 Gambling and alcohol were also seen as serious problems, with games too often being suspected of being "thrown".As a result, Hulbert spearheaded the formation of a new, stronger, more ethical organization.During the last years of the NA, Hulbert worked behind the scenes, to convince the owners of the St. Louis Browns, Hartford Dark Blues, Philadelphia Athletics, and a few others to join the White Stockings in his new league, which would be known as the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs.