1901 New England League

The New England league returned from independent status in 1900 under the stewardship of Tim Murnane to struggle through a six team finish after an eight team start. It was the start of a glorious 16 year run as a significant minor league.

This resurrected league had a new look "Nyampshure" (NH) alignment and returned to it's traditional four Maine cities: Portland, Lewiston, Augusta, and Bangor. The last two Maine cities named, the northernmost two, moved to Lynn and Brockton, respectively, June 30, for a one-week homestand before going out of business.

The southern contingent was "all North" including: Lowell and Haverhill on the New Hampshire border and Nashua and Manchester over the border. The transfer of Augusta and Bangor to cities closer to Boston created a lopsided league schedule heavy in travel. It was, however, something Murnane got away with in 1898 when travel distances were much smaller.

This seems to be a trellice win for Portland, with Manchester driving 16-4 in August to cut the lead to 2.0 games with eighteen remaining.