MLB

Major League Baseball (MLB) is the oldest professional sports league in the United States and Canada, consisting of 30 teams that compete in the American League (AL) and National League (NL), each with 15 teams. Founded in 1869 with the establishment of the Cincinnati Red Stockings, MLB has evolved into a global symbol of baseball, showcasing the sport at its highest level of competition.

The MLB season begins in late March or early April and concludes in October, with each team playing a grueling 162-game regular season schedule. This leads up to the postseason, which includes the Division Series, League Championship Series, and ultimately, the World Series, where the AL and NL champions face off in a best-of-seven series to determine the world champion of baseball.

Baseball is known as America’s pastime for its rich history and traditions, including iconic moments, legendary players, and historic ballparks. MLB has been home to some of the greatest athletes in sports history, such as Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and Hank Aaron, whose achievements have transcended the sport.

MLB is not just about the sport; it’s a cultural phenomenon, with rituals like the singing of the national anthem, the seventh-inning stretch, and the unique ballpark foods enjoyed by fans. It’s also a leader in embracing technology for analytics, which has transformed how teams evaluate players and develop strategies.

Internationally, MLB has worked to grow the sport of baseball through the World Baseball Classic, a tournament featuring national teams from around the globe. It also invests in academies and development programs in countries with a strong baseball presence, like the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Japan.

MLB’s commitment to community service is evident through initiatives like MLB Cares, which focuses on improving the lives of people through education, health care, and youth baseball programs.

Through its combination of athletic excellence, tradition, and community involvement, MLB continues to be a beloved part of American culture and a growing international pastime.