With roots going back to 1877 as an independent team, the Buffalo Bisons joined the National League in 1879. The Bisons started the season with a 5-0 loss to the Boston Red Stockings who were one of the premier teams in the National League at Riverside Park.

They would earn their first win two days later, beating Boston 6-4. While the Bisons managed by John Clapp struggled against Boston they had a good showing in their first National League season, finishing third with a record of 46-32.

Pud Galvin a future Hall of Famer was Buffalo's best pitcher winning 37 games.