Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball organization and the highest level of play in North American baseball. It consists of 30 teams, divided equally into the National League (NL) and the American League (AL). MLB is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada. MLB’s history dates back to 1869, with the formation of the Cincinnati Red Stockings, recognized as the first professional baseball team. Over the years, the league grew and evolved, going through various expansions and changes in structure. Notable milestones include the creation of the American League in 1901, the introduction of the designated hitter rule in the AL in 1973, and the implementation of interleague play in 1997.
The regular season in MLB typically runs from late March or early April to late September or early October, with each team playing 162 games. The teams compete for a chance to advance to the postseason, where they contend for the World Series championship. The postseason includes the Wild Card Game, Division Series, League Championship Series, and World Series. The World Series is a best-of-seven series that crowns the champion of MLB.
MLB has produced some of the most iconic players in baseball history, such as Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, and Derek Jeter, among many others. The league has a rich tradition and is known for its storied franchises, including the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals.
In recent years, MLB has also focused on promoting diversity and inclusivity within the sport. Efforts have been made to increase the representation of underrepresented groups, both on and off the field. MLB also celebrates special events like Jackie Robinson Day, honoring the player who broke the color barrier in the league.
MLB continues to captivate fans with its mix of tradition, athleticism, and excitement. The league has a dedicated fan base and enjoys widespread popularity in North America and around the world.