About:
Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball organization which is popular in North America, established in 1903 through the fusion of two American professional baseball leagues: the National League (NL) and the American League (AL).
History:
In 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first professional baseball team. The National League was founded in 1876, with eight professional teams. The American League was established in 1901, following the formation of the National League. The first American League included eight teams as well.
Beginning in 1903, the American League and the National League agreed to have their respective champions compete in the World Series. They’ve been playing this game ever since, and it’s one of the most watched sporting events.
There have been numerous major events in baseball history. One took place during WWII, when President Roosevelt agreed to allow baseball to continue since it was crucial to the country. In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in the Major Leagues. Baseball and the MLB have become a part of American history throughout the years, as have many of its famous players such as Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Cal Ripken Jr.
MLB Teams:
Each Major League Baseball team has two rosters: a 25-man and a 40-man. The players on the 25-man roster are those who can play in games and travel with the squad. The 40-man roster includes all of the players from the 25-man roster as well as 15 players on major league contracts who might be called up to play with the team at any time. The 40-man roster becomes the main roster after September 1st, and any of the 40 players can play.
MLB consists of 30 teams. They are split evenly between the American and National Leagues. The American League has 15 teams, while the National League has 15. Each league is divided into three sections: East, Central, and West.
National League:
East
- Atlanta Braves
- Miami Marlins
- New York Mets
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Washington Nationals
Central
- Chicago Cubs
- Cincinnati Reds
- Milwaukee Brewers
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- St. Louis Cardinals
West
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- Colorado Rockies
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- San Diego Padres
- San Francisco Giants
American League
East
- Baltimore Orioles
- Boston Red Sox
- New York Yankees
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Toronto Blue Jays
Central
- Chicago White Sox
- Cleveland Guardians
- Detroit Tigers
- Kansas City Royals
- Minnesota Twins
West
- Houston Astros
- Los Angeles Angels
- Oakland Athletics
- Seattle Mariners
- Texas Rangers
MLB Season and Playoffs:
The Major League baseball season is the longest among the major American sports, with 162 games. It begins in April and concludes in early October. Eight teams, four from each league, make it to the playoffs.
In the initial round, teams play a best-of-five games series, and the first team to win three games advances. The following rounds, including the final championship called the World Series, are best-of-seven games between the winners of both leagues.
Fun Facts About Major League Baseball (MLB):
- In the first World Series, the Boston Americans defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-3.
- With 27 World Series victories, the New York Yankees hold the record. This is more than double the number of the next closest team.
- The first All-Star game including players from both leagues took place in 1933.
- Balls that went through the outfield barrier or bounced over it were once referred to as home runs. A ball that bounces over is now referred to as a ground rule double or two bases.
- Nolan Ryan has the most strikeouts in baseball history.
- Cal Ripken Jr. is known as the Iron Man because he played 2,632 straight games.
- Each official MLB baseball has 108 stitches. They are hand stitched.
- Baseball’s longest game ever lasted 8 hours and 6 minutes. It went on for 25 innings!
- In an MLB game, the average baseball gets used on 6 pitches.