Difference Between American League And National League Baseball
Baseball is one of America's favorite pastimes, with millions of fans tuning in to watch games every year. The Major League Baseball (MLB) is divided into two leagues: the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). While both leagues have the same objective, which is to win the World Series, there are several differences that set them apart. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the differences between the American League and National League baseball.
Origin of American League and National League
The National League was founded in 1876, making it the oldest professional baseball league in the world. The American League, on the other hand, was established in 1901 as a rival to the National League. The two leagues have a long-standing rivalry that has lasted for over a century.
Designated Hitter Rule
One of the most significant differences between the American League and National League is the designated hitter (DH) rule. In the American League, teams are allowed to use a designated hitter to bat in place of the pitcher. The designated hitter does not play in the field and is only used to hit. In the National League, however, the pitcher is required to bat for himself, and teams cannot use a designated hitter.
The designated hitter rule has been a point of contention between fans and players from both leagues. Supporters of the rule argue that it adds more excitement to the game by allowing for more offense, while opponents feel that it takes away from the strategic elements of the game.
Interleague Play
Interleague play is another difference between the American League and National League. Interleague play refers to games played between teams from different leagues during the regular season. Interleague play was introduced in 1997 and has become a regular part of the MLB schedule. In interleague play, the home team decides whether or not to use the designated hitter rule, which can create an advantage for the American League team.
Number of Teams
Another difference between the American League and National League is the number of teams in each league. Currently, there are 15 teams in each league, for a total of 30 teams in the MLB. In the American League, the teams are divided into three divisions: East, Central, and West. In the National League, the teams are also divided into three divisions: East, Central, and West.
Style of Play
The style of play is another significant difference between the American League and National League. In the American League, there is typically more offense due to the designated hitter rule. The National League, on the other hand, is known for its emphasis on pitching and defense, as pitchers are required to bat for themselves. This can result in lower scoring games and more strategic plays.
Conclusion
While the American League and National League share the same objective of winning the World Series, there are several differences that set them apart. These include the designated hitter rule, interleague play, number of teams, and style of play. As a fan, understanding these differences can help you appreciate the game even more.