1892 Founding as the St. Louis Browns

The club that became the Cardinals began as the St. Louis Browns, a charter member of the American Association. In that league the Browns won four championships, twice meeting the Chicago White Stockings (today's Cubs) in a forerunner of the World Series and starting the Cardinals-Cubs rivalry. In 1892 the Browns, also called the Perfectos, joined the National League. Their 84-67 finish as the Perfectos in 1899 was the team's best between the American Association years and Sam Breadon's purchase of the club.