The Metropolitan Club of New York, began as an independent team in 1880. The team was founded by entrepreneur John B.

Day and baseball manager Jim Mutrie. After the initially playing games in Brooklyn and Hoboken, New Jersey the Metropolitans were given permission to use a polo field north of Central Park.

The National League was looking for a replacement for the New York Mutals who were expelled in 1876. The Metropolitans chose to remain independent due to being able to make more money of exhibition games.