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NYY #23 · 08-10-2014, 08:50 PM

Our story begins in December of 1868 where the National Association of Base Ball Players (NABBP) permits professional clubs for the first time. Twelve teams would turn professional and begin play as professionals in 1869. The season would not be without controversy though, as the Troy Haymakers refused to play after they dropped their 20th game of the season. There would also be controversy as the top two teams in the league were invited to play in the Championship Cup, but a dispute arose between St Louis and Washington over who would play Washington couldn't be settled. St. Louis had more wins, but four of those wins came against amateur teams, while Washington played just one amateur team. The raiding of the Hartford Blues best players forced them to abandon play for several games, until they could raid another roster. Rumors of gambling continued to rise above a whisper.

It was clear that the National Association needed better organization, and if baseball was going to survive professionally there would need to be tighter controls, better rules, and stronger authority. In December of 1869 the National Association voted to elect Gil Ford as president, a former player and member of the bar. His first course of action was holding a series of meetings with representatives of the professional teams, and on February 7th, 1870 Ford produces a document outlining the rules, punishments, and governance of the National Association, in what became known as the Ford rules.

14 teams signed the "Ford rules" and the National League was born. Those teams would begin play to play on April 2, 1870. Each of the 14 teams were required to play all 13 teams at their home field, and on the road for a total of 26 games. Those games would be played on Saturdays only. Any games played against amateur teams, scrimmages, or other teams wouldn't count in the standings. All players would remain under control of the team for one year, and any player appearing in a game would be compensated. Any player who failed to honor their contract would be banned from the league.

At the end of the season the top four teams in the league by record would play for the Turner Cup, named after former Cincinnati manager Jack Turner, who passed away last year.

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Up next we'll take a look at those 14 teams and how they did in 1870.

08-10-2014, 08:50 PM	#2
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	1868 Our story begins in December of 1868 where the National Association of Base Ball Players (NABBP) permits professional clubs for the first time. Twelve teams would turn professional and begin play as professionals in 1869. The season would not be without controversy though, as the Troy Haymakers refused to play after they dropped their 20th game of the season. There would also be controversy as the top two teams in the league were invited to play in the Championship Cup, but a dispute arose between St Louis and Washington over who would play Washington couldn't be settled. St. Louis had more wins, but four of those wins came against amateur teams, while Washington played just one amateur team. The raiding of the Hartford Blues best players forced them to abandon play for several games, until they could raid another roster. Rumors of gambling continued to rise above a whisper. It was clear that the National Association needed better organization, and if baseball was going to survive professionally there would need to be tighter controls, better rules, and stronger authority. In December of 1869 the National Association voted to elect Gil Ford as president, a former player and member of the bar. His first course of action was holding a series of meetings with representatives of the professional teams, and on February 7th, 1870 Ford produces a document outlining the rules, punishments, and governance of the National Association, in what became known as the Ford rules. 14 teams signed the "Ford rules" and the National League was born. Those teams would begin play to play on April 2, 1870. Each of the 14 teams were required to play all 13 teams at their home field, and on the road for a total of 26 games. Those games would be played on Saturdays only. Any games played against amateur teams, scrimmages, or other teams wouldn't count in the standings. All players would remain under control of the team for one year, and any player appearing in a game would be compensated. Any player who failed to honor their contract would be banned from the league. At the end of the season the top four teams in the league by record would play for the Turner Cup, named after former Cincinnati manager Jack Turner, who passed away last year. ------------------- Up next we'll take a look at those 14 teams and how they did in 1870. Last edited by NYY #23; 08-11-2014 at 12:52 PM.