Back in the early days of baseball in the mid-19th century, umpires had a laid-back role literally! 😄 They would sit in rocking chairs 🪑 about 20 feet behind home plate 🏠⚾ while making their calls. By 1878, the National League made it a rule that home teams must pay umpires $5 per game 💵🎩. Imagine calling strikes while rocking back and forth! 🤔💺 facts fun fact sports history