Introduction to MLB Teams
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the oldest professional sports league in the United States and the highest level of baseball in the world. It is composed of 30 teams divided into two leagues, the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The teams compete over a 162-game regular season and five-game post-season series. Since its inception in 1903, MLB has grown to become one of the most popular sports leagues in the world.
History of MLB Teams
The history of MLB teams dates back to the 19th century when the first professional baseball teams were established. The first professional baseball league, the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, was formed in 1876. This league consisted of eight teams and was the predecessor to the modern-day MLB. The National League still exists today, but the American League was created in 1901.
First MLB Teams
The first MLB teams were the eight founding members of the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs. These original eight teams were the Boston Red Stockings, Chicago White Stockings, Cincinnati Red Stockings, Hartford Dark Blues, Louisville Grays, Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Brown Stockings, and Washington Nationals.
Boston Red Stockings
The Boston Red Stockings were the first professional team in baseball history, established in 1871 by businessman Ivers Adams. The team was originally based in Boston, Massachusetts, and was part of the National Association of Professional Baseball Players, the first professional baseball league. The Red Stockings won four consecutive championships from 1872 to 1875 and were one of the eight teams that formed the National League in 1876.
Chicago White Stockings
The Chicago White Stockings were founded in 1870 and were one of the eight founding members of the National League. The team was based in Chicago, Illinois, and was originally known as the Chicago White Stockings before changing its name to the Chicago Cubs in 1903. The White Stockings won the National League championship three times and were one of the most successful teams in the league during its early years.
Cincinnati Red Stockings
The Cincinnati Red Stockings were established in 1867 and were the first professional baseball team in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team was a charter member of the National League in 1876 and won the National League Championship in 1882. The Red Stockings went on to win five more National League Championships before disbanding in 1889.
Hartford Dark Blues
The Hartford Dark Blues were a professional baseball team based in Hartford, Connecticut. The team was founded in 1876 and was one of the eight founding members of the National League. The Dark Blues won the National League Championship in 1877 and were one of the most successful teams in the league during its early years. The team disbanded in 1879 after failing to make a profit.
Louisville Grays
The Louisville Grays were established in 1876 and were one of the eight founding members of the National League. The team was based in Louisville, Kentucky, and won the National League Championship in 1876 and 1877. The Grays disbanded in 1877 due to financial difficulties.
Philadelphia Athletics
The Philadelphia Athletics were founded in 1871 and were one of the eight original teams of the National League. The team was based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and won the National League Championship twice, in 1876 and 1883. The Athletics disbanded in 1891 due to financial difficulties.
St. Louis Brown Stockings
The St. Louis Brown Stockings were established in 1875 and were one of the eight founding members of the National League. The team was based in St. Louis, Missouri, and won the National League Championship in 1885. The Brown Stockings disbanded in 1886 due to financial difficulties.
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals were established in 1872 and were one of the eight founding members of the National League. The team was based in Washington, D.C. and won the National League Championship in 1876. The Nationals disbanded in 1877 due to financial difficulties.
MLB Expansion
Since its inception, the MLB has undergone numerous expansions and changes. The National League was initially composed of eight teams, but it has since expanded to 30 teams through expansion and relocation. The American League was created in 1901 as a rival to the National League and currently consists of 15 teams.
MLB Teams Today
The 30 MLB teams today are divided into two leagues, the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The NL consists of 15 teams and the AL consists of 15 teams. The teams are split into three divisions: the East, the Central, and the West.
MLB Teams by Division
American League East
- Baltimore Orioles
- Boston Red Sox
- New York Yankees
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Toronto Blue Jays
American League Central
- Chicago White Sox
- Cleveland Indians
- Detroit Tigers
- Kansas City Royals
- Minnesota Twins
American League West
- Houston Astros
- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
- Oakland Athletics
- Seattle Mariners
- Texas Rangers
National League East
- Atlanta Braves
- Miami Marlins
- New York Mets
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Washington Nationals
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
Conclusion
The first MLB teams were the eight founding members of the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs. These original eight teams were the Boston Red Stockings, Chicago White Stockings, Cincinnati Red Stockings, Hartford Dark Blues, Louisville Grays, Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Brown Stockings, and Washington Nationals. Since then, the MLB has undergone numerous expansions and changes, and today consists of 30 teams divided into two leagues, the American League and the National League.