MLB. These three letters alone transport us to the « States, » the country where baseball is most deeply embedded in local culture.
In the land of endless opportunity—where anything is possible—the two 15-team leagues, globally renowned (AL and NL, each split into three divisions: East, Central, and West), compete from April to October to crown their respective champions. In each league, the playoffs feature the top teams from each division (three teams) and a Wild Card winner (the next two best win-loss records). The two league champions then face off in one of the most-watched and culturally significant sporting events in the world: the legendary « World Series. » From October 26 to November 3, the World Series is a best-of-seven showdown, with the first team to four wins claiming the ultimate prize. Between the two leagues, the American League leads with 66 titles, while the National League has 49. Many professional players who reach the majors never get to « touch » the coveted trophy. Winning the World Series is a unique, almost mystical experience. The World Series stands as a testament to contemporary global sports culture.
The World Series has been held since 1903. The first edition was won by the « Americans » or « Bostons » of Boston (legend has it they were called the Boston « Pilgrims ») over the Pittsburgh Pirates, 5 games to 3. The Americans became the Red Sox in 1907.
In photo: World Series 1903
Over its 117-year history, only two World Series editions were canceled: 1904 and 1994 (due to a players’ strike).
The franchise that won the 2020 World Series was the Los Angeles Dodgers, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays, 4 games to 2.
In photo: Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers, World Series 2020.
The franchise with the most World Series appearances is the New York Yankees, with 40 events and 27 victories! Only one team has never reached the World Series: the Seattle Mariners, where the famous Japanese player Ichiro Suzuki played (2001-12 and 2018-19).
Much has changed since 1903, yet the essence of this global spectacle remains the same. Heated debates between clubs, often intertwined with the identity of host cities (the famous rivalry between New York and Boston is a prime example), adored or criticized superstars, media frenzy, suspense, beer, and other substances, bling-bling, dollars—the very essence of America… Since the early 20th century, generations of « kids » have thrived on collecting baseball cards and following their favorite players or teams through the media of the time… As it has been worldwide. And in the end, it’s always baseball that crowns a winner.
Photo
The Cincinnati Reds, winners of the 1990 World Series in 4 games against the Oakland Athletics.
2021 is full of suspense, with uncertain qualifications, especially for the future holder of the « Wild Card, » which designates a fourth qualifier in each league. In the AL, Tampa Bay, Houston, and the Chicago White Sox are on track for the AL finals. The Wild Card will be decided between the Yankees and their eternal nemeses, the Boston Red Sox. The legend continues to be written! The winner between these two teams will earn the right to participate in the American League playoffs. In the NL, the situation has evolved so that the San Francisco Giants have dominated their division, just as they lead in MLB wins: 106! If things were organized like in soccer, they would be champions. But we’re venturing into comparing the incomparable! Behind them, the Brewers and Atlanta lead their respective divisions. The NL Wild Card will be decided between the Los Angeles Dodgers (105-56!) and the St. Louis Cardinals (90-71).
Today, October 3, is the last day of the regular season before the playoffs.
Baseball is eternal, and the giants are on the march!
Vincent Picard
