Short Answer 
The author introduces a central question about baseball’s status as America’s national sport, capturing readers’ interest and emphasizing its deep cultural significance. The text highlights baseball’s popularity by illustrating how it disrupts daily life and engages readers further by ending with a thought-provoking question, inviting reflection on the sport’s appeal.
Step 1: Present the Central Question
The author captures the readers’ attention by posing a compelling question about how baseball emerged as the national sport of the United States. This sparks curiosity and draws the reader into the narrative, prompting them to consider the significance of the sport within American culture.
Step 2: Highlight the Popularity of Baseball
The text emphasizes the overwhelming popularity of baseball by illustrating how people prioritizing watching a game can disrupt their daily lives. It highlights the extent of this devotion by noting that individuals would leave their important tasks to drive to the fields, indicating baseball’s grip on the American public.
Step 3: Engage the Reader’s Interest
By ending with a question, the author not only fosters engagement but also encourages readers to think about the broader implications of baseball’s popularity. This technique invites readers to explore the reasons behind the sport’s allure, fostering a sense of anticipation for what will come next in the discussion.