What’s the Difference Between the NL & AL in the MLB?

It might be helpful to learn about the history of the AL and NL before looking at baseball betting lines when looking to bet online. 

MLB has a rich history. The existence of the American League and National League tells part of the sport’s story. 

What’s the Difference Between NL & AL?

There are no differences between the NL and AL since the National League adopted the designated hitter in 2022. 

The AL added the DH in 1973, while pitchers continued to hit in the NL. The only exception was the shortened 2020 season when the universal DH was used. This was also the first year the DH was used in every World Series game. 

Several franchises have switched leagues throughout MLB history. The Houston Astros were the most recent team to do so, leaving the NL Central for the AL West after the 2012 season.

How Many Leagues Are There in Major League Baseball?

Major League Baseball has two leagues. 

Your 2024 American League Champions: The New York Yankees. pic.twitter.com/BxoAH6LPFY

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 20, 2024

MLB was formed in 1903. The NL and AL were created in 1876 and 1901, respectively. 

Before the 1997 season, teams from different leagues did not face each other outside of the World Series and spring training. From 1997 to 2001, divisions were matched up geographically, with the NL West playing the AL West, the NL Central playing the AL Central, and the NL East playing the AL East.

In 2002, MLB began rotating the interleague matchups, meaning the first cross-country interleague regular season games occurred. From 2023, all MLB teams play each of the other 30 teams during the regular season. 

Why Are There Two Leagues in the MLB?

The National League began in 1876. Several other leagues tried to compete with the NL in the latter part of the 19th century, but the American League was the only one to sustain a challenge.

The AL was originally a minor league called the “Western League.” It adopted major-league status for the 1900 season after the NL dropped four teams. The NL had absorbed the American Association following the 1899 season.

At the start of the 20th century, the AL lured many stars from the NL, including Cy Young and Nap Lajoie. Because the NL had a maximum salary, AL teams were able to offer players more money. 

The rivalry between the leagues caused problems for the NL and drew larger attendances, so the two parties signed a “peace” agreement after the 1903 season. The NL had hoped the leagues would merge, but AL president Ban Johnson convinced the NL to recognize the AL as an equal partner.

How Many Games Are in a Baseball Series?

A regular-season baseball series has two, three, or four games. 

In the playoffs, the wild-card round is played over a best-of-three series. The division series is best-of-five, with best-of-seven used for the championship series and World Series.