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1873-1874 Offseason
As expected, the Baltimore Marylands, who played only 6 games last season and went 3-3, did not rejoin the National Association for 1874. In addition, the Elizabeth Resolutes will not be back. The Resolutes quietly ended their season in mid-August without making any announcements regarding the fact that they were done. Finally, the Washington Blue Legs are the most successful 1873 team not to return for 1874. The team finished in 4th place but like the Olympics and Nationals before them, were not able to manage their finances in such a way as to make continued participation in the NA profitable.
That leaves 6 of 9 teams from last season returning for 1874. Chicago had already announced that they would once again field a team, and the new Chicago team will once again dub themselves the White Stockings. They'll play their home games at newly built 23rd Street Grounds, which replaces the burned down Union Base-Ball Grounds of their previous incarnation. Additionally, Hartford, Connecticut will represent the Nutmeg State with the Dark Blues joining the league. That brings the total number of teams up to 8 again. It's the first time the league will have fewer than 9 teams, and also the first time the league has an even number of teams.
In Other News
December 16 - Heineken brewery is founded in the Netherlands.
January 1 - New York City annexes The Bronx.
January 29 - The National Assocation's two championship teams travel to England for a brief tour that pits the Red Stockings against the Athletics at various locations around the country.
March 18 - Hawaii signs an exclusive trading rights agreement with the United States.
March - Aston Villa Football Club founded.
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