Baseball Barnstorming and Exhibition Games 1901-1962

<p> Until 1947 professional ball players were paid only from opening day to season's end. Even during the season a lot of their expenses came out of their own pockets. Even the best-paid players had trouble making ends meet. One answer to their money woes was barnstorming--tours out of season. Cities lacking their own major league teams were happy to host big-league players for such events as well as for special exhibition games whose proceeds sometimes went to local charities.</p><p> Here is a history of barnstorming and exhibition games from 1901 (when both of the two current major leagues began operating) through 1962 (when a team led by Willie Mays was unsuccessful in its attempt at a tour signaling an end to true barnstorming). Decade by decade it covers the teams the games and the players for a detailed look at how barnstorming and exhibition brought big-league baseball to the backyard ballparks of America.</p>