Elysian Fields Sub-topics -- 2022

Version 1.0, 10/13/2022

The following subtopics have been suggested for elucidation/discussion:

[1] EF as Influencer --How exactly did baseball evolve and change during the heyday of the EF as a baseball venue? To what degree was the EF itself a factor?

Did the nearness of the EF baseball grounds and the St. George cricket grounds affect the development of either sport? (NB: it seems to have facilitated Harry Wright's conversion to baseball.)

[2] Field Scarcity as a Factor -- Was the lack of playing fields in 1840s Manhattan the primary reason that clubs chose to play in Hoboken?  More generally, did other localities -- Brooklyn, Philadelphia etc. -- find the lack of playing space a deterrent to the local adoption of base ball? Were local commons important facilities in the national spread of base ball?

[3] Concurrent NYC Trends -- What was happening elsewhere -- in Manhattan and beyond -- during the decade + in which the all of the best-known NYC clubs all played at the Elysian Fields? 

[4] Predominance of the New York Game -- What was the role, if any, that the EF played in spreading the game by introducing visitors from NYC, NJ and elsewhere to the NY/Brooklyn  version of baseball?

[5] Spectators' Roles --What more can we find out about the spectators at EF games -- and also about the Stevens family's attitude toward fans and baseball as entertainment (paid and otherwise)?

[6] EF Governance -- How were the sports grounds at the EF allotted and administered? Who made the decisions, how and why? Additions and modifications should be raised with the group via email, or with Larry McCray (just correct 'LmccraQ@miQ.edu' and send).