[chucksabr]

Baseball League 1897
Second Division Final Table

Promotion and relegation between the two Divisions was again decided by a series of Test Matches, but there was a change of format from that used in the previous three seasons. The top two clubs in the Second Division and the bottom two in First Division met in an abbreviated “second season”. Each club played eight matches: two home and two away matches against each of the two sides from the other division. At the conclusion of the matches, the first and second sides in the second season league will play in the First Division, and the third and fourth sides in the Second Division.

Manchester City Citizens and Notts County Magpies are promoted to the First Division.

The three clubs facing re-election came up against four non-league sides in the vote for League membership. Voting (with number of votes):

21 	Lincoln City	   Re-elected to the League
18	Glossop	           Elected to the League
16	Derby County       Re-elected to the League
15	Darwen*	           Not re-elected to the League
13	Chesterfield Town  Not elected to the League
3	Middlesbrough      Not elected to the League
1	Bristol City	   Not elected to the League

Subsequent to the above vote four new places became available in the Second Division with the re-organisation of the League. No vote was taken but Darwen regained their League place along with newcomers Glossop North End, Chesterfield Town and Middlesbrough, along with the return of Burslem Port Vale.