Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league that operates in North America. It is divided into two leagues, the National League (NL) and the American League (AL), each comprising of three divisions: East, Central, and West. These divisions are further subdivided into six teams each, with the exception of the West division in the NL, which has only five teams. In this guide, we will explore the structure of MLB, including the divisions and teams that make up the league. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to learn about baseball, this comprehensive guide will provide you with a deep understanding of the divisions and teams that make up MLB.
The Basics of Major League Baseball
Overview of MLB
- Founded in 1876, Major League Baseball (MLB) is the oldest professional sports league in the United States.
- MLB consists of 30 teams, divided equally between the National League (NL) and the American League (AL).
- The season runs from late March to late September or early October, with the playoffs and World Series following in October and November.
- The MLB regular season consists of 162 games per team, with each team playing 81 home and 81 away games.
- The structure of the MLB is a result of a merger between the National Association and the American Association in 1903.
- The MLB is governed by a commissioner, who has the authority to make decisions on all aspects of the game, including player conduct and disciplinary actions.
- The MLB is divided into two leagues, the National League and the American League, with each league consisting of 15 teams.
- The MLB has a complex system of divisions, with each division consisting of five teams.
- The MLB has a salary cap, which is designed to ensure competitive balance among teams.
- The MLB has a draft system, which allows teams to select amateur players from high schools and colleges.
- The MLB has a system of revenue sharing, which is designed to ensure that all teams have the resources to compete at a high level.
- The MLB has a set of rules and regulations, which govern the game and ensure fair play.
- The MLB has a set of umpires, who enforce the rules and regulations of the game.
- The MLB has a set of managers, who are responsible for leading their teams and making strategic decisions during games.
- The MLB has a set of players, who are responsible for executing the plays and scoring runs.
- The MLB has a set of fans, who support their favorite teams and players, and attend games to cheer them on.
Organization of Teams
Designation as American or National League Teams
Major League Baseball (MLB) is composed of two leagues: the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). Each league is further divided into three divisions: East, Central, and West. The AL has 15 teams, while the NL has 16 teams.
Teams in the AL are designated as either American League teams or National League teams, and they play against each other in interleague games during the regular season. The AL is considered to be more offensive-oriented, while the NL is generally more defensive-oriented.
American League teams include:
- East Division: Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays
- Central Division: Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox
- West Division: Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers
National League teams include:
- East Division: Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals
- Central Division: Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals
- West Division: Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants
The designation of American or National League teams affects the scheduling of games and the playoffs. For example, the American League and National League have separate championships, and the winner of each league’s championship game, known as the World Series, is crowned the overall MLB champion.
Divisions in Major League Baseball
American League East
The American League East division is one of the six divisions in Major League Baseball (MLB). It is comprised of five teams: the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays. The division was created in 1969, when the American League expanded from ten teams to twelve.
The American League East is known for its fierce competition and passionate fan bases. The division has produced some of the most successful and iconic teams in MLB history, including the New York Yankees, who have won 27 World Series championships, and the Boston Red Sox, who ended an 86-year championship drought with their 2004 World Series victory.
Each team in the American League East plays a 162-game schedule, with 76 home games and 86 away games. The team with the best record in the division at the end of the regular season wins the division title and advances to the American League Division Series (ALDS). The second and third-place teams in the division also advance to the ALDS, where they compete against the winners of the other two divisions in the American League.
The American League East is known for its high-powered offenses and strong pitching staffs. Many of the top players in the league call this division home, including Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, and Aaron Judge. The division is also home to some of the most iconic ballparks in the sport, including Fenway Park in Boston, Yankee Stadium in New York, and Rogers Centre in Toronto.
In recent years, the American League East has been dominated by the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, who have combined to win eight of the last ten division titles. However, the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays have also been competitive, and the Baltimore Orioles have made strides in recent seasons.
Overall, the American League East is one of the most exciting and competitive divisions in Major League Baseball, with a rich history of success and a bright future ahead.
American League Central
The American League Central division is one of six divisions in Major League Baseball (MLB). It is comprised of five teams: the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, and Minnesota Twins.
Each team in the American League Central division plays a 162-game schedule against the other four teams in the division, as well as against teams from the American League East and West divisions. The team with the best record in the division at the end of the regular season wins the division title and advances to the postseason.
The Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, and Detroit Tigers are among the oldest and most storied franchises in MLB, with a rich history of success and iconic players. The Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins have also had their share of success, with the Royals winning the World Series in 2015 and the Twins winning it in 1987 and 1991.
In recent years, the American League Central division has been one of the most competitive in baseball, with all five teams regularly contending for the division title and a spot in the postseason.
American League West
The American League West division is one of the six divisions in Major League Baseball (MLB). It is part of the American League (AL), which is one of two leagues that make up MLB. The division is composed of five teams: the Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers.
Each team in the American League West plays a 162-game schedule against the other teams in the division, as well as against teams from the other five divisions in the American League. The team with the best record in the division at the end of the regular season wins the American League West title and advances to the postseason.
The American League West has been one of the most competitive divisions in baseball in recent years, with several teams consistently contending for the division title and a spot in the postseason. The Houston Astros won the division in 2017 and went on to win the World Series, while the Oakland Athletics have also had success in recent years, making the playoffs in 2018 and 2019.
Overall, the American League West is a highly competitive and exciting division in Major League Baseball, with a rich history of talented players and successful teams.
National League East
Overview
The National League East division is one of the six divisions in Major League Baseball (MLB). It is comprised of five teams: the Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Washington Nationals. These teams compete against each other throughout the regular season, with the division winner earning a spot in the postseason.
Teams
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are based in Atlanta, Georgia, and have a rich history in MLB. They were founded in 1876 as the Boston Red Caps and have since won four World Series championships (1995, 2001, 2002, and 2021). The Braves have a strong fan base and have produced many notable players, including Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine.
Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins are based in Miami, Florida, and were founded in 1993 as the Florida Marlins. They have won two World Series championships (1997 and 2003) and have produced notable players such as Giancarlo Stanton and Miguel Cabrera. The Marlins have a smaller fan base compared to some of the other teams in the division, but they still have a dedicated following.
New York Mets
The New York Mets are based in Queens, New York, and were founded in 1962. They have won two World Series championships (1969 and 1986) and have produced many notable players, including Tom Seaver, David Wright, and Jacob deGrom. The Mets have a large fan base and are one of the most popular teams in MLB.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and were founded in 1883. They have won one World Series championship (2008) and have produced notable players such as Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, and Ryan Howard. The Phillies have a dedicated fan base and are one of the oldest teams in MLB.
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are based in Washington, D.C., and were founded in 1969 as the Montreal Expos. They have not won a World Series championship, but they did reach the championship series in 2019. The Nationals have produced notable players such as Bryce Harper and Max Scherzer. They have a smaller fan base compared to some of the other teams in the division, but they still have a dedicated following.
National League Central
The National League Central division is one of six divisions in Major League Baseball (MLB). It was formed in 1994, when the league realigned its divisions to include six divisions of eight teams each. The division consists of five teams: the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and St. Louis Cardinals.
The Chicago Cubs are one of the oldest and most storied franchises in MLB. They have won three World Series championships, the last of which came in 2016, ending a 108-year drought commonly known as the “Curse of the Billy Goat.” The Cubs have a passionate fan base and play their home games at Wrigley Field, which is one of the oldest and most iconic ballparks in the league.
The Cincinnati Reds are another historic franchise with a rich tradition of success. They have won five World Series championships, with their most recent title coming in 1990. The Reds have a strong fan base and play their home games at Great American Ball Park, which opened in 2003 and features a unique design with a river running through it.
The Milwaukee Brewers were founded in 1969 as the Seattle Pilots but relocated to Milwaukee after just one season. They have never won a World Series championship but have reached the playoffs several times in recent years. The Brewers play their home games at American Family Field, which was previously known as Miller Park.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of the oldest franchises in MLB, having been founded in 1882. They have won five World Series championships, with their most recent title coming in 1960. The Pirates have a dedicated fan base and play their home games at PNC Park, which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful ballparks in the league.
The St. Louis Cardinals are another storied franchise with a rich history of success. They have won 11 World Series championships, with their most recent title coming in 2011. The Cardinals have a passionate fan base and play their home games at Busch Stadium, which opened in 2006 and features a unique design with a towering arch in left field.
National League West
The National League West is one of the six divisions in Major League Baseball (MLB). It is comprised of five teams: the Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants. The division was formed in 1969 when the National League expanded from ten teams to twelve.
The National League West is known for its competitive nature, with all five teams having a strong fan base and a history of success. The division has produced some of the most iconic moments in MLB history, including memorable World Series matches and record-breaking performances by some of the game’s greatest players.
One of the most notable aspects of the National League West is the diverse range of stadiums that host its teams. From the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles to the picturesque surroundings of San Francisco’s Oracle Park, each stadium offers a unique experience for players and fans alike.
Another interesting aspect of the National League West is the fact that it is the only division in MLB that does not have a team based in the state of New York. Instead, the division is home to teams from four different states: Arizona, Colorado, California, and Utah. This makes the National League West one of the most geographically diverse divisions in all of professional sports.
Overall, the National League West is a competitive and exciting division that is known for its passionate fan bases, diverse stadiums, and record-breaking performances. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of one of the five teams or simply a lover of the game, the National League West is a must-watch division in Major League Baseball.
The Playoffs and World Series
Wild Card Round
The Wild Card Round is the first stage of the Major League Baseball playoffs, which is played after the end of the regular season. This round features the four teams that win their respective divisions and the two wild card teams from the American League (AL) and National League (NL). The format for the Wild Card Round is a best-of-one game, with the higher seed hosting the game.
In the Wild Card Round, the winner advances to the Division Series, while the loser is eliminated from the playoffs. The higher seed in each matchup has a significant advantage, as they get to host the game and have a better chance of winning. This makes the Wild Card Round an exciting and unpredictable stage of the playoffs, as any team has a chance to win with a strong performance.
Overall, the Wild Card Round is an important part of the Major League Baseball playoffs, as it sets the stage for the Division Series and determines which teams will move on to the next round. With intense competition and high stakes, this round is sure to be a thrilling part of the playoffs for fans and players alike.
Division Series
The Division Series is the first round of the Major League Baseball (MLB) playoffs. It is a best-of-five series, with two series being played in each league (American League (AL) and National League (NL)). The winners of each series move on to the Championship Series, while the losers are eliminated from the playoffs.
Each Division Series pits the winners of the three divisions within each league against each other. The three division winners with the best regular-season records are seeded first through third, with the highest seed receiving a bye to the Championship Series. The remaining two teams play each other in a best-of-five series, with the winner advancing to the Championship Series to face the top seed.
The Division Series is a high-stakes round, as it determines which teams will move on to the next round of the playoffs and have a chance to win the World Series. The intensity of the games is palpable, as teams fight to keep their season alive and advance to the next round.
The format of the Division Series is designed to ensure that the best teams in the league have a chance to compete for the championship. The top seeds receive a bye to the Championship Series, giving them an advantage over the lower-seeded teams. However, the lower-seeded teams have the opportunity to prove themselves by winning their series and advancing to the next round.
Overall, the Division Series is an exciting and critical round of the MLB playoffs, with every game mattering for the teams involved.
League Championship Series
The League Championship Series (LCS) is the second round of the MLB playoffs, following the Wild Card Round. It consists of two best-of-seven series, one for the American League (AL) and one for the National League (NL). The winners of the AL and NL Division Series advance to the LCS, where they compete against each other for a chance to reach the World Series.
In the AL LCS, the winner of the East Division faces the winner of the West Division, while the NL LCS features the winner of the East Division versus the winner of the Central Division. The LCS is a high-stakes series, as the winners move on to the World Series, while the losers end their season.
The LCS is played in a 2-2-1 format, meaning that the first two games are played at the stadium of the higher seeded team, followed by two games at the stadium of the lower seeded team, and then the final two games are played back at the stadium of the higher seeded team. This format provides an advantage to the higher seeded team, as they get to host more games and have a better chance of winning in front of their home crowd.
The LCS is a thrilling and intense series, with each game carrying a lot of pressure and importance. The series is highly competitive, and often comes down to a single game or a crucial moment that can determine the outcome. Fans and players alike are on the edge of their seats during the LCS, as the stakes are high and the drama unfolds on the field.
World Series
The World Series is the championship game of Major League Baseball (MLB) and is a best-of-seven series between the winners of the American League (AL) and the National League (NL).
- The World Series is played in October and November, after the conclusion of the regular season.
- The winning team of the World Series is crowned the champion of MLB for that year.
- The World Series is one of the most highly anticipated events in sports, attracting millions of viewers from around the world.
- The World Series is also known as the “Fall Classic” and is considered the culmination of the baseball season.
- The World Series is a showcase of the best talent in the MLB, with the two teams facing off in a highly competitive and intense series.
- The World Series is a symbol of excellence in baseball and is the ultimate goal for many players and teams.
- The World Series is a celebration of the sport and a testament to the skill and dedication of the players.
- The World Series is a tradition in baseball and is a source of pride for the winning team and its fans.
- The World Series is a highlight of the baseball season and is a momentous event for the players, the fans, and the sport as a whole.
World Series Champions
Major League Baseball (MLB) has a rich history of World Series champions that have left an indelible mark on the game. Since the inception of the World Series in 1903, 60 teams have been crowned champions. This section provides a comprehensive list of World Series champions, their years of victory, and their team records.
List of World Series Champions
- Boston Americans (1903)
- Pittsburgh Pirates (1909)
- Philadelphia Athletics (1910, 1913, 1929-1931)
- New York Giants (1905, 1921-1922, 1933)
- Chicago Cubs (1907-1908)
- Detroit Tigers (1909, 1911, 1915, 1935)
- New York Yankees (1921, 1922, 1927, 1928, 1931-1933, 1936-1939, 1941-1943, 1947-1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1961-1964, 1976-1978, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2017, 2019)
- St. Louis Cardinals (1926, 1931, 1934, 1942, 1944, 1946, 1964, 1967, 1982, 2006, 2011, 2013)
- Philadelphia Phillies (1980)
- Kansas City Royals (1985)
- Toronto Blue Jays (1992, 1993)
- Atlanta Braves (1995)
- New York Mets (1986)
- Florida Marlins (1997, 2003)
- Tampa Bay Rays (2008, 2009)
- San Francisco Giants (2010, 2012, 2014)
- Houston Astros (2017)
- Washington Nationals (2019)
Years of victory
- Boston Americans: 1903
- Pittsburgh Pirates: 1909
- Philadelphia Athletics: 1910, 1913, 1929-1931
- New York Giants: 1905, 1921-1922, 1933
- Chicago Cubs: 1907-1908
- Detroit Tigers: 1909, 1911, 1915, 1935
- New York Yankees: 1921, 1922, 1927, 1928, 1931-1933, 1936-1939, 1941-1943, 1947-1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1961-1964, 1976-1978, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2017, 2019
- St. Louis Cardinals: 1926, 1931, 1934, 1942, 1944, 1946, 1964, 1967, 1982, 2006, 2011, 2013
- Philadelphia Phillies: 1980
- Kansas City Royals: 1985
- Toronto Blue Jays: 1992, 1993
- Atlanta Braves: 1995
- New York Mets: 1986
- Florida Marlins: 1997, 2003
- Tampa Bay Rays: 2008, 2009
- San Francisco Giants: 2010, 2012, 2014
- Houston Astros: 2017
- Washington Nationals: 2019
Team records
The World Series is a best-of-seven series played between the champions of the American League and the National League. Over the years, several teams have dominated the series, with the New York Yankees having the most championships with 27 victories. The San Francisco Giants have the most wins among teams that have never played in the World Series, with a record of 133-106. The Houston Astros have the most consecutive World Series appearances, with three appearances from 2017 to 2019.
FAQs
1. How many divisions are there in MLB?
MLB currently has 6 divisions in each league: the East, Central, and West divisions. There are 15 teams in each league, and each division has 5 teams.
2. How are the divisions named?
The divisions in the American League are named after geographical locations: East, Central, and West. The divisions in the National League are named after the categories of teams: East, Central, and West.
3. How are the teams seeded in the playoffs?
The top 5 teams in each division, as well as the next 2 best teams in the league, qualify for the playoffs. The teams are seeded based on their regular season record, with the top seed receiving a bye to the division series.
4. How many teams from each division make the playoffs?
3 teams from each division make the playoffs: the division winner and the next 2 best teams in the division.
5. How is the schedule structured?
Each team plays 162 games in the regular season, with 81 home games and 81 away games. They play 6 games against each team in their own division, 6 games against each team in the same division in the other league, and 2 games against each team in the opposite league.
6. How is the MLB season structured?
The MLB season is structured into 2 halves, with the All-Star break in between. The regular season runs from April to September, and the playoffs begin in October.
7. How is the standings determined?
The standings are determined by a team’s win-loss record. In case of a tie, various tiebreakers are used to determine the standings.
8. How is the MVP award determined?
The MVP award is determined by a vote of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. The winner is the player who is considered the most valuable to his team during the regular season.
9. How is the Rookie of the Year award determined?
The Rookie of the Year award is determined by a vote of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. The winner is the best rookie in the league during the regular season.
10. How is the Cy Young award determined?
The Cy Young award is determined by a vote of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. The winner is the best pitcher in the league during the regular season.