The National Association was founded in 1857 and consisted of 16 New York clubs; it was the first organization of its kind in baseball. It became truly national in December 1865 when 91 clubs attended the New York convention. The Association's functions were to sanction rules and preserve amateur status. (SH)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » September 6, 1901: The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues is formed to help the minor leagues protect their interests. » September 11, 1903: A new National Agreement signed by the National Association of minor league clubs officially organizes professional baseball under one comprehensive set of rules. » January 19, 1916: A list of 123 Federal League players with free-agent status under the terms of the peace agreement is released by the National Association. » May 31, 1944: John McKelvey, last surviving member of the National Association (1871-75), dies at Rochester, NY. At age 96, he was the oldest former ML player.