nelson

This book tells the story of the quintessential American game of baseball and the impact the game has had on California and the impact that Californians have had on the game.  The history of the game as related in this book incorporates the American phase of California history or, for the perspective of the Homestead docent, the decades of the 1870’s and the 1920’s.

Although the game appeared in California before the Civil War, the completion of the transcontinental railroad enabled “major leaguers” to come to California on tour.  In addition, veterans of the Civil War, who played “base ball” as a diversion, played the game on informal teams.  Baseball initially prospered in northern California, which led the state in population growth during the second half of the 19th Century.

Baseball’s so-called “colored line” was not broken until 1947 (by California-raised Jackie Robinson), but the history of baseball in California involved players of various races and ethnic groups.  They often played under pseudonyms to circumvent the prevailing social taboos.  It’s not surprising to learn of the great players of Italian descent from northern California, led by Joe DiMaggio.  They were later supplanted by the great black ballplayers, especially from the Oakland area.

The growth of baseball in California mirrored the population growth, which saw an explosion of immigration into southern California, as additional railroads were built into the area.  The late 19th Century saw teams providing a needed diversion as leisure time became more prevalent.  By the time California became urbanized in the 1920’s, professional (although minor league) baseball teams became popular.  This popularity was enhanced as games were broadcast over the radio.

The Homestead Museum docent will find this book helpful as an aid to understanding the themes of leisure, work, immigration, Americanization, population growth, economic development, railroad history and their impact on the citizenry of the state during the Victorian era (1870’s) and the Roaring Twenties (1920’s).  Baseball reflects the society of its times from the segregated game, to its transition and to the fan violence of the 21st Century.