1897 Expansion

12 teams from the Union League have split and created their own league called the Presidents League starting with the 1897 season.

As a result, the UL went and added two more teams for that season. The new schedule will include interleague play and for the first-time ever, an All-Star Game between the leagues.

The new playoff format is 3 division champions and 1 wild card from each league.

Union League
East
New York Gothams
Boston Yanks
Philadelphia Baseball Club
Wilmington Quicksteps (EXPANSION)

Central
Minneapolis Millers
Chicago Blue Collars
Pittsburgh Grays
St. Louis Perfectos
Eau Claire Paws

West
Fresno Haymakers (Expansion)
Santa Rosa Peauts
Victoria Cougars
Salt Lake City Elders
Los Angeles Seraphs

PRESIDENTS LEAGUE
East
Carolina Wrens
Buffalo Blue Wings
Bantam Originals
Cleveland Broncs (formerly Evansville Triplets)

Southern Division
St. Petersburg Pelicans
Memphis Elephants
Washington Maroons
Jacksonville Red Caps

Western Division
Santa Ana Oranges
Colorado City Gold Sox
Houston Buffalos
Shreveport Gassers