What is MLB?
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the professional sport organization for baseball in North America. It is composed of 30 teams, 29 of which are based in the United States and one in Canada. MLB is divided into two leagues: the American League (AL) and the National League (NL).
History of MLB
MLB was founded in 1869 as the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players (NA). The NA was the first professional baseball organization, but it disbanded in 1875 due to financial problems. In 1876, the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs (NL) was formed as a successor to the NA. The first game of the NL was played between the Boston Red Stockings and the Philadelphia Athletics.
At the start of the 20th century, the American League (AL) was formed as a competing league to the NL. The AL was established in 1901, and the first game was played between the Chicago White Stockings and the Cleveland Blues.
Differences between the AL and NL
The AL and NL are two distinct leagues that operate under the umbrella of Major League Baseball. While both leagues are governed by MLB rules and regulations, there are some minor differences between the two.
Designated Hitter
The most significant difference between the AL and NL is the use of a designated hitter (DH). In the AL, each team is allowed to have one player designated as the DH, who bats in place of the pitcher. The DH is not used in the NL, and pitchers are expected to bat for themselves.
Interleague Play
Another difference between the AL and NL is the use of interleague play. Interleague play is when teams from one league play teams from the other league. Interleague play is only used in the AL and NL, and it is not used in any other professional baseball leagues.
Umpires
The AL and NL also have different umpiring crews. In the AL, each game has four umpires: one at home plate and three roaming the infield and outfield. In the NL, there are only three umpires: one at home plate and two roaming the infield and outfield.
Scheduling
The AL and NL also have different schedules. The AL plays a 162-game schedule, with 81 games at home and 81 on the road. The NL, however, plays a 154-game schedule, with 77 games at home and 77 on the road.
Regular Season Standings
The AL and NL also have different regular season standings. The AL is divided into three divisions: East, Central, and West. The NL is divided into four divisions: East, Central, West, and Wild Card.
Postseason Format
The AL and NL also have different postseason formats. In the AL, the division winners and two wild card teams qualify for the playoffs. The playoffs are a single-elimination tournament, with the winner of the tournament advancing to the World Series.
In the NL, the division winners and one wild card team qualify for the playoffs. The playoffs are a best-of-five series, with the winner of the series advancing to the World Series.
World Series
The AL and NL also have different rules for the World Series. In the AL, the World Series is a best-of-seven series between the winners of the AL and NL. In the NL, the World Series is a best-of-nine series between the winners of the AL and NL.
Conclusion
The American League and the National League are two distinct entities within Major League Baseball. While both leagues operate under the same rules and regulations, there are some minor differences between the two. These differences include the use of a designated hitter, interleague play, umpires, scheduling, regular season standings, postseason format, and World Series.
FAQs
- What is the difference between the AL and NL? The AL and NL have some minor differences, such as the use of a designated hitter, interleague play, umpires, scheduling, regular season standings, postseason format, and World Series.
- What is the postseason format for the AL? The AL playoffs are a single-elimination tournament, with the winner of the tournament advancing to the World Series.
- What is the postseason format for the NL? The NL playoffs are a best-of-five series, with the winner of the series advancing to the World Series.