in the modern sense, 1845, American English, from base (n.) + ball (n.1). Earlier references, such as in Jane Austen's "Northanger Abbey," refer to the game of "rounders," of which baseball is a more elaborate variety. Legendarily invented 1839 by Abner Doubleday in Cooperstown, N.Y. Base was used for "start or finish line of a race" from 1690s; and the sense of "safe spot" found in modern children's game of tag can be traced to 14c. (the sense in baseball is from 1868).
权威例句
1. A fellow doesn't last long on what he has done. He's got to keep on delivering as he goes along.--Carl Hubbell, Baseball Player
靠过去完成的无法让人保有成功,必须在路上持续交出成绩。
2. He was the fastest thing I ever saw on a baseball field.
他是我在棒球场上见过的跑得最快的家伙。
3. Casey Stengel was probably the most colorful character in baseball.
凯西·施滕格尔可能是棒球界最有趣的人物。
4. He maliciously damaged a car with a baseball bat.
他用棒球棒恶意损毁了一辆汽车。
5. The team's products easily outsell those of other American baseball clubs overseas.