 To hide his playing career, he assumed several various last names, such as Josephs and Nedrob, which is Borden spelled backwards.The Philadelphia White Stockings, of the NA, had recently dismissed pitcher Cherokee Fisher in July 1875 due to his clashing with team captain, Mike McGeary, and were in need of a replacement.The White Stockings signed George Zettlein, but there was a delay in his arrival.