Federal League
Federal League[edit | edit source]
The Federal League was a professional baseball league that operated in the United States from 1913 to 1915. It is notable for being the last serious attempt to establish a "third major league" in competition with the established American League and National League.
History[edit | edit source]
Formation[edit | edit source]
The Federal League was founded in 1913 as an "outlaw league," meaning it operated independently of the National Agreement that governed organized baseball. The league was initially a minor league but declared itself a major league in 1914, directly challenging the American League and National League by signing players to contracts that often exceeded those offered by the established leagues.
Teams[edit | edit source]
The Federal League consisted of eight teams in its two major league seasons:
- Chicago Whales
- St. Louis Terriers
- Pittsburgh Rebels
- Brooklyn Tip-Tops
- Baltimore Terrapins
- Buffalo Blues
- Kansas City Packers
- Indianapolis Hoosiers (1914) / Newark Peppers (1915)
Impact on Baseball[edit | edit source]
The Federal League's challenge to the established leagues led to increased salaries for players and a number of legal battles. One of the most significant outcomes was the Federal Baseball Club v. National League case, which reached the United States Supreme Court in 1922. The court ruled that baseball was not subject to antitrust laws, a decision that has had lasting implications for the sport.
Decline and Disbandment[edit | edit source]
By the end of the 1915 season, the Federal League was struggling financially. The league's owners reached a settlement with the American and National Leagues, which included the dissolution of the Federal League. Some owners were compensated with shares in existing major league teams, while others were left with significant financial losses.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
The Federal League's most enduring legacy is the construction of Wrigley Field in Chicago, originally built for the Chicago Whales. The league also played a role in the eventual establishment of free agency and the improvement of player salaries and conditions.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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