1920day.year
Pesäpallo, the Finnish version of baseball developed by Lauri Pihkala, is played for the first time at Kaisaniemi Park in Helsinki.
The Finnish sport Pesäpallo, a unique variant of baseball created by Lauri Pihkala, is played for the first time at Kaisaniemi Park in Helsinki in 1920.
On November 14, 1920, players gather in Helsinki’s Kaisaniemi Park to compete in the inaugural game of Pesäpallo. Developed by educator Lauri Pihkala, the game modifies traditional baseball rules to suit Finnish climate and culture. With a vertical pitching style and distinctive scoring system, Pesäpallo quickly captivates local audiences. The sport fosters community spirit and becomes Finland’s national pastime. Its introduction reflects broader trends in physical education and national identity formation in the early 20th century.
1920
Pesäpallo
baseball
Lauri Pihkala
Kaisaniemi Park
Helsinki