Notes for: Alfred James REACH

Major League Baseball Player, Team Owner. A 19th Century Baseball player, team owner and founder, he was paid a salary in 1865 to play baseball, thus becoming the first professional player in Philadelphia. Founding member of the 1876 National Association, which was the first organized baseball league. Player for the Philadelphia Athletics of the NA for 5 years. In 1883, along with John Rogers, financially backed a new baseball team in Philadelphia - The Phillies. He hired Harry Wright to manage the team. Ran a sporting goods store in Philadelphia, and was responsible for the invention of the cork-center baseball.

National Association of Base Ball Players
Brooklyn Eckfords (1861-1864)
Philadelphia Athletics (1865-1870)
League player
Philadelphia Athletics (1871-1875)
League manager
Philadelphia Phillies (1890)