Abstract

Political and economic changes, particularly a shift away from an economic dependence on the trading of raw materials, and increased industrialization, helped establish new kinds of élites, the industrialists and professional bourgeoisie. These men, some of whom had nationalist leanings, appropriated two First Nations activities, snowshoeing and lacrosse. Lacrosse became so popular that there was little room for other summer sports, including baseball. Frozen waterways in winter also meant that summer was a busy business season, and meant that summer sports such as baseball had little chance of becoming popular in the city before the 1850s. Eventually, however, ties between Montréal and American industrialists allowed for a cultural exchange which, among other things, brought a new brand of news reporting and baseball. Although Montrealers were not particularly skilled at baseball, bourgeois and working class men alike enjoyed the game from 1870s onward. Popularity increased so much, that by the early 1880s, Montréal entered its first golden age of baseball. The English language newspapers eagerly reported on the state of club affairs, listed box scores, and covered games