Association, the same year that Worcester's days as a major league franchise, as well as their influence, came to an end. The Worcester team was dropped from the league shortly before the end of the 1882 season, as Worcester was seen as too small to support major league sport; the team was encouraged to finish out its schedule as a lame duck team. Their last two games of the season against the Troy Trojans (also expelled from the NL for the same reasons) drew only 6 and 25 fans respectively; the attendance of six is a record low attendance for all league games open to spectators. Needing an eighth team to balance the schedule, the National League granted an expansion franchise to Philadelphia which became the Philadelphia Phillies (who were also alternatively known as the Quakers until 1890). Many sources suggest that the Worcester club was moved to Philadelphia; however, only the Worcester's former NL spot was moved. All available evidence suggests there is no direct link between the two teams (most significantly, no players from the 1882 Worcester club ended up with the 1883 Phillies). Notable alumni Lip Pike, four-time Major League Baseball home run champion Lee Richmond, first player to throw a perfect game Baseball Hall of Famers See also 1880 Worcester Worcesters season 1881 Worcester Worcesters season 1882 Worcester Worcesters season Worcester Worcesters all-time roster References External links Baseball-Reference.com page 1879 establishments in Massachusetts 1882 disestablishments in Massachusetts Baseball teams established in 1879 Baseball teams disestablished in 1882 Worcesters Defunct baseball teams in Massachusetts Defunct Major League Baseball teams Professional baseball teams in Massachusetts