The Philadelphia Athletics was a 19th century member of the National Association of Professional Baseball Players, baseball's first major league, from 1871 to 1875. Philadelphia was one of the most successful of the National Association teams, winning the pennant in 1871 and finishing 2nd another two times.

Their stars included Al Reach, Cap Anson and Dick McBride . Anson, who would become a Major League hall-of-famer, hit .415 in 1872 and .398 in 1873. Despite 53 wins, 20 losses and a .726 winning percentage, the team finished 15 games behind one of the great teams in baseball history. The Boston Red Stockings finished that year at 71 and 8 for a .899 winning percentage.

Home grounds for the Athletics was Jefferson Street Grounds.

External link

Philadelphia Athletics National Association team index at baseball-reference.com