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, the school opened in 1754, twelve years before America’s Declaration of Independence. The university founded in honor England’s King George II also has a rich baseball history. The sport became the first varsity offering at the school in 1868, three years after the conclusion of the US Civil War. Baseball as a professional endeavor had yet to be formed. Today, the Columbia baseball program remains one of the oldest in continuous operation. Its first big leaguer John Ward resides in Cooperstown John Montgomery Ward linked Columbia to early professional baseball. He debuted in 1878 and led the league with a 1.51 ERA. The next year he topped all hurlers with 47 wins and 239 strikeouts. In 1880, his eight shutouts resulted in another league-leading total. Ward’s prowess was not limited to the mound. He performed at every position except catcher and first base. On the basepaths, he twice led the league in steals, including a career-best 111 in 1887. Across his 17-year career, Ward collected more than 2,000 base hits. During his eighth major league season, […]