The American League (AL) is one of the two major leagues that make up Major League Baseball (MLB). It is home to some of the most famous baseball teams in the world and has a long history that stretches back to 1901. But how many baseball teams are currently in the American League, and how are they structured? In this article, we’ll explore the number of teams in the AL, break down its divisions, and provide some additional information on the league’s history and structure. Let’s dive in!
What is the American League
The American League, often referred to simply as the AL, is one of the two major professional baseball leagues in North America, alongside the National League (NL). The American League was founded in 1901 and, along with the National League, forms the basis of Major League Baseball. Today, it is home to 15 teams, which are divided into three divisions: the East, Central, and West Divisions. The AL is known for its designated hitter rule, which allows a player (the designated hitter) to bat in place of the pitcher.
Current Number of Teams in the American League
As of now, there are 15 teams in the American League. These teams represent cities across the United States, with the exception of one team based in Canada. The AL is one of the two major leagues in MLB, and its teams compete each season for a spot in the playoffs, which ultimately leads to the World Series, where the AL champion faces the NL champion for the championship.
American League Divisions
The 15 teams in the American League are grouped into three divisions. Each division contains five teams. Here is a breakdown of the teams within each division:
1. American League East Division
The AL East Division consists of five teams that are spread across the northeastern and southeastern parts of the United States. These teams are:
- Baltimore Orioles – Based in Baltimore, Maryland.
- Boston Red Sox – Based in Boston, Massachusetts.
- New York Yankees – Based in New York City, New York.
- Tampa Bay Rays – Based in St. Petersburg, Florida.
- Toronto Blue Jays – Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
2. American League Central Division
The AL Central Division consists of teams located in the central United States. These teams are:
- Chicago White Sox – Based in Chicago, Illinois.
- Cleveland Indians – Based in Cleveland, Ohio (The team will be renamed to Cleveland Guardians starting in the 2022 season).
- Detroit Tigers – Based in Detroit, Michigan.
- Kansas City Royals – Based in Kansas City, Missouri.
- Minnesota Twins – Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
3. American League West Division
The AL West Division consists of teams located in the western United States. These teams are:
- Houston Astros – Based in Houston, Texas.
- Los Angeles Angels – Based in Anaheim, California.
- Oakland Athletics – Based in Oakland, California.
- Seattle Mariners – Based in Seattle, Washington.
- Texas Rangers – Based in Arlington, Texas.
History of the American League
The American League was founded in 1901 as a rival to the National League, and the two leagues competed for dominance in professional baseball. In its early years, the AL was not as popular or powerful as the NL, but over time it grew and became one of the most prominent sports leagues in the world. The first official “World Series” between the American League and National League champions was played in 1903, marking the beginning of what is now an annual tradition in Major League Baseball.
Throughout its history, the American League has been home to many legendary players, such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams, and many more. The AL has also undergone several changes over the years, including the introduction of the designated hitter rule in 1973, which allows a batter to replace the pitcher in the lineup without taking the field. This rule is still a defining characteristic of the American League, although it is not used in the National League (though recent discussions suggest it may be adopted in both leagues in the future).
Major League Baseball: The American League and National League
Major League Baseball (MLB) is made up of the American League and the National League, with each league having its own teams and governing rules. While the two leagues have a lot in common, including the rules of the game, there are some key differences, such as the designated hitter rule in the American League. The two leagues also have their own respective All-Star games, and their teams compete for dominance in the World Series each year.
As of today, the American League is widely regarded as one of the premier professional baseball leagues in the world. Its teams are known for their competitive spirit, and the AL has produced many of the most iconic and successful baseball franchises. Every season, fans around the world eagerly await the performance of these teams as they fight for the opportunity to play in the postseason and eventually reach the World Series.
Conclusion
The American League is home to 15 teams, which are divided into three divisions: the East, Central, and West Divisions. These teams represent some of the most historic and successful franchises in baseball. Whether you’re a fan of the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, or the Chicago White Sox, the AL offers a diverse range of teams with rich histories and talented players.
As baseball continues to evolve and grow in popularity, the American League will remain a dominant force in Major League Baseball. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the sport, understanding the structure of the American League and its teams is a key part of appreciating the game of baseball.
Related topics:
- What Does Low Profile Baseball Cap Mean?
- How Many Games in a Major League Baseball Season?
- What Does G Mean in Baseball?
