Sometimes in families sons are named after their father, and the custom is carried on from generation to generation. Yet, many of those descendents are often not aware of who the person was that they were originally named after. That is not the case with me. My name is Alexander Joy Cartwright, IV. I was named after my great-great-grandfather who designed the baseball diamond, and formed many of the rules still in use today by America's National Pastime.

Most people have heard of Abner Doubleday, the Civil War general whose hometown is where the National Baseball Hall of Fame is located. Though nothing against a great American war hero, but he did not invent baseball, nor did he have anything to do with baseball. In fact, the National Baseball Committee acknowledged the proof about my ancestor's contribution to the game that was presented to them in 1938 by my grandfather. However, the museum had been built and the festivities were arranged. Yet, they recognized the truth to the point that they elected my great-great-grandfather into the hall of fame as the "Father of Modern Base Ball," (as it reads on his plaque). As part of the celebration of the museum opening in 1939, the committee had declared "Cartwright Day" across the nation to commemorate the organization of the Knickerbockers. Instead, as it often happens in history, truths are often forgotten while myths prevail.

My web site is held true to baseball history and all of the cultural
changes that has evolved out of this great game. As historian John Thorn
has stated, "Baseball has led America, rather than followed it." I hope you
will enjoy this web site and find that it contains gold nuggets of insight
for you and your family. And don't forget to sign the guest book. I'd love
to hear from you!

This site is dedicated to the memory of my forebear, Alexander Joy
Cartwright, Jr., and the men of the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New
York, who more than 150 years ago organized for play on the Elysian
Fields of Hoboken, New Jersey. From their creation of the playing rules
on September 23, 1845 to the inception of the National Association of
Base Ball Players in 1857, it may truly be said that they created the
game we have loved ever since. Let's call the roll:

Sincerely,

Alexander Joy Cartwright, IV