National Association of Professional Baseball Players

The National Association of Professional Baseball Players, or simply the National Association, was founded in 1871 and lasted through the 1875 season, after which its stronger teams created the National League. It is regarded as baseball's first professional league.

Timeline

• 1869 - The previously amateur National Association of Base Ball Players establishes a professional category.
• 1869–70 - Cincinnati Red Stockings demonstrate that professional baseball is a viable business enterprise.
• 1871 - Several teams from the National Association of Base Ball Players breakaway to found the first professional league, the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players.
• 1876 - Boston, Chicago, Hartford, Mutual, Athletic, and St. Louis Brown Stockings all join the newly founded National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs, along with new teams in Louisville and Cincinnati.