• Card series: Pioneer Portraits I: 1850-1874
• City: Washington, D.C.
• Team: Nationals
• League: National Association (NAPBBP)

Nicholas Ephraim Young (1840-1916) shepherded the National League from its inception in 1876 until the strains of dealing with the upstart AL caused his departure in 1902. Young was president from 1885-1902. Led the “Senior Circuit” during tumultuous years of job actions (the Players’ League), merger with the American Association in 1892, and the arrival of the competing American League.

• A former cricket player & government official, Young played amateur ball in Washington D.C.
• Organized the meeting that established the first pro league (Nat’l Assoc of Pro BB Players)
• His struggle to survive as NL leader against Al Spalding’s bid led to a compromise choice: Harry Pulliam