The “What Is a Phillie?” Answer
By Tal Venada
For the first National League season in 1876, wealthy men invested heavily, formed eight organizations, and charged admission like others since 1862. These owners hired players, purchased equipment and uniforms, and secured ballparks. Locally, the Philadelphia franchise was the Athletics – not Connie Mack‘s squad – but they folded after only one summer.
Therefore, when it comes to club monikers, the ones listed in franchise history were the most popular of many unofficial names. Additionally, the National League in 1882 issued a decree for every organization to have a team color because the stocking nicknames were crowd-pleasers.
"FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “The longer I live, the longer I realize that batting is more a mental matter than it is physical. The ability to grasp the bat, swing at the proper time, take a proper stance; all these are elemental. Batting is rather a study in psychology, a sizing up of a pitcher and catcher and observing little details that are of immense importance. It’s like the study of crime, the work of a detective as he picks up clues.” – Ty Cobb"
In 1883, the Worcester Ruby Legs ended their three-year stint, and an eighth franchise was available. The Philadelphia National League Base Ball Club was their official name, but remember writers were using monikers long before the forming of the Senior Circuit.
In fact, other leagues like the Players League (1890) and the Union Association (1884 only) were additional competitors, but the deep-pocketed NL eventually outlasted them all. And the 1880s also saw host city nicknames come into vogue.