This year in history (153 years ago)
Baseball was formally introduced among University of Michigan students in spring 1863 by student John M. Hinchman of Detroit, who had been a member of the Detroit Club. Students Oscar P. Bills and E.C. Page laid out a diamond in the northeast part of the campus, and three years later the Board of Regents appropriated $100 for the improvement of the grounds. The batter faced the Medical Building, and many long drives were made in its direction. The game differed considerably: the pitcher was restricted to an underhand delivery, strikes were not called on the batter and bases were not given on balls.
— From “The Michigan Book,” available via the HathiTrust Digital Library
