National Association Of Professional Base Ball Players
National Association of Professional Base Ball Players
The National Association of Professional Base Ball Players (NAPBBP), often referred to simply as the National Association (NA), holds a significant place in the history of baseball. Established in 1871, the NAPBBP was the first fully professional sports league for baseball, marking a pivotal shift from the amateur traditions upheld by its predecessor, the National Association of Base Ball Players, which governed the sport from 1857 to 1870.
Formation and Structure
The creation of the National Association was largely a response to the growing professionalism within the sport, which had been brewing since the late 1860s. The National Association of Base Ball Players had already made concessions for professional categories due to concerns over under-the-table payments to players, leading to a demand for a league that formally recognized professional clubs.
Comprised of teams from various regions, the NA fostered a competitive environment that included the highest level of play at the time. Despite its innovative approach, the league was criticized for its lack of a controlled schedule, procedural inconsistencies, and issues related to gambling.
Influence on Major League Baseball
Although the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Major League Baseball (MLB) do not officially recognize the National Association as a "major league," its influence on the professionalization of baseball is undeniable. Many of the clubs from the NA went on to form the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, established in 1876. This league, known today as the National League, became one of the two major leagues of MLB after merging with the American League of Professional Baseball Clubs.
Legacy and Controversy
The legacy of the National Association is marked by both its pioneering role in professional sports and its operational challenges. In 1969, Major League Baseball's Special Baseball Records Committee opted to exclude the National Association from major league status, citing its erratic scheduling, procedural issues, and inadequate media coverage. Despite this decision, many players, managers, and umpires from the NA are recognized in baseball records as part of the professional lineage that contributed to the development of modern baseball.