1888

Introduction

The year is 1888. 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 fifth World Series between these two leagues.

In Baseball we see the further establishment and expansion of the sport with one Independent Leagues that is worthy of note. While Baseball had seen up to this point dozens of leagues be established, most 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.

The Amateur Hockey Association of Canada becomes fully established as the first Elite League for Hockey, knocking the Montreal Winter Carnival Hockey Tournament out of operating for the year.

New Leagues

A new Independent League, named the Texas League (TL) was formed to support the development of Baseball, 136 years ago.

Leagues in Operation

Year 13 of play in the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs (NL) took place 136 years ago. ^{(source) (source)}

Year 7 of play in the American Association of Base Ball Clubs (AA) took place 136 years ago.

Year 6 of play across the Independent and Minor League system of Baseball took place 136 years ago.

Year 2 of play in the Amateur Hockey Association of Canada (AHAC) took place 136 years ago.

Leagues that Folded

The Montreal Winter Carnival Hockey Tournament (MWCHT) took a hiatus, 136 years ago, as the Amateur Hockey Association of Canada (AHAC) dominated the Hockey scene. Next year MWCHT would come back to play one more season but then fold for good.

League Champions and Other Events