With Spring Training having begun all over the country, it's no secret that American Baseball has been the National Sport of the United States for well over a century. To the Freemason, the game of baseball contains interesting parallels to Masonic symbolism including the shape of the field, placement of the bases, the journey the batter takes around the bases. Is it possible that baseball is a game of esoteric symbolism?
Masonic symbols can be found in many cities around the United States. Many would argue that the symbolism doesn't stop at lodge buildings and can be found in other, more unexpected places. It's no secret that esotericism has found its home in American Society. Masonic symbolism can be found in many designs of public buildings across the country. Even the cornerstone of the Capitol building in Washington D.C. was laid with Masonic rites.
However, what other influences has the esotericism of Theosophy and Freemasonry had on America? Many speculate that the Great American Pastime of Baseball may have been influenced by Theosophists and Freemasons in its early history and may carry symbolism from both into today's culture in reviewing its structure and rules.
Beginning with the inception of Baseball, Abner Doubleday, a theosophist, and Alexander Cartwright were both very important figures in the game's creation. Doubleday and Cartwright's involvement in the invention of baseball is disputed; however, even if it was a game that came from an evolution of the game Rounders, the symbolism in the game is still profound.
The Diamond and the Field
In examining the possible symbolism we can derive from Baseball, we should begin with the field itself. Beginning with the infield, Baseball is one of the only sports in the world (if not the only one) that takes place on a diamond playing field. When looking at the field from the sky, it can resemble a square and compass with one end being squared off with right angles with home plate being the apex of the square with the diamond between first, second, and third bases acting as the compass, with second base acting as the compass. The "G" in the center of the Square and Compasses represented by the Pitcher's mound.
The outfield of the baseball field is another allusion to Masonry. In recent years, many MLB franchises have opted to mow the grass in a checkered fashion, does this allude to the mosaic pavement? Probably not, but it would be interesting to think that every MLB team knew the Masonic origins of Baseball and simply added to it.
Threes and Nines
Freemasons around the world would agree that the numbers 3 and 9 have significance in Freemasonry.
As Mackey put it:
"Everyone is aware of the singular properties of the number nine, which, multiplied by itself or any other number whatever, gives a result whose final sum is always nine, or always divisible by nine. Nine multiplied by each of the ordinary numbers, produces an arithmetical progression, each member whereof, composed of two figures, and presents a remarkable fact; for example:
1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 10
9 . 18 . 27 . 36 . 45 . 54 . 63 . 72 . 81 . 90
The first line of figures gives the regular series, from 1 to 10. The second reproduces this line doubly; first ascending from the first figure of 18, and then returning from the second figure of 81. In Freemasonry, nine derives its value from its being the product of three multiplied into itself, and consequently in Masonic language the number nine is always denoted by the expression three times three. For a similar reason, 27, which is 3 times 9, and 81, which is 9 times 9, are esteemed ax sacred numbers in the advanced Degrees."
This explains then the:
· 3 strikes
· 3 outs
· 9 fielding positions
· 9 innings
· 27 outs
· 81 games at home
· 81 games on the road
Just to name a few.
More than Meets the Eye
With the mathematical and physical symbols found on baseball fields and within the game shown, are there deeper meanings to be found in the game of Baseball? It's quite possible that Baseball may be an allusion to the journey of the soul. In this instance the batter is the soul, or an individual person. The pitcher acts as life by throwing obstacles at it as they make their journey. The batter then makes his way around the bases, or through life. If they hit it out of the park, or do very well at life, they go through it without obstacle. Of course the opposite is also true, that if they do not get on base and strike out, their journey is over. It's difficult to say whether or not the symbolism of the game of baseball is truly esoteric or not as its origins are disputed heavily. So is Baseball an esoteric game? It's your choice to decide. If the game holds a deeper meaning for you and helps you remember the lessons given to you in each of the degrees, then who am I to challenge that?
Bro. Matthew R. Ross
Battle Creek Lodge No. 12
Grand Lodge of Michigan F.&A.M.