Columbia University predates the United States of America Columbia University ranks among the nation’s oldest and most respected academic institutions. Originally named King’s College, it honored King George II of England. The school opened in 1754, twelve years before America’s Declaration of Independence. Columbia’s history intersects with baseball and predates the first professional league. Baseball became the first varsity sport at the school. Today, the program remains one of the oldest in continuous operation. The Lions first took the diamond in 1868, three years after the Civil War ended. Baseball as a professional endeavor had yet to be formed. Its first big leaguer John Ward resides in Cooperstown John Montgomery Ward linked Columbia to early professional baseball. He debuted in 1878 and played seventeen seasons in the National League. At eighteen, he entered the majors as a dominant pitcher. That season, he led the league with a 1.51 ERA. The next year, he recorded forty-seven wins and 239 strikeouts to top all hurlers. By 1880, his eight shutouts resulted in another league-leading total. As a two-way player, Ward showed great versatility. He played every position except catcher and first base. On the basepaths, he twice led the league in steals, […]

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