Early Baseball in San Francisco
"Recreation Grounds" at today's Folsom & Cesar Chavez built by the Hatton Bros. in 1868
Photo: Greg Gaar Collection, San Francisco, CA
1860s--Sandlot baseball originated in what is now the greater Civic Center area in the 1860s. First California team organized in Dan's Oyster saloon on Montgomery St.. They elected officers, held regular meetings, went on drinking together, "but never did get around to playing a game."
Feb. 22, 1860--California's first official ballgame played in San Francisco.
1869--Cincinnati Red Stockings arrive on first transcontinental commercial rail run, win all games played in San Francisco.