1885

Introduction

The year is 1885. It is the early beginnings of organized sports leagues in North America with Baseball providing the first-ever Major Sports League and league rivalry. This year saw the rivalry in Baseball continue between the older, established National League and the upstart American Association, culminating in the second World Series between these two leagues.

In Baseball we see the further establishment and expansion of the sport with three Independent Leagues that are worthy of note. While Baseball had seen up to this point dozens of leagues be established, all of them would be considered too limited in geographic reach, city league roster, and longevity to be worthy of consideration. Check out the Obsolete League Roster for more details.

We see the first Proto-League in Hockey, the Montreal Winter Carnival Hockey Tournament, return for another season.

New Leagues

A new Independent League, named the New York State League was formed to support the development of Baseball, 139 years ago. This league would go on to adopt other names and is still in existence to this day, now known as the International League (IL).

A new, second Independent League, named the Southern League (SL) was formed to support the development of Baseball, 139 years ago.

A new, third Independent League, named the Western League (WL) was formed out of the NorthWestern League (NWL) to support the development of Baseball, 139 years ago.

Leagues in Operation

Year 10 of play in the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs (NL) took place 139 years ago. ^{(source) (source)}

Year 4 of play in the American Association of Base Ball Clubs (AA) took place 139 years ago.

Year 3 of play across the Independent and Minor League system of Baseball took place 139 years ago.

Year 3 of play in the Montreal Winter Carnival Hockey Tournament (MWCHT) took place 139 years ago.

Leagues that Folded

The Union Association (UA) folded when its teams joined other Baseball leagues 139 years ago.

League Champions and Other Events