-
National League Created
The National League of Professional Baseball was created, which is more commonly known now as the National League (NL). Chicago businessman William Hulbert, creator of the National League of Professional Baseball , decided to replace the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players, which he believed was mismanaged and corrupt. -
Creation of the American League
In 1901, the Western League, a minor league based around the Great Lakes, aspired to have major league status. The Western League became known as the American League and joined the National League in the major league. There were orignially eight teams in the American league, all of which are still in the American league today. -
First ever World Series
Baseball decided on hosting a championship series known as the World Series of Baseball. This consisted of the two teams who showed that they deserved and battled their way to the championship game. The first World Series consisted of the Boston Americans and the Pittsburgh Pirates. -
First All-Star Game
In July of the 1933 season, the first All-star game was played between the National League all-stars and the American league all-stars as part of the World's Fair in Chicago. It was the idea of Arch Ward, sports editior for the Chicago Tribune. -
Baseball Moves West
SourceThe Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants received permission from the National League to move west to California due to the Yankees dominating the New York market. The Dodgers moved to Los Angeles and the Giants moved to San Francisco. -
Set of Divisions and Expansion
The first divisions were created due to Major League Baseball's expansion. -
1977 American League Expansion
The American league added two more franchises in 1977. They added a team in Seattle to the west division and a team in Toronto in the east division. This expansion helped major league baseball spread to the western parts of the United States. The Toronto Blue Jays were the second franchise to be placed in Canada and have created a fan base in Canada that has made baseball more popular there. -
Modern Divisions and Wild Card Format
SourceIn 1995 Major League Baseball had its first season with three divisions and a wild card. The divisions were divided into East, Central, and West. The three division winners automatically made the playoffs. The wild card was an additional team allowed to make the post season that was not a division winner. The wild card team went to the non-division winner with the best record.
