Quote:
Originally Posted by molenick
I love the cards and Ted's posts, and I don't want to make this into one of those argumentative threads, but wouldn't the Braves and Cubs be considered longer continuous franchises, having been charter NL teams in 1876? And if you count the NA, wouldn't the Braves (as the Red Stockings) be the longest running team?
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Michael,
Just a quick follow up, as I also do not want to hijack any threads. I believe you are correct - the Braves and Cubs go back to 1876 (1871 for the Braves if counting the NA). St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati were all established in 1882 (according to baseball-reference). Now, interestingly, Ted's point is valid that the Phillies are the oldest (tied with Cincinnati) if you consider the same city and team name (no changes) through their history:
Philadelphia Phillies - since 1890 (were previously called the Quakers)
Cincinnati Reds - since 1890 (were called the Red Stockings, Redlegs)
Pittsburgh Pirates - since 1891 (were called the Alleghenys)
St. Louis Cardinals - since 1900 (were called the Browns, Perfectos)
Chicago Cubs - since 1903 (were called the Orphans, Colts, White Stockings)
Atlanta Braves - since 1966 (moved from Milwaukee and Boston before that)