The Major League Baseball (MLB), considered the birthplace of baseball, holds a rich history. Given the vast land and large population of the United States, it hosts a variety of teams. Each ballpark typically has its own unique home ground, adding to the enjoyment of exploring baseball stadiums.
“Divisions within the Major League into National League and American League”
The MLB is divided into the American League and the National League. Initially, these leagues had no relation to each other. Each league had its own president, administrators, umpires, and teams that exclusively played within their league.
However, in the late 20th century, these two leagues merged and began playing together.
One of the biggest differences between the two leagues is the designated hitter (DH) rule. The American League introduced the DH rule in 1969, allowing a hitter to bat in place of the pitcher.
On the other hand, the National League has maintained tradition and has not adopted the designated hitter rule. When Ryu Hyun-jin joined the LA Dodgers and stepped up to bat, it was because the LA Dodgers belong to the “National League,” which does not have the designated hitter rule.
“Divisions of each league into West, Central, and East divisions”
Furthermore, within each league, teams are divided into West, Central, and East divisions. This division by region seems to be based on the vast territory of the United States.
Below are the teams of the National League and the American League by division, along with a map showing the locations of MLB ballparks.
- MLB Ballpark Map: Link to Map
- National League
- “East Division”
- Atlanta Braves: Truist Park
- Washington Nationals: Nationals Park
- Philadelphia Phillies: Citizens Bank Park
- New York Mets: Citi Field
- Miami Marlins: Marlins Park
- “Central Division”
- Milwaukee Brewers: Miller Park
- Chicago Cubs: Wrigley Field
- St. Louis Cardinals: Busch Stadium
- Pittsburgh Pirates: PNC Park
- Cincinnati Reds: Great American Ball Park
- “West Division”
- Los Angeles Dodgers: Dodger Stadium
- Colorado Rockies: Coors Field
- Arizona Diamondbacks: Chase Field
- San Francisco Giants: Oracle Park
- San Diego Padres: Petco Park
- “East Division”
- American League
- “East Division”
- Boston Red Sox: Fenway Park
- New York Yankees: Yankee Stadium
- Tampa Bay Rays: Tropicana Field
- Toronto Blue Jays: Rogers Centre
- Baltimore Orioles: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
- “Central Division”
- Cleveland Indians: Progressive Field
- Minnesota Twins: Target Field
- Detroit Tigers: Comerica Park
- Chicago White Sox: Guaranteed Rate Field
- Kansas City Royals: Kauffman Stadium
- “West Division”
- Houston Astros: Minute Maid Park
- Oakland Athletics: Oakland Coliseum
- Seattle Mariners: T-Mobile Park
- Los Angeles Angels: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
- Texas Rangers: Globe Life Field
- “East Division”