Gone But Not Forgotten (MLB Edition) Quiz

Philadelphia Athletics (1901-1954, American League)

The Philadelphia Athletics were one of the founding teams of the American League, established in 1901. Under the long-term leadership of Connie Mack, they became a dominant force in early baseball, winning multiple championships. However, by the 1950s, the team faced declining attendance, financial instability, and competition from the Phillies. These challenges led to the sale and relocation of the franchise to Kansas City in 1955. The team later moved again, settling in Oakland in 1968, before relocating once again in 2025 to Sacramento in preparation for a move to Las Vegas.

Highlights:

World Series wins - 5: 1910, 1911, 1913, 1929, 1930
American League pennants - 9: 1902, 1905, 1910, 1911, 1913, 1914, 1929-31

Boston Braves (1876-1952, National League)

Originally formed as part of the National League's inaugural season in 1876, the Boston Braves had a long and varied history, which included a long and varied list of team names. They achieved notable success in the early 20th century, including a World Series win in 1914. Despite their legacy, the team struggled to maintain fan interest, especially with the Red Sox dominating the local market. In search of better opportunities, the Braves moved to Milwaukee in 1953, where they experienced a resurgence. Eventually, they relocated once more to Atlanta, where they continue to play today.

Name changes over the years:

Pre-National League
- Boston Red Stockings (1871-75)
National League
- Boston Red Caps (1876-82)
- Boston Beaneaters (1883-1906)
- Boston Doves (1907-10)
- Boston Rustlers (1911)
- Boston Braves (1912-35)
- Boston Bees (1936-40)
- Boston Braves (1941-52)

Highlights:

Pre-modern World Series wins - 1: 1892
World Series wins - 1: 1914
National League pennants - 10: 1877, 1878, 1883, 1891-93, 1897, 1898, 1914, 1948

St. Louis Browns (1902-1953, American League)

The Browns joined the American League in 1901 as the Milwaukee Brewers, relocating to St. Louis just one year later where they spent over 50 years as the Browns (a reference to the original pre-St. Louis Cardinals minor league team, the Brown Stockings). Often overshadowed by the more successful Cardinals, the Browns had limited achievements, with only one league pennant to their name. Persistent financial issues and poor attendance made it difficult for the team to thrive. In 1954, the franchise was moved to Baltimore and rebranded as the Orioles, where it found greater stability and success.

Highlights:

American League pennants - 1: 1944

Louisville Colonels (1892-1899, National League)

The Louisville Colonels were part of the National League during the 1890s. Although they had a few competitive seasons, they were never a dominant team. In 1899, the league reduced its number of franchises, and the Colonels were among those eliminated. Many of their players were absorbed into other teams, most notably the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking the end of professional baseball in Louisville at the major league level.

Brooklyn Dodgers (1890-1957, National League)

The Dodgers began their journey in Brooklyn in the late 19th century and became one of baseball's most beloved teams. They were known for their passionate fan base and historic moments, including breaking the color barrier with Jackie Robinson. The team wasn't always called the Dodgers, however, and underwent many name changes over the years. Despite their popularity, the team's aging stadium and lack of support for a new facility prompted a move to Los Angeles in 1958. This relocation marked a major shift in baseball's geography, bringing the sport to the West Coast.

Name changes over the years:

Pre-National League
- Brooklyn Grays (1883)
- Brooklyn Atlantics (1884)
- Brooklyn Grays (1885-87)
- Brooklyn Bridegrooms (1888-89)
National League
- Brooklyn Bridegrooms (1890)
- Brooklyn Grooms (1891-1895)
- Brooklyn Bridegrooms (1896-98)
- Brooklyn Superbas (1899-1910)
- Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers (1911-12)
- Brooklyn Dodgers (1913)
- Brooklyn Robins (1914-31)
- Brooklyn Dodgers (1932-57)

Highlights:

World Series wins - 1: 1955
National League pennants - 12: 1890, 1899, 1900, 1916, 1920, 1941, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956

Montreal Expos (1969-2004, National League)

As the first Major League Baseball team based in Canada, the Expos began play in 1969. They developed a loyal fan base and produced several talented players over the years. However, a combination of financial difficulties, stadium problems, and a lack of consistent success led to declining support. In 2005, the team was relocated to Washington, D.C., where it became the Nationals, ending Montreal's run as a major league city.

New York Giants (1883-1957, National League)

The Giants were a cornerstone of the National League for over seven decades, with a rich history that included multiple championships. Playing in Manhattan, they built a strong rivalry with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Like their cross-town counterparts, the Giants faced challenges with their stadium and market saturation. In 1958, they moved to San Francisco, helping to expand Major League Baseball's reach to the western United States.

Highlights:

Pre-modern World Series wins - 2: 1888, 1889
World Series wins - 5: 1905, 1921, 1922, 1933, 1954
National League pennants - 17: 1888, 1889, 1904, 1905, 1911-13, 1917, 1921-24, 1933, 1936, 1937, 1951, 1954

Seattle Pilots (1969, American League)

The Seattle Pilots were a short-lived expansion team that played only one season in 1969. Despite initial enthusiasm, the team struggled with financial issues and inadequate facilities. Unable to secure a viable stadium deal, the franchise was sold and moved to Milwaukee in 1970, where it was renamed the Brewers. The Pilots' brief existence remains a unique footnote in baseball history.

Washington Senators (1901-1960, American League)

The original Washington Senators were part of the American League's founding lineup in 1901. The team name was changed to the Washington Nationals in 1905, but was eventually changed back to the Senators in 1956. Although they had a long tenure in the nation's capital, their on-field success was limited, with only one championship in 1924. In 1961, the team relocated to Minnesota and became the Twins. A second Senators team was created to replace them but also moved in 1972, becoming the Texas Rangers.

Highlights:

World Series wins - 1: 1924
American League pennants - 3: 1924, 1925, 1933

Cleveland Spiders (1889-1899, National League)

The Cleveland Spiders played in the National League during the 1890s and are best remembered for their disastrous final season in 1899, which saw them post one of the worst records in baseball history. The team's decline was hastened by ownership decisions that transferred top players to another club. Following that season, the Spiders were disbanded as part of a league-wide contraction, ending their brief and troubled existence.