The MLB expansion process is a long and tedious one that culminates in the awarding of new franchises to cities across the United States. Awarding teams has always been an exciting decision with mixed reactions from baseball fans. Some see it as a wrong decision made by the MLB management. In contrast, others are excited about what they may bring in the future.
In this article, we will learn about the history of MLB expansion and the current list of the teams playing in both national and American leagues.
Table of Contents
HISTORY OF MLB EXPANSION: NLB
With its establishment in 1876, NLB had eight teams, and two still exist even after more than 145 years. These two franchises that are still part of the game are the Atlanta Braves (previously called Boston) and Chicago.
With constant pick and drop of franchises, almost 27 different teams participated in the NBA between 1876 and 1891; however, the total number of teams never exceeded 8.
After MLB expansion with the addition of 4 more teams, the number of teams in the NBA was 12 in 1892. This configuration remained the same until 1899, and afterward, changes took place in the franchises.
Below is the list of 12 franchises that remained part of the NBA from 1892 till 1899.
- Baltimore
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Chicago
- Brooklyn
- Cleveland
- Louisville
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburg
- New York
- St. Louis
- Washington
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NBA TEAMS CONTRACTION in 1900-1961
In 1900, the number of teams playing in the NBA would be eight again. And four teams would be removed from the league. These eight franchises, including Boston and Chicago, remained part of the NBA for the next 60 years. Moreover, all eight franchises are still part of the NBA league.
Boston Braves was the first team to relocate in the history of the NBA. Boston relocated to Milwaukee in 1953, regardless of being one of the oldest franchises. Braves set the record of 1.8 million admirers after relocation in 1953.
Given below is the list of those eight franchises.
- Boston
- Chicago
- Brooklyn
- Brooklyn
- New York
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburg
- St. Louis
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HISTORY OF MLB EXPANSION: AL
The American League, or AL, is one of America’s two leading professional baseball leagues. It was founded in 1901 and initially had only eight teams. The AL expanded to 10 teams in 1961 and then 12 in 1962. In 1969, the league expanded to 24 units; however, the last MLB expansion took place in 1998 when the entire franchises were decided to be 30, 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. Since then, the number has remained the same.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FRANCHISES’ MOVES
In NBA, not a single team has ever moved until their nicknames were well established; moreover, teams’ names remained the same even after the franchise move. On the other hand, the franchise would completely change its name after movement or relocation to the American League.
Milwaukee and Baltimore were the two earliest franchises that moved into the American League. Where the Milwaukee Brewers moved to St. Louis in 1902 and then moved to Baltimore after playing for St. Louis for 52 years; after their relocation to Baltimore, they became Orioles.
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FINAL MLB EXPANSION: NBA & AL
In 1977, the American League expanded the number of franchises to 14 with the addition of two teams; similarly, in 1993, two more teams were added to NBA, where the final number became 14.
The final MLB expansion took place in 1998 when 1 team was added to both leagues, and the total number of franchises in each league became 15. The total number of franchises at MLB accounted for 30. This number has remained the same.
FINAL THOUGHTS
MLB expansion is an excellent idea for several reasons. The sport is growing in popularity every year. With the addition of new teams, the league and its fans would benefit. Additional teams would create new rivalries and add excitement to the game while providing more jobs and economic opportunities for cities seeking to host a group. Baseball is America’s pastime, and with the addition of new teams, it can continue to thrive for years to come.
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