Abner Doubleday from the Chronology

Jun 3, 1953 - Congress cites the research of New York City librarian Robert Henderson in proving that Alexander Cartwright "founded" baseball and not Abner Doubleday. His 1947 book Bat‚ Ball and Bishop documents Cartwright's contributions to the origins of the game of baseball.

Apr 2, 1908 - After a 2-year investigation‚ the Mills Committee‚ formed on the recommendation of Al Spalding and headed by the former NL president A. G. Mills‚ declares that baseball was invented by Abner Doubleday in Cooperstown‚ NY in 1839. Overwhelming evidence to the contrary is ignored‚ but the designation makes James Fenimore Cooper's town the most likely site for a Hall of Fame and museum when these establishments are conceived some 30 years later.

Dec 30, 1907 - The Spalding Commission reports that baseball was invented by Abner Doubleday in Cooperstown‚ New York‚ in 1839. The Commission is convinced by the testimony of Abner Graves‚ who claimed to be a childhood companion of Doubleday's. Grave's story is later "verified" when an old‚ rotting ball is found among his personal effects: The ball is now in the Hall of fame. The Commission ignores the fact that Doubleday did not graduate from West Point until 1842.

Jun 17, 1871 - Former Civil War General Abner Doubleday‚ now a Colonel in command of the 24th U.S. Infantry's "Colored Regiment"‚ Fort McKavett‚ TX addresses a request to General E.D. Townsend‚ Adjutant General‚ U.S. Army‚ Washington‚ D.C.: "I have the honor to apply for permission to purchase for the Regimental Library a few portraits of distinguished generals‚ Battle pictures‚ and some of Rogers groups of Statuary particularly those relative to the actions of the Colored population of the south. This being a colored regiment ornaments of this kind seem very appropriate. I would also like to purchase baseball implements for the amusement of the men and a Magic Lantern for the same purpose. The fund is ample and I think these expenditures would add to the happiness of the men."