The historic origins of Major League Baseball feature several foundational franchises that date back to the nineteenth century, establishing the bedrock of professional sports in America. Among the oldest continuously operating teams are the Atlanta Braves—originally founded as the Boston Red Stockings in 1871—alongside the Chicago Cubs, who began their professional existence in 1876 as part of the original National League framework. Other deeply historic organizations rounding out the oldest tier include the Cincinnati Reds, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the St. Louis Cardinals. These pioneering franchises have survived more than a century of industrial evolution, World Wars, and cultural shifts, maintaining a continuous lineage that defines the rich historical tapestry of baseball.