KnowraNational LeagueNational LeagueThe National League is one of Major League Baseball’s two leagues. Founded in 1876, it now comprises 15 clubs.BriefConnectWilliam Hulbert: William Hulbert was a Chicago businessman who organized the National League in 1876. He founded the league to replace the unstable National Association with stronger central control.National League Championship Series: The National League Championship Series is the best-of-seven playoff that determines the National League pennant winner. It decides which National League club advances to the World Series.American League: The American League is one of Major League Baseball’s two leagues, founded in 1901. It is the National League’s counterpart within Major League Baseball.National League East: The National League East is a division of Major League Baseball’s National League. It groups five current clubs into one of the league’s three divisions.National Association of Professional Base Ball Players: The National Association was the first professional baseball league, operating from 1871 to 1875. The National League replaced this loosely governed predecessor.National League Division Series: The National League Division Series is a best-of-five Major League Baseball playoff round. It narrows the National League postseason field before the championship series.World Series: The World Series is Major League Baseball’s annual championship series between the American and National League champions. It has matched the National League pennant winner against the American League champion since 1903.National League Central: The National League Central is a division of Major League Baseball’s National League. Its clubs include several teams with long histories in the league.National Agreement of 1876: The National Agreement of 1876 was an agreement establishing rules and territorial protections for professional baseball clubs. Its provisions helped the new league regulate contracts and club territories.National League Wild Card Series: The National League Wild Card Series is a best-of-three playoff round for qualifying National League clubs. It gives teams outside the division-leading group a route into the playoffs.Show all 22Linked from 9 pagesBaseball in the United StatesBroader topic: Its creation established a durable structure for professional baseball.History of baseballRelated: Its creation marked a durable shift from club-led organization to a professional league system.1903 World SeriesNarrower topic: Its champion Pittsburgh Pirates represented the older league in the series.Cap AnsonNarrower topic: The league gave Anson a durable platform for his playing and managerial prominence.Grover Cleveland AlexanderNarrower topic: Alexander spent most of his career in the league and led it repeatedly in major pitching categories.Show all 9