Major League Baseball
MLB Structure
Major Leagues
Major League Baseball is divided into two leagues:
- American League (AL)
- National League (NL)
Each league has 15 teams, making a total of 30 teams in MLB.
Divisions
Each league is divided into three divisions:
- East Division
- Central Division
- West Division
Each division usually has 5 teams.
Regular Season
Each team plays 162 games from late March or early April through late September.
Teams play most of their games against division rivals, but also play teams from other divisions and from the opposite league (this is called interleague play).
Postseason (Playoffs)
12 teams qualify for the playoffs:
- 3 division winners from each league
- 3 Wild Card teams (the best non-division winners) from each league
The playoff rounds are:
- Wild Card Series
- Division Series
- League Championship Series (ALCS and NLCS)
- World Series (between the AL champion and NL champion)
World Series
The World Series is the championship series of Major League Baseball, played each fall between the winners of the American League and the National League. It is a best-of-seven series, meaning the first team to win four games becomes the champion. The World Series began in 1903 and is one of the oldest and most famous sporting events in the United States. Winning the World Series is considered the highest achievement in professional baseball.
All Star Game
The MLB All-Star Game is an annual exhibition game that features the best players from the American League and the National League. It usually takes place in mid-July and marks the unofficial halfway point of the baseball season. Players are selected through a combination of fan votes, player votes, and manager selections.
The first All-Star Game was played in 1933. It quickly became a tradition, showcasing the top talent in baseball and offering fans a unique chance to see the biggest stars compete on one field. In addition to the game, All-Star Week includes events like the Home Run Derby and the Futures Game.
While the All-Star Game was once used to determine home-field advantage for the World Series, it is now played purely for entertainment and pride between the two leagues.
Most Important Yearly MLB Awards
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Awarded to the best overall player in the American League (AL) and National League (NL)
Rookie of the Year
Awarded to the best first-year player in each league
Gold / Platinum Glove Award
Golden: Awarded to the best defensive player at each position in each league
Platinum: Awarded to the best overall defensive player in each league (chosen from Gold Glove winners)
Hank Aaron Award
Awarded to the best hitter in each league
Nippon Professional Baseball
Nippon Professional Baseball, often called NPB, is the top professional baseball league in Japan. It is made up of two leagues, the Central League and the Pacific League, each with six teams. The season includes a regular schedule, playoffs, and ends with the Japan Series, where the two league champions face off. NPB is known for its high level of play, passionate fans, and strong baseball traditions.