Biography"The Durham Bulls began playing in the North Carolina State League in 1913, filling an eleven-year gap in professional baseball in the city created by the voluntary folding of the first Durham Bulls, also known as the Durham Tobacconists, after their first season in 1902. The Bulls continued to play in the North Carolina State League until May 30, 1917, when the league folded due to the United States' entry into World War I. The Bulls returned to Durham, NC in 1920 upon the formation of the Piedmont League and contuined to play through the 1943 season. The Durham Bulls returned to Durham in 1945 as members of the newly formed Carolina League. The Bulls continued to play in the Carolina League until 1968, when the team merged with the Raleigh Capitals to become the Raleigh-Durham Mets. The Mets would later fold following the 1971 season. The Bulls returned to Durham Athletic Park on April 15, 1980. This was the first time Minor League Baseball was played in Durham since 1971. On April 9, 1998, the Durham Bulls began their first season as the AAA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays." -- Baseball Reference BR Bullpen page
