... professional teams to join its organization (Block). In 1871, most of the professional clubs broke away and The National Association of Professional Base Ball Players (NAPBBP) or The National Association (NA) was formed. The National Association is considered the first professional sports league and set most of the rules for the sport of baseball. The White Stockings became the first professional ... , where they won the championship before joining the National Association to play in the first season of its existence in 1871. The White Stockings played their next 5 seasons in the NA exce...

• Word Count: 3527
• Approx Pages: 14
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School