Continental League from the Chronology

Aug 2, 1960 - In an agreement with the major leagues‚ the Continental League abandons plans to join the AL and NL. Walter O'Malley‚ chairman of the NL Expansion Committee‚ says‚ "We immediately will recommend expansion and that we would like to do it in 1961." Braves owner Lou Perini proposes a compromise that 4 of the CL territories be admitted to the current majors in orderly expansion. Branch Rickey's group quickly accepts. The Continental League ends without playing a game.

Jul 27, 1960 - William Shea‚ chairman of Mayor Robert Wagner's New York baseball committee‚ announces the formation of the Continental League. The 5 founding cities are New York‚ Houston‚ Toronto‚ Denver‚ and Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Jul 18, 1960 - The NL votes to expand to 10 clubs if the Continental League does not join organized baseball. The new NL clubs would invade CL territories.

Mar 24, 1960 - Commissioner Ford Frick says he will not allow the Continental League to pool players in the Western Carolinas League as it would violate existing major-minor league agreements.

Feb 20, 1960 - Branch Rickey meets with officials of the proposed Western Carolinas League about pooling talent for Continental League clubs.

Jan 5, 1960 - The Continental League‚ a proposed 3rd major league‚ gets an assurance of congressional support from New York Senator Kenneth Keating.

Dec 22, 1959 - The Continental League awards its last franchise to Dallas/Ft. Worth.

Dec 8, 1959 - The Continental League awards a franchise to Atlanta.

Nov 23, 1959 - Branch Rickey‚ President of the Continental League‚ sends a telegram to Joe Cronin‚ American League prexy‚ declaring his disappointment with Cronin's wire of November 20. "You must know of course that‚ almost alone‚ the American League's widely publicized position on alleged expansion has forestalled completion of the Continental League. I have so state repeatedly and publicly for the past several weeks. However‚ I must admit that the Commissioner's completely negative attitude toward a third Major League has made an effective contribution to our forced delay and his continuous statement of preference for internal expansion hurts even more."

Nov 17, 1959 - William Shea of the Continental League shows sketches of the proposed stadium in New York City with its transparent retractable roof.

Oct 21, 1959 - President Branch Rickey says that a Continental League franchise will be awarded to Buffalo. Montreal‚ Atlanta‚ and Dallas/Ft. Worth are still in the running for the remaining 2 slots.

Aug 19, 1959 - Honolulu seeks a franchise in the Continental League.

Aug 18, 1959 - Branch Rickey resigns as chairman of the Pirates to become president of the Continental League.

Jul 27, 1959 - Organizational committee chairman William Shea announces that the Continental League has definite franchises planned for New York City‚ Houston‚ Toronto‚ Denver‚ and Minneapolis/St. Paul‚ with interest in 11 other cities. It envisions beginning play in 1961. New York City says it will build a stadium at the Flushing Meadow Park site.

Jun 18, 1959 - At a news conference‚ the Continental League announces that franchises in the 3rd league will be priced at $10 million.

May 25, 1959 - Buffalo seeks membership in the Continental League.

Apr 18, 1959 - Branch Rickey becomes president of the Continental League. He appoints a committee to study problems associated with acquiring players.

Nov 13, 1958 - Mayor Robert Wagner of New York announces preliminary plans for a 3rd major league. Chairman William Shea‚ of what will become the Continental League‚ says it is apparent that the NL is going to ignore New York City. He implies that the new league will be free to raid ML rosters.