We regrettably have no video evidence to prove it, but baseball pranks, gags and practical jokes have almost certainly been around as long as the game itself. You can probably imagine a member of the 1881 Worcester Ruby Legs setting fire to the shoe of an unwitting teammate.

Wondering why April 1 is all about jokes and hoaxes? Here’s a deep dive into the strange history and uncertain origins of April Fools’ Day, from calendar mix-ups to medieval pranks.

For every well-executed corporate hoax, there's an overeager company whose ill-conceived pranks have blown up in their faces, sometimes badly.