How many National League baseball teams are there?

Baseball is America’s pastime and has been enjoyed by generations of families and friends. The National League (NL) of Professional Baseball Clubs is one of the two major leagues in the sport of baseball in the United States and Canada. It was founded in 1876 and is the same organization that governs Major League Baseball (MLB). The National League consists of 30 teams split into three divisions: the National League East, National League Central, and National League West. The NL is a member of the Major League Baseball organization and it is the oldest of the two major leagues.

How Many National League Baseball Teams Are There?

The National League currently consists of 30 teams, 15 in the National League East division, 7 in the National League Central division, and 8 in the National League West division. This makes the National League the largest of the two major leagues.

National League East

Atlanta Braves
Miami Marlins
New York Mets
Philadelphia Phillies
Washington Nationals
Chicago Cubs
Cincinnati Reds
Milwaukee Brewers
Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals
Arizona Diamondbacks
Colorado Rockies
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants

National League Central

Chicago Cubs
Cincinnati Reds
Milwaukee Brewers
Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals

National League West

Arizona Diamondbacks
Colorado Rockies
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants

History of the National League

The National League was founded on February 2, 1876, when eight professional baseball teams from the National Association of Professional Baseball Players (NAPBBP) joined together to form the league. The NAPBBP, which was founded in 1871, was the first organized and professional baseball league in the United States. The teams that joined the National League were the Boston Red Stockings, Philadelphia Athletics, Chicago White Stockings, Cincinnati Red Stockings, St. Louis Brown Stockings, Mutual of New York, Louisville Grays, and Hartford Dark Blues.

Since then, the National League has experienced many changes. In 1892, the National League and the American Association merged, creating the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs (NLPC). In 1900, the NLPC changed its name to the National League, and in 1903, the American League (AL) was created, making the NL and AL the two major leagues.

Differences Between the National League and the American League

The National League and the American League are the two major leagues in Major League Baseball. Although they are both professional baseball leagues, there are some key differences between the two.

Designated Hitter

One of the main differences between the two leagues is the use of the designated hitter (DH). In the American League, the DH is used and is allowed to bat instead of the pitcher. In the National League, the DH is not used and the pitcher is required to bat.

Playoff Format

The playoff format is another key difference between the two leagues. In the American League, the top three teams in each division qualify for the playoffs, while in the National League, only the top two teams in each division qualify.

Umpires

The two leagues also use different umpires. In the American League, the umpires are divided into two groups—the American League umpires and the National League umpires. The National League umpires usually work in both leagues.

Notable National League Teams

Throughout its history, the National League has been home to some of the most famous and successful teams in baseball. Here are some of the most notable teams in the National League:

New York Mets

The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in New York City. The Mets were founded in 1962 and joined the National League in 1962. The Mets are one of the most successful teams in baseball, having won the World Series twice, in 1969 and 1986.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers were founded in 1883 and joined the National League in 1890. The Dodgers have won the World Series six times, most recently in 2020.

St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cardinals were founded in 1882 and joined the National League in 1892. The Cardinals are one of the most successful teams in baseball, having won the World Series eleven times, most recently in 2011.

Notable National League Players

Throughout its history, the National League has been home to some of the greatest players in baseball. Here are some of the most notable players in the National League:

Hank Aaron

Hank Aaron is a Hall of Fame outfielder who played for the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves from 1954-1976. Aaron won two National League MVP awards and was a 21-time All-Star. He is best known for breaking Babe Ruth’s record for most career home runs.

Derek Jeter

Derek Jeter is a Hall of Fame shortstop who played for the New York Yankees from 1995-2014. Jeter won four World Series titles and was a 14-time All-Star. He is widely considered to be one of the best players of his generation.

Stan Musial

Stan Musial is a Hall of Fame outfielder who played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1941-1963. Musial was a 24-time All-Star and won three National League MVP awards. He is considered to be one of the greatest hitters of all time.

Conclusion

The National League is one of the two major leagues in the sport of baseball in the United States and Canada. It consists of 30 teams split into three divisions: the National League East, National League Central, and National League West. Throughout its history, the National League has been home to some of the most famous and successful teams and players in baseball.