Free extension for sports fans
Advertisement
Advertisement

On this date, 144 years ago, the Phillies were founded as members of the National League

History has flown by in the nearly a century and a half that the Philadelphia Phillies have existed. Baseball was a much different game in 1882.

Published: Sunday, 1 November 2026 at 11:00 PM
On this date, 144 years ago, the Phillies were founded as members of the National League
Key Things to Know
  • The Philadelphia Phillies franchise was founded in the National League 144 years ago on November 1, 1882.
  • The Phillies are the oldest one-name, one-city team in American professional sports history.
  • The franchise officially became known as the Phillies in 1886 after initially being called the Philadelphias or Quakers.
The Story in 60 Seconds

On November 1, 1882, the Philadelphia Phillies were founded as the Philadelphia Ball Club Limited in the National League. Replacing the Worcester Ruby Legs, the franchise officially adopted the Phillies name in 1886. The team remains the oldest continuous one-name, one-city franchise in American professional sports, accumulating over 10,000 wins, eight pennants, and two World Series titles throughout its long history.

After a dismal 17-81-1 inaugural season in 1883, the early Phillies featured prominent stars such as Sam Thompson, Ed Delahanty, and Billy Hamilton. In 1894, the trio formed the only outfield in Major League history where all three starters batted over .400.

Advertisement

Never Miss a Sports Update

Get the latest sports news and top stories from MySportsTab delivered straight to your inbox.

No spam. Just the latest sports news and updates.