On October 2, 1973 Gary L. Davidson announced the formation of a new football league. The World Football League was in operation, and would begin play in July of 1974.

January 14, 1974 the WFL held it's first league meeting in Los Angeles. Representing the Boston franchise was Howard Baldwin,. Baldwin was also president of the WHA's New England Whalers.

Howald Baldwin named his new team the Boston Bulldogs, and named Vito "Babe" Parilli as the team's first head coach. Babe Parilli had been a AFL All-Star with the Boston Patriots, and was a popular choice. Baldwin also hired Dusty Rhodes as assistant to the president. Rhodes was one of the first women executives in pro sports.

January 22, 1974 Howard Baldwin, Babe Parilli, and Dusty Rhodes went to New York City. The WFL was holding it's first collegiate draft at the Essex House. The day before Baldwin had changed the team's nickname to the Bulls. The now Boston Bulls with their first pick selected Boston College quarterback Gary Marangi.

The Bulls braintrust, Dusty Rhodes, Coach Parilli, and Howard Baldwin at the WFL draft.

Boston Bulls Team Logo

On February 5, 1974, the Boston Bulls announced the signing of former New York Jet wide receiver George Sauer. Sauer had been a teammate of Bulls head coach Babe Parilli, when both played on the Jets Super Bowl III team.

The Boston Herald Advertiser ran a story in their February 16 edition, that the Bulls entire operation was moving to New York. Bulls team president Howard Baldwin, and New York owner Bob Schmertz agreed to merge their franchises.

On February 19, in a Manhattan hotel the official announcement was made. Howard Baldwin, Bob Schmertz, Babe Parilli, and commissioner Gary L. Davidson took turns explaining the transfer. Baldwin was left with no choice after millionaire Henry Vickers withdrew his financial backing. The Boston Bulls were officially dead.

New York announced on March 4 the teams new nickname, team colors, and a vice president. Stars was chosen as the team's name, with black and gold as the team colors. The New York Stars also announced that Bob Keating would serve as the teams vice president - general manager. Keating had previously served as general manager of the ACFL's New York Colonials.

New York Stars Team Logo

The WFL held it's first professional player draft on March 18. The draft was held at the Marriott Essex House in New York City. Prior to the draft the Stars signed New York Jet defensive tackle John Elliott. Stars owner Bob Schmertz signed Elliott to a $51,000 per-year contract. The New York Stars first selection in the pro player draft was New York Jets QB Joe Namath. Namath was still under contract with the Jets, and never negotiated with the Stars.

Bob Schmertz proudly displays WFL contract of former NY Jet defensive tackle John Elliott.

Towards the end of March the Stars negotiated a lease with LA Salle Military Academy on Long Island. It would serve as the teams training camp for 1974. In mid-April the Stars announced they would play their home games at Downing Stadium on Randall's Island.

June 3, 1974 coach Babe Parilli, and his staff welcomed 107 players to the New York Stars first training camp. Some of the notable players in camp were Gerry Philbin, John Elliott, George Sauer, Tom Sherman, Bob Gladieux, Greg Lens, and Al Young. The Stars would have to be down to 37 players by the opening game on July 11.

Coach Parilli opens camp.

Coach Conners, and coach Boutselis work with the defense.

The Stars faced the Philadelphia Bell in a scrimmage game on June 22 before one thousand fans. The game was played at Central Islip High School. The Stars won the scrimmage, and would face the Bell a week later in another scrimmage. The Stars traveled to Glassboro State College, for a rematch they lost, 24-22.

Stars vs. Bell scrimmage.