Major League Baseball
In 1876, the National League began, and included the Red and White Stockings as well as six other teams.  This league was run better, but many teams still would split up after only a few seasons.  Some, like the teams that are now called the Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants, are also still playing today.  There were other leagues also. The American Association started in 1882 and was almost as good as the National League.  However many of its teams would go to the National League, and the American Association disappeared in 1891.  The National League had problems, though.  Players and fans did not behave well, and in 1894 a fire started during a game and destroyed the stadium and part of Roxbury, Boston.