[greymule]

World Series highlight films are available back to 1943, when the infielders still kept their gloves on the outfield grass between innings and anything went in breaking up a double play. Even as late as the 1960s, the umpire mechanics were nothing like those of today, with the right arm in the air before the pitch hit the catcher's mitt, and calls at 1B being made from between the bag and the coaches' box—and instantly upon the arrival of the ball.

You also notice that first-basemen often caught throws with two hands. When was the last time you saw that in MLB? Other key differences: the top of the strike zone was several inches higher, and a swing was considered "checked" unless the batter took practically a full cut.