[legendsport]

December 10, 1876 - Grand Central Hotel, New York City:

"Gentlemen, we've got a few items of business to deal with, so let's get started." Ben Harrell - as usual - took charge of the other seven National League magnates.

Harrell had called the meeting for one main reason and several smaller ones. He decided to get the main reason out of the way first.

"First item of business: the failure of Mutual and Athletic to complete their league schedule," he glared at Mutual owner Gordon Vandergrift, who looked smug.

Harrell took a deep breath. "I move for the expulsion of both clubs from the league," he said and watched seven mouths fall open in shock.

Vandergrift shot to his feet. "You can't do that! Do you really think your league can survive without clubs in the nation's two most populous cities!?!"

Harrell smirked. "Well, it won't be any easier, certainly. But yes, I do believe the league can survive without you."

Vandergrift spluttered and glared, but no words emerged from his mouth.

Harrell looked at Philadelphia's Dalton Smith, who sat in quiet amazement, then spoke to the other six men in the room. "Gents, shall we vote? Obviously Mr. Vandergrift and Mr. Smith will be excluded from the vote."

The result? Both Mutual and Athletic were expelled by unanimous vote.

"You'll regret this Harrell," Vandergrift snarled as he and Smith left the room.

Harrell sighed and continued. "We need a league president, gentlemen. I move we vote one of our number as such."

Another vote, another unsurprising result. Benjamin Harrell was named President of the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs.

Harrell, now cloaked in legitimacy, got down to brass tacks. "I'd like to see us liven up the ball a bit," he paused and scanned the faces in the room, "and make sure we all use the same balls."

Unsurprisingly, Harrell again got his wish. He had one item left on his personal agenda.

"As you all know, the Canadian and New York State Associations were both successful last season, and there are approximately ten to fifteen other professional clubs operating outside the aegis of our organization."

He paused and lit a cigar, then continued, "What I'd like to do is see if we can't bring some of these clubs into the family, so to speak."

He could see he had their interest. He plowed on, "My suggestion is the creation of an alliance of clubs, outside the League, but with a close relationship to the league. Clubs would pay a nominal fee of $10 to join the Alliance. We would guarantee not to raid their rosters and they would be eligible - contigent upon league rules - for future inclusion in the league itself."

Several heads were nodding. He knew he had them.

In the end, Harrell got everything he wanted. Mutual and Athletic were out, showing the clubs that the league was all-powerful and that failure to adheer to the rules would have consequences. He was president, he got an agreement on the new ball, and the League Alliance idea was approved. Harrell believed the Alliance would keep the professionals close tied to the National League, and would prevent - he hoped - the rise of a rival circuit to compete against the League itself.

Ben Harrell left left the hotel a very happy man.