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The National League was formed in 1876 by a group of owners lead by William Hulbert, who was the National League President until his death in 1881. These owners wanted a stronger league and wanted the power returned to them from the players. They created and organization with a president, secretary/treasurer, and board of directors. They also charged each team $100 a year for doing business with them. To show that they had the power at the end of the inaugural 1876 season, the clubs from the two largest cities, New York and Philadelphia, figured that they had lost enough money and didn't make their final road trip, so the league kicked them out. One of the most relevant things the National League did was institute a reserve clause that guaranteed a player to play for a particular team. This was the catalyst for other leagues such as the American Association and Union Association to spring up. This clause was obviously repealed with free agency. This structure has served the National League well as they are the longest lasting league in baseball. |