1876 - The National League is formed in New York City as a result of the lack of central direction in the young National Association. The NL will field eight teams in its inaugural season and will become the blueprint of professional team sports in North America.
1936 - The BBWAA elects Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson and Honus Wagner in the first ever Hall of Fame vote.
1989 - Bill White is elected president of the National League replacing Chub Feeney and becoming the first African-American to be named president in either league and is the highest ranking African-American executive in the four major sports.