Difference Between American And National League Baseball
Baseball is considered one of the most popular sports in America, and it has two different leagues, the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). These two leagues have a lot of similarities, but they also have their differences. In this article, we will explore the differences between the American and National League baseball.
History
The National League was founded in 1876, making it the oldest professional baseball league in the world. The American League was founded in 1901 as a competitor to the National League. The two leagues competed fiercely for players and fans until 1903, when the first World Series was played, a best-of-seven series between the champions of the two leagues.
Designated Hitter Rule
One of the biggest differences between the American and National League is the rule regarding the designated hitter (DH). In the American League, the DH is used, which means that a player who is not playing a position in the field can bat in place of the pitcher. In the National League, there is no DH, and the pitcher must bat for himself. This rule change was implemented in 1973 in the American League and has been a point of debate between fans ever since.
Interleague Play
Interleague play is when teams from different leagues play against each other during the regular season. This was introduced in 1997 and is a major difference between the two leagues. In the American League, interleague play takes place throughout the season, while in the National League, it is limited to specific time periods. The introduction of interleague play has added excitement to the regular season and has given fans the opportunity to see some of the greatest players from different leagues compete against each other.
Pitcher Batting
As mentioned earlier, in the National League, the pitcher is required to bat for himself. This can be a disadvantage for some teams, especially for pitchers who are not skilled at batting. In the American League, with the DH rule, the pitcher does not bat, so this is not a concern. However, there are some NL pitchers who are known for their hitting skills, and they can be quite valuable to their teams.
Number of Teams
The number of teams in each league is another difference between the NL and AL. Currently, there are 15 teams in each league, which means that there is always at least one team that has to play against a team from the other league during interleague play. In the past, there were more teams in the American League than the National League, but that has since changed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the American League and National League share a lot of similarities, there are some key differences that set them apart. The DH rule, interleague play, pitcher batting, and number of teams are just a few of the things that distinguish these two leagues from each other. Regardless of which league you prefer, baseball is a sport that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of fans, and it will continue to do so for many years to come.