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The first baseball team was the Cincinnati Red Stockings, formed in 1866. Before that, baseball was mostly played by amateur clubs. The Red Stockings were the first team to have all professional players who were paid to play. They traveled around the United States, winning almost every game and showing people how exciting baseball could be. On May 4, 1969, the Red Stockings defeated the Great Westerns in the first baseball game 45 - 9! In their first season, the team won 57 games and lost none.

Their success helped make baseball popular across the country. Players wore long, red socks, which is how they got their name. The Red Stockings showed that baseball could be a fun and competitive sport for everyone to enjoy. Today, baseball is loved by millions, thanks to teams like the Cincinnati Red Stockings.

What happened first?
1. Baseball became very popular.
2. The Red Stockings won 57 games!
3. 1866.
4. The Red Stockings won the first baseball game.
Before the Cincinnati Red Stockings were formed…
1. there was no such thing as baseball.
2. The sport was played by clubs.
3. The Great Westerns became the first team.
4. The passage doesn’t say.
Which of the following best describes the Cincinnati Red Stockings?
1. They were much better than the other teams.
2. They were mostly amateur players.
3. They lost a lot of games.
4. They did not make a big impact on the sport of baseball.
Because of the Cincinnati Red Stockings…
1. Baseball became popular across the country.
2. The Great Westerns became a professional team.
3. Baseball would only be played by amateurs.
4. The team was formed in 1869.