How Did Billy Sunday Impact On America

“Whatever the flaws in his character or methods, his ministry touched and changed for the better the lives of tens of thousands of people,” (Dorsett, L. Billy Sunday and the Redemption of Urban America). That’s what Billy Sunday was known for: impacting thousands of people’s lives. In the great year of 1862, William Ashley Sunday entered the world. Sadly, unfortunate circumstances invaded young Billy’s life when his father died in battle and his mother, too poverty-stricken, sent Billy to live at an orphanage. While at Soldier’s Orphans Home in Glenwood, Iowa, he discovered his outstanding baseball talent. Years later, Billy abandoned the orphanage at age fourteen in order to work in Nevada, Iowa raising Shetland ponies. Under the agreement by rancher, Colonel John Scott, Billy received a quiet home to stay in while he continued his education at Nevada High School. Although Billy never received a high school diploma, he acquired a greater education than the average American in the 1880s. Choosing to pursue his

Billy’s popularity quickly escalated when he earned the first-string spot as right fielder for the White Stockings. Unfortunately, shortly afterward he injured himself and Chicago sold him to the Pittsburgh Alleghenys. In 1888, Billy played his first ever full baseball season at center field. America loved Billy Sunday! Reporters described his fame by saying, “[their] wild over Sunday!” His baseball career greatly impacted the American game. Teams from all over the nation offered contracts to him. Despite the temptations, Billy stuck firmly with his commitment to Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Alleghenys named Billy team captain and star player. Unfortunately, the team suffered through some miserable financial circumstances in 1890. Billy Sunday left the Allengheys for the Philadelphia Phillies, abruptly by requesting them to release his