This day in NY sports history

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Friday, March 17, 1871

First organized baseball league formed

Meeting at Collier's Cafe on Broadway, 10 teams formed baseball's professional league: the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players. For a $10 membership fee, the clubs signed up to start the season, including the Haymakers of Troy, the New York Mutuals, the Philadelphia Athletics, the Chicago White Stockings and the Boston Red Stockings. James N. Kerns of Troy was elected the league's president. The season opened May 4, but the Fort Wayne Kekiongas withdrew from the league after 28 games. They were replaced by the Brooklyn Eckfords. The league lasted until 1875, with the Athletics winning the first title and the Red Stockings the next four. In 1876, six of the teams, along with independent clubs Louisville and Cincinnati, formed the National League.