National League Baseball
Recognized as the “greatest rival” of the American League (AL), the National League (NL) makes up the Major League Baseball (MLB) with teams in the United States as well as in neighboring Canada.
Original National League Baseball Teams
Chicago White Sox
Upon the period that the Western League (WL) made changes in the organization, Chicago White Sox, recognized as Sioux City Cornhuskers then, was purchased by a reporter based in Cincinnati. He is none other than Ban Johnson who is a close friend a former manager of the Cincinnati Reds, Charles Comiskey. Charles then told Ban about the opportunity to head the future National League Baseball team. However, Johnson was not entirely interested so Comiskey did not pass the opportunity. It was also timely because his contract with the franchise he was handling was about to end.
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox is regarded as one of the most celebrated National League Baseball teams in the world. Every instance there is a scheduled game between the New York Yankees, a lot of spectators would not hesitate to grab a ticket and watch the match live. The two teams have been recognized to be “great rivals” since the past. Over the years, the franchise has gained a lot of fans all over the United States. They are considered as “traveling enthusiasts” because they would be transferring from one stadium to another whenever the Red Sox has a competition. However, the club is only second to the Yankees.
Cincinnati Reds
Even in the early stages of the Cincinnati Reds, it already showed a promising deal of performance on field. From 1869 to 1870, this National League Baseball team was able to consecutively win one hundred thirty games prior to its defeat by the Brooklyn Atlantics. The franchise was composed of a strong line- up that included the Wright brothers, namely Harry and George. They were joined by Asa Brainard and Fred Waterman. Back in 1869, the Reds triumphed in the eastern division of NL as they swept twenty- one games in a row. By the words of Walter Camp, the club obtained a “banquet.”
Other National League Baseball Teams
Atlanta Braves
Upon the time when the Atlanta Braves was still based in Boston, the Cincinnati Red Stockings was established in 1869 but a year later, it was voted to be dissolved. At that period, Harry Wright, an athlete and a manager at the same instance, decided to transfer to Massachusetts with his brother George. They were joined by two other players of the previously mentioned team. Together they created the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players (NAPBBP) and revived the franchise. Not for long, the club was joined by Ross Barnes and Al Spalding who both became stellar figures in the organization now known as National League Baseball.
Florida Marlins
In only ten years prior to its inclusion to major tournaments, the Florida Marlins was fortunate enough to have played especially in the period where “wild card” was introduced. With that, the team was able to play in the World Series where in 1997 and 2003, the franchise took home the crown. The best seasons of the Marlins were under the leadership of Jack McKeon who properly guided his men in winning three straight years. Amidst of the seasons that the club experienced consecutive victories, it suffered from poor attendance. Because of which, the group saw the construction of a new stadium as the solution.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks is actually the first team in the Major League Baseball (MLB) that considered naming its team after an animal. On another note, a bid made by Jerry Colangelo was supported by one his colleagues Jerry Reinsdorf who owns both the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox. There were also reports saying that Bug Selig, Baseball Commissioner who purchased full rights of the Milwaukee Brewers, also rallied around Colangelo. Eventually, there were plans of constructing a stadium to be the future home of the franchise. The arena was called the Bank One Ballpark.
Today, the National League (NL) no longer exists as together with the American League (AL), both have been merged to compose the current Major League Baseball (MLB).