Baseball can seem confusing to people when they start to watch it, and if you’ve never checked out an MLB game before, you might be very perplexed by what is happening. The basic principles are simple enough to grasp, but aspects like the scoring system can be confusing for many people; additionally, there is a rich league history spanning over 100 years.
In this guide, we’ll explore the basics of MLB, including how it works, its format, and key baseball rules (without delving into the full rulebook).
The Formation of MLB
MLB stands for Major League Baseball. The league was formed as early as 1876, though it initially consisted of two separate organizations: the National League (NL) and the American League (AL). The two merged in 2000; ever since then, they have operated together under the MLB banner. A lot has changed in the landscape of sports and gaming since 2000, and more and more fans have come to watch the sport in the digital age.
The rise of MLB has been significantly simplified by the advent of the Internet, allowing people to access games and streaming services from anywhere. Streaming services have become such a success story that you’ll be hard-pressed to find a platform that doesn’t offer some service, from traditional sports channels to various betting apps.
Discussing how channels and platforms are competing harder than ever for broadcasting rights. It’s no wonder that sports betting has experienced a surge in popularity, with the number of available sportsbooks increasing significantly over the last few years, making the market more challenging to navigate. Similar to the frantic rush of trying to find the right channel for a game, finding a reliable sportsbook can be challenging at times. This is likely why WSN has experienced significant growth in traffic since 2020, offering expert-rated reviews for sportsbooks.
How the League Structure Works
30 MLB teams play in two leagues, the American and National leagues. The two leagues are both divided into divisions based on location. America’s vast geographical reach means it is challenging for teams to travel across the country, especially with numerous fixtures scheduled. So, there are East, Central, and West leagues for each. Divisions have five teams in each. Historically, some of the teams have even moved to play in different divisions and regions.
The regular season is played over 162 games per team (far more than most other sports), and it typically begins in late March or early April, concluding in October. Teams do play against those from other divisions, but more frequently, they play against the local teams. The team’s regular-season record is crucial, as it may lead to a postseason appearance. This is where there are playoffs. The playoffs are played to determine the overall champions for the leagues.
Additionally, there is no promotion and relegation system, unlike in other sports, such as English Football.
As the MLB continues to evolve, today’s team-building strategies are becoming more data-driven and reliant on advanced scouting techniques. Central to this process is the draft, where teams make selections that could significantly impact their roster for years to come. Today’s MLB picks are not just about securing immediate talent but also about laying the groundwork for future success. Teams are carefully evaluating prospects, often choosing young players from high school, college, and international leagues who they believe can grow into cornerstones for their franchises.
Unlike other sports, where first-round picks might immediately contribute to the team’s success, the MLB draft is unique in its uncertainty. Players often spend years developing in the minors before reaching the majors. This means teams need to be patient and strategic when making selections, hoping their investments will pay off in the long run.
For example, a team like the Houston Astros, which has developed a reputation for strong player development and scouting, may trade up to secure a high-potential prospect, knowing that it could take several years before the player is ready for the big leagues. Meanwhile, other teams may use their picks to address specific needs, filling roster gaps or seeking players who could add depth to their current lineup. The ability to make the right pick at the right time is crucial, as it could shape the team’s competitive window for years to come.
In addition to draft picks, MLB teams also look to international scouting, leveraging relationships with foreign leagues and scouting networks to uncover hidden gems. With more resources being allocated to international scouting, teams are increasingly discovering high-quality prospects from countries such as the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Japan.
The Playoffs
The playoffs are where the excitement truly takes hold for many fans. Five teams from the AL and five from the NL make up the playoffs, and the teams with the most wins are invited to play in these playoffs. There are also opportunities for the next two best teams to be involved. These are called “wild cards,” and the first games in the playoff format see the wild card teams play against each other—the winner can then join the playoffs.
In the Division Series part of the playoffs, the teams play a best-of-five series, and a team needs to beat its competitors three times to advance to the next round, which is called the Championship Series (there are several stages to these playoffs!).
The Championship Series is again split into the AL Championship Series and the NL Championship Series. Instead of playing five times, they now play a best-of-seven series. Teams are whittled down to just two in this phase of the playoffs. These two play the World Series, seven games to decide the champion.
MLB is a huge franchise, of course, and you may also find that games are played abroad, and All-Star Games in the US are more of a commercial, exhibition-style event. Viewership of the World Series can reach tens of millions of people in the US alone.
Baseball’s Growing Popularity
Some statistics about baseball’s popularity are very interesting when considering where it is followed.
Some people believe that baseball’s popularity is declining, and there are certain areas in the US where this may be true. However, it could simply be that the way people interact with baseball is evolving.
In 2023, MLB garnered over six billion views on social media, representing a 50% increase in engagement. Followers also increased. Surveys showed that the sport is growing globally. For example, as many as 66% of people surveyed in Japan reported following the sport, and there are also fairly high levels of followers in India, China, and places closer to home, such as Mexico.
Where to Watch MLB
If you want to watch MLB in person, there are stadiums dotted around the big cities of the US (and Canada).
The American League teams are listed below. As you can see, there are plenty of locations where you can take in a game. The Yankees could be a great option if you’re on a trip to New York. Recently, the Texas Rangers won the World Series for the first time. Teams are spread far South and even over the border in the north into Canada.
- Baltimore Orioles
- Boston Red Sox
- New York Yankees
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Toronto Blue Jays
- Chicago White Sox
- Cleveland Guardians
- Detroit Tigers
- Kansas City Royals
- Minnesota Twins
- Houston Astros
- Los Angeles Angels
- Oakland Athletics
- Seattle Mariners
- Texas Rangers
If you plan to watch on television, the MLB keeps much of this in-house through MLB TV, its streaming service. However, this varies by location. Some countries also have their own streaming rights and television rights. I have found the MLB’s coverage to be basically unrivaled. They have many experts covering the games and a wide range of choices.
Extra Innings
Baseball is far from the most popular sport in the world, but it does have global appeal and a growing number of people watching. You only need to see the games played on tour to understand that. As the sport widens its global appeal, games have been played in the UK, Japan, and even Australia.
If you’re a new MLB fan, my advice is to grasp the rules and then just enjoy the sport, preferably in person, where you can learn more about what it entails and have some amazing experiences.
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