The first attempt at forming a " major league " produced the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players , which lasted from 1871 to 1875 . The now all professional Chicago White Stockings , financed by businessman William Hulbert , became a charter member of the league along with the Red Stockings , who had dissolved and moved to Boston . The White Stockings were close contenders all season , despite the fact that the Great Chicago Fire had destroyed the team 's home field and most of their equipment . The White Stockings finished the season in second place , but ultimately were forced to drop out of the league during the city 's recovery period , finally returning to National Association play in 1874 . Over the next couple seasons , The Boston Red Stockings dominated the league and hoarded many of the game 's best players , even those who were under contract with other teams . After Davy Force signed with Chicago , and then breached his contract to play in Boston , Hulbert became discouraged by the " contract jumping " as well as the overall disorganization of the N.A. , and thus spearheaded the movement to form a stronger organization . The end result of his efforts was the formation a much more " ethical " league , which became known as the National Base Ball League . After a series of rival leagues were organized but failed ( most notably the American Base Ball Association , which spawned the clubs which would ultimately become the St. Louis Cardinals and Brooklyn Dodgers ) , the current American League , evolving from the minor Western League of 1893 , was established in 1901
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
History of baseball in the United States