Timeline of Major League Baseball

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The following is a timeline of franchise evolution in Major League Baseball. The histories of franchises in the National Association of Base Ball Players (NABBP), National Association of Professional Base Ball Players (NA), Union Association (UA), and American Association (AA) before they joined the National League are also included. In 1900 the minor league Western League renamed itself the American League (AL). All of the 1899 Western League teams were a part of the transformation with the Saint Paul Apostles moving to Chicago and to play as the White Stockings. In 1901 the AL declared itself a Major League. For its inaugural major league season the AL dropped its teams in Indianapolis, Buffalo and Minneapolis and replaced them with franchises in Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore and the Kansas City Blues moved to Washington to play as the Senators.

In 2020, Major League Baseball designated seven Negro Leagues from 1920–1948 as major leagues.[1]

The timeline has not yet been fully updated to reflect that designation (in addition, the timeline does not include any non-National League/American League teams which existed at the Major League level from 1876 to 1915).

Contents

MLB timeline

The first line is the formation of the National League in 1876, and the second is the transformation of the American League to a major league in 1901. The third line is the beginning of the expansion era in 1961.

World Series championships are shown with a "*", National League Pennants before the World Series are shown with a "^", and American League Pennants before the World Series "#". No World Series was played in 1904, so the pennant winners for each league are indicated. Due to the 1994-95 Major League Baseball strike, there were no pennant winners or World Series in 1994, so this year is left blank.

History of organizational changes

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Note: Team names are given here according to the convention used by The Baseball Encyclopedia, which regularized them into the familiar form of modern team names. However, most teams in the early period had no name, aside from that of the club (as in "Hartford Base Ball Club" or "Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia"), and nicknames like "Beaneaters," "Perfectos" and the many allusions to uniform colors were inventions by the florid sportswriters of the day.[2]

Pre-modern Era (1876–1900)

1876: Founding of the National League (NL)

The NL was established with eight teams.

Only season in NL §
1876 NL teams
Boston Red Caps 0 Louisville Grays
Chicago White Stockings New York Mutuals§
Cincinnati Reds Philadelphia Athletics§
Hartford Dark Blues St. Louis Brown Stockings

1877

  • The New York Mutuals and Philadelphia Athletics were expelled.
  • The Hartford Dark Blues moved to Brooklyn and became the Brooklyn Hartfords.
Team folded after this season ^
1877 NL teams
Boston Red Caps 0 Cincinnati Reds
Brooklyn Hartfords^ Louisville Grays^
Chicago White Stockings St. Louis Brown Stockings^

1878

  • The Brooklyn Hartfords, Louisville Grays, and St. Louis Brown Stockings folded.
  • The Indianapolis Blues, Milwaukee Grays, and Providence Grays joined.
First season in NL * Only season in NL §
1878 NL teams
Boston Red Caps 0 Indianapolis Blues§
Chicago White Stockings Milwaukee Grays§
Cincinnati Reds Providence Grays*

1879

First season in NL * Only season in NL § Team disbanded after this season ^
1879 NL teams
Boston Red Caps 0 Cleveland Blues*
Buffalo Bisons* Providence Grays
Chicago White Stockings Syracuse Stars§
Cincinnati Reds^ Troy Trojans*

1880

First season in NL * Only season in NL §
1880 NL teams
Boston Red Caps 0 Cleveland Blues
Buffalo Bisons Providence Grays
Chicago White Stockings Troy Trojans
Cincinnati Stars§ Worcester Worcesters*

1881

  • The Cincinnati Stars were expelled because they refused to sign a league-wide pledge to ban alcohol at ballparks.
  • The Detroit Wolverines joined.
First season in NL *
1881 NL teams
Boston Red Caps 0 Detroit Wolverines*
Buffalo Bisons Providence Grays
Chicago White Stockings Troy Trojans
Cleveland Blues Worcester Worcesters

1882: Establishment of the American Association (AA)

The AA was established with six teams.

Team folded after this season ^
1882 MLB teams
NL AA
Boston Red Caps Baltimore Orioles
Buffalo Bisons Cincinnati Red Stockings
Chicago White Stockings Louisville Eclipse
Cleveland Blues Philadelphia Athletics
Detroit Wolverines Pittsburgh Alleghenys
Providence Grays St. Louis Brown Stockings
Troy Trojans^  
Worcester Worcesters^

1883

First MLB season *
1883 MLB teams
NL AA
Boston Beaneaters Baltimore Orioles
Buffalo Bisons Cincinnati Red Stockings
Chicago White Stockings Columbus Buckeyes*
Cleveland Blues Louisville Eclipse
Detroit Wolverines New York Metropolitans*
New York Gothams* Philadelphia Athletics
Philadelphia Quakers* Pittsburgh Alleghenys
Providence Grays St. Louis Browns

1884: The Union Association (UA) as a third league

First season in AA * Only season in AA/Folds mid-season § Last season in AA or NL ^
1884 MLB teams
NL AA Union Association
Boston Beaneaters Baltimore Orioles Altoona Mountain Citys§
Buffalo Bisons Brooklyn Atlantics* Baltimore Monumentals
Chicago White Stockings Cincinnati Red Stockings Boston Reds
Cleveland Blues^ Columbus Buckeyes^ Chicago Browns/Pittsburgh Stogies§
Detroit Wolverines Indianapolis Hoosiers§ Cincinnati Outlaw Reds
New York Gothams Louisville Eclipse Kansas City Cowboys
Philadelphia Quakers New York Metropolitans Milwaukee Brewers
Providence Grays Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Keystones§
  Pittsburgh Alleghenys St. Louis Maroons
Richmond Virginians§ St. Paul Saints
St. Louis Browns Washington Nationals
Toledo Blue Stockings§ Wilmington Quicksteps§
Washington Nationals§  

1885: Back to two leagues

  • The UA disbanded.
  • The St. Louis Maroons from the UA joined the NL.
  • The Cleveland Blues, Columbus Buckeyes, Indianapolis Hoosiers, Toledo Blue Stockings, and Washington Nationals folded.
  • The Richmond Virginians returned to Minor League Baseball.
  • The New York Gothams became the New York Giants.
  • The Brooklyn Atlantics became the Brooklyn Grays.
  • The Louisville Eclipse became the Louisville Colonels.
Team moved from the former UA ** Last season in NL ^
1885 MLB teams
NL AA
Boston Beaneaters Baltimore Orioles
Buffalo Bisons^ Brooklyn Grays
Chicago White Stockings Cincinnati Red Stockings
Detroit Wolverines Louisville Colonels
New York Giants New York Metropolitans
Philadelphia Quakers Philadelphia Athletics
Providence Grays^ Pittsburgh Alleghenys
St. Louis Maroons** St. Louis Browns

1886

First season in NL * Only season in NL §
1886 MLB teams
NL AA
Boston Beaneaters Baltimore Orioles
Chicago White Stockings Brooklyn Grays
Detroit Wolverines Cincinnati Red Stockings
Kansas City Cowboys§ Louisville Colonels
New York Giants New York Metropolitans
Philadelphia Quakers Philadelphia Athletics
St. Louis Maroons Pittsburgh Alleghenys
Washington Nationals* St. Louis Browns

1887

First season in AA * Team moved from AA ** Last season in AA ^
1887 MLB teams
NL AA
Boston Beaneaters Baltimore Orioles
Chicago White Stockings Brooklyn Grays
Detroit Wolverines Cincinnati Red Stockings
Indianapolis Hoosiers Cleveland Blues*
New York Giants Louisville Colonels
Philadelphia Quakers New York Metropolitans^
Pittsburgh Alleghenys** Philadelphia Athletics
Washington Nationals St. Louis Browns

1888

First season in AA * Last season in NL ^
1888 MLB teams
NL AA
Boston Beaneaters Baltimore Orioles
Chicago White Stockings Brooklyn Bridegrooms
Detroit Wolverines^ Cincinnati Red Stockings
Indianapolis Hoosiers Cleveland Blues
New York Giants Kansas City Cowboys*
Philadelphia Quakers Louisville Colonels
Pittsburgh Alleghenys Philadelphia Athletics
Washington Nationals St. Louis Browns

1889

First season in AA * Team moved from AA ** Last season in AA or NL ^
1889 MLB teams
NL AA
Boston Beaneaters Baltimore Orioles
Chicago White Stockings Brooklyn Bridegrooms
Cleveland Spiders** Cincinnati Red Stockings
Indianapolis Hoosiers^ Columbus Solons*
New York Giants Kansas City Cowboys^
Philadelphia Quakers Louisville Colonels
Pittsburgh Alleghenys Philadelphia Athletics
Washington Nationals^ St. Louis Browns

1890: The Players' League (PL) as a third league

  • The PL was established with 8 teams.
  • The Chicago White Stockings became the Chicago Colts.
  • The Philadelphia Quakers became the Philadelphia Phillies.
  • The Brooklyn Bridegrooms transferred to the NL.
  • The Cincinnati Red Stockings transferred to the NL and became the Cincinnati Reds.
  • The Indianapolis Hoosiers, Kansas City Cowboys, and Washington Nationals folded.
  • The Baltimore Orioles transferred to Minor League Baseball and were replaced by the Brooklyn Gladiators. The Brooklyn Gladiators then folded mid-season, and the Baltimore Orioles returned to the AA to finish the season.
  • The Rochester Broncos, a new Syracuse Stars, and the Toledo Maumees joined the AA.
Team moved from AA ** Only season in AA §
1890 MLB teams
NL AA PL
Boston Beaneaters Baltimore Orioles Boston Reds
Brooklyn Bridegrooms** Brooklyn Gladiators§ Brooklyn Ward's Wonders
Chicago Colts Columbus Solons Buffalo Bisons
Cincinnati Reds** Louisville Colonels Chicago Pirates
Cleveland Spiders Philadelphia Athletics Cleveland Infants
New York Giants Rochester Broncos§ New York Giants (PL)
Philadelphia Phillies St. Louis Browns Philadelphia Athletics (PL)
Pittsburgh Alleghenys Syracuse Stars§ Pittsburgh Burghers
  Toledo Maumees§  

1891: Last AA season

First MLB season * Only season in MLB § Last MLB season ^
1891 MLB teams
NL AA
Boston Beaneaters Baltimore Orioles
Brooklyn Grooms Boston Reds^
Chicago Colts Cincinnati Kelly's Killers§
Cincinnati Reds Columbus Solons^
Cleveland Spiders Louisville Colonels
New York Giants Milwaukee Brewers§
Philadelphia Phillies Philadelphia Athletics^
Pittsburgh Pirates St. Louis Browns
  Washington Statesmen*

1892: NL monopoly

  • The AA folded.
  • The Baltimore Orioles, Louisville Colonels, St. Louis Browns, and Washington Statesmen (all from the AA) joined the NL.
  • The Washington Statesmen became the Washington Senators.
Teams move from the former AA **
1892 to 1895 NL teams
Baltimore Orioles** 0 Louisville Colonels**
Boston Beaneaters New York Giants
Brooklyn Grooms Philadelphia Phillies
Chicago Colts Pittsburgh Pirates
Cincinnati Reds St. Louis Browns**
Cleveland Spiders Washington Senators**

1896

The Brooklyn Grooms became the Brooklyn Bridegrooms again.

1896 to 1897 NL teams
Baltimore Orioles 0 Louisville Colonels
Boston Beaneaters New York Giants
Brooklyn Bridegrooms Philadelphia Phillies
Chicago Colts Pittsburgh Pirates
Cincinnati Reds St. Louis Browns
Cleveland Spiders Washington Senators

1898

The Chicago Colts became the Chicago Orphans.

1898 NL teams
Baltimore Orioles 0 Louisville Colonels
Boston Beaneaters New York Giants
Brooklyn Bridegrooms Philadelphia Phillies
Chicago Orphans Pittsburgh Pirates
Cincinnati Reds St. Louis Browns
Cleveland Spiders Washington Senators

1899

Team folded after this season ^
1899 NL teams
Baltimore Orioles^ 0 Louisville Colonels^
Boston Beaneaters New York Giants
Brooklyn Superbas Philadelphia Phillies
Chicago Orphans Pittsburgh Pirates
Cincinnati Reds St. Louis Perfectos
Cleveland Spiders^ Washington Senators^

1900: Classic Eight

  • The Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Spiders, Louisville Colonels, and Washington Senators folded.
  • The St. Louis Perfectos became the St. Louis Cardinals.
1900 NL teams
Boston Beaneaters 0 New York Giants
Brooklyn Superbas Philadelphia Phillies
Chicago Orphans Pittsburgh Pirates
Cincinnati Reds St. Louis Cardinals

Birth of the Modern Era (1901–1919)

1901: Founding of the American League (AL)

The AL was established with eight teams.

1901 MLB teams
AL NL
Baltimore Orioles Boston Beaneaters
Boston Americans Brooklyn Superbas
Chicago White Stockings Chicago Orphans
Cleveland Bluebirds Cincinnati Reds
Detroit Tigers New York Giants
Milwaukee Brewers Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Athletics Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1902

The new Milwaukee Brewers moved to St. Louis and became the St. Louis Browns.

Team folded after this season ^
1902 MLB teams
AL NL
Baltimore Orioles^ Boston Beaneaters
Boston Americans Brooklyn Superbas
Chicago White Stockings Chicago Orphans
Cleveland Bluebirds Cincinnati Reds
Detroit Tigers New York Giants
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1903

First AL season *
1903 MLB teams
AL NL
Boston Americans Boston Beaneaters
Chicago White Stockings Brooklyn Superbas
Cleveland Naps Chicago Cubs
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds
New York Highlanders* New York Giants
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1904

The Chicago White Stockings became the Chicago White Sox.

1904 to 1906 MLB teams
AL NL
Boston Americans Boston Beaneaters
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Superbas
Cleveland Naps Chicago Cubs
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds
New York Highlanders New York Giants
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1907

The Boston Beaneaters became the Boston Doves.

1907 MLB teams
AL NL
Boston Americans Boston Doves
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Superbas
Cleveland Naps Chicago Cubs
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds
New York Highlanders New York Giants
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1908

The Boston Americans became the Boston Red Sox.

1908 to 1910 MLB teams
AL NL
Boston Red Sox Boston Doves
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Superbas
Cleveland Naps Chicago Cubs
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds
New York Highlanders New York Giants
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1911

1911 MLB teams
AL NL
Boston Red Sox Boston Rustlers
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers
Cleveland Naps Chicago Cubs
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds
New York Highlanders New York Giants
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1912

The Boston Rustlers became the Boston Braves.

1912 MLB teams
AL NL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers
Cleveland Naps Chicago Cubs
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds
New York Highlanders New York Giants
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1913

1913 MLB teams
AL NL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers
Cleveland Naps Chicago Cubs
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds
New York Yankees New York Giants
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1914

  • The Federal League (FL) declared itself as a "third major league" with its own eight teams, and competed with the NL and AL.
  • The Brooklyn Dodgers became the Brooklyn Robins.
1914 MLB teams
AL NL FL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Baltimore Terrapins
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Robins Brooklyn Tip-Tops
Cleveland Naps Chicago Cubs Buffalo Buffeds
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Chicago Federals
New York Yankees New York Giants Indianapolis Hoosiers
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Kansas City Packers
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Pittsburgh Rebels
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Terriers

1915

1915 MLB teams
AL NL FL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Baltimore Terrapins
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Robins Brooklyn Tip-Tops
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Buffalo Blues
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Chicago Whales
New York Yankees New York Giants Kansas City Packers
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Newark Peppers
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Pittsburgh Rebels
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Terriers

1916

The FL folded prior to the season.

1916 to 1919 MLB teams
AL NL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Robins
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds
New York Yankees New York Giants
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

Establishment of Negro Major Leagues (1920–1946)

1920: Establishment of the Negro National League (NNL)

The NNL was established with eight teams, the first black baseball league to be designated a major league.

Team withdrew after this season ^^
1920 MLB teams & 1920 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Chicago American Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Robins Chicago Giants
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cuban Stars
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Dayton Marcos^^
New York Yankees New York Giants Detroit Stars
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Indianapolis ABCs
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Kansas City Monarchs
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Giants

1921

Only season in NNL § Team folded after this season ^
1921 MLB teams & 1921 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Chicago American Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Robins Chicago Giants^
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Cuban Stars
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Columbus Buckeyes§
New York Yankees New York Giants Detroit Stars
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Indianapolis ABCs
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Kansas City Monarchs
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Giants

1922

First season in NL * Only season in NNL §
1922 MLB teams & 1922 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Chicago American Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Robins Cleveland Tate Stars*
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cuban Stars
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Detroit Stars
New York Yankees New York Giants Indianapolis ABCs
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Kansas City Monarchs
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Pittsburgh Keystones§
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Stars

1923: Founding of the Eastern Colored League (ECL)

Only season in NNL § Team folded after this season ^
1923 MLB teams & 1923 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL ECL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Chicago American Giants Atlantic City Bacharach Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Robins Cleveland Tate Stars^ Baltimore Black Sox
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cuban Stars (West) Brooklyn Royal Giants
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Detroit Stars Cuban Stars (East)
New York Yankees New York Giants Indianapolis ABCs Hilldale Club
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Kansas City Monarchs New York Lincoln Giants
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Milwaukee Bears§  
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Stars
Toledo Tigers§

1924

First season in NNL or ECL* Only season in NNL §
1924 MLB teams & 1924 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL ECL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Birmingham Black Barons* Atlantic City Bacharach Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Robins Chicago American Giants Baltimore Black Sox
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cleveland Browns§ Brooklyn Royal Giants
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Cuban Stars (West) Cuban Stars (East)
New York Yankees New York Giants Detroit Stars Harrisburg Giants*
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Indianapolis ABCs Hilldale Club
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Kansas City Monarchs New York Lincoln Giants
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals Memphis Red Sox* Washington Potomacs*
St. Louis Stars

1925

Team folded mid-season ^ Team withdrew after this season ^^
1925 MLB teams & 1925 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL ECL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Birmingham Black Barons^^ Atlantic City Bacharach Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Robins Chicago American Giants Baltimore Black Sox
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cuban Stars (West) Brooklyn Royal Giants
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Detroit Stars Cuban Stars (East)
New York Yankees New York Giants Indianapolis ABCs Harrisburg Giants
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Kansas City Monarchs Hilldale Club
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Memphis Red Sox^^ New York Lincoln Giants
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Stars Wilmington Potomacs^

1926

Only season in NNL or ECL, folded mid-season § Team folded after this season ^ Last season in NNL, withdrew mid-season ^^
1926 MLB teams & 1926 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL ECL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Chicago American Giants Atlantic City Bacharach Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Robins Cleveland Elites§ Baltimore Black Sox
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Dayton Marcos^^ Brooklyn Royal Giants
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Cuban Stars (West) Cuban Stars (East)
New York Yankees New York Giants Detroit Stars Harrisburg Giants
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Indianapolis ABCs^ Hilldale Club
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Kansas City Monarchs New York Lincoln Giants
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Stars Newark Stars§

1927

Team rejoined from minor league Negro Southern League ** Only season in NNL § Last season in NNL or ECL ^ Team departed after this season ^^
1927 MLB teams & 1927 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL ECL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Birmingham Black Barons** Atlantic City Bacharach Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Robins Chicago American Giants Baltimore Black Sox
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cleveland Hornets§ Brooklyn Royal Giants^
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Cuban Stars (West) Cuban Stars (East)
New York Yankees New York Giants Detroit Stars Harrisburg Giants^
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Kansas City Monarchs Hilldale Club^^
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Memphis Red Sox** New York Lincoln Giants
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Stars

1928: Last ECL season

First season in MLB * Only season in NNL or ECL § Last MLB season ^
1928 MLB teams & 1928 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL ECL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Birmingham Black Barons Atlantic City Bacharach Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Robins Chicago American Giants Baltimore Black Sox
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cleveland Tigers§ Cuban Stars (East)
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Cuban Stars (West) New York Lincoln Giants
New York Yankees New York Giants Detroit Stars Philadelphia Tigers§
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Kansas City Monarchs  
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Memphis Red Sox
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Stars

1929: Only American Negro League (ANL) season

Team folded after this season ^ Team independent after this season ^^
1929 MLB teams & 1929 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL ANL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Birmingham Black Barons Atlantic City Bacharach Giants^
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Robins Chicago American Giants Baltimore Black Sox^^
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cuban Stars (West) Cuban Stars (East)^
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Detroit Stars Hilldale Club^^
New York Yankees New York Giants Kansas City Monarchs Homestead Grays^^
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Memphis Red Sox New York Lincoln Giants^^
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates St. Louis Stars  
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1930

First season in NNL * Team folded after this season ^ Team departed after this season ^^
1930 MLB teams & 1930 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Birmingham Black Barons^^
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Robins Chicago American Giants
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cuban Stars^
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Detroit Stars
New York Yankees New York Giants Kansas City Monarchs^^
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Louisville Black Caps*
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Memphis Red Sox^^
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals Nashville Elite Giants*
St. Louis Stars

1931: Last NNL season

First season in NNL * Team folded after this season ^
1931 MLB teams & 1931 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Chicago Columbia Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Robins Cleveland Cubs
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Detroit Stars^
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Indianapolis ABCs*
New York Yankees New York Giants St. Louis Stars^
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Louisville White Sox
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates  
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1932: Only East-West League (EWL) season and major league NSL season

Team rejoined MLB ** Only season in MLB § Team folded after this season ^ Team departed after this season ^^
1932 MLB teams & 1932 Negro League teams
AL NL EWL NSL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Baltimore Black Sox** Atlanta Black Crackers^^
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers Cleveland Stars§ Birmingham Black Barons^^
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Detroit Wolves§ Chicago American Giants**
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Hilldale Club^ Indianapolis ABCs**
New York Yankees New York Giants Homestead Grays^^ Little Rock Grays§
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Newark Browns§ Louisville Black Caps/Columbus Turf Club^
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Pollock's Cuban Stars§ Memphis Red Sox^^
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals Washington Pilots§ Monroe Monarchs§
      Montgomery Grey Sox§
Nashville Elite Giants**

1933: Establishment of the second NNL

First season in NNL * Team moved from former EWL or NSL ** Only season in NNL § Team folded after this season ^ Team departed after this season ^^
1933 MLB teams & 1933 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Baltimore Sox**
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers Chicago American Giants**
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Columbus Blue Birds/Akron Black Tyrites/Cleveland Giants§
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Homestead Grays^^
New York Yankees New York Giants Indianapolis ABCs/Detroit Stars^
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Nashville Elite Giants**
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Pittsburgh Crawfords*
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1934

First season in NNL * Only season in NNL § Team folded after this season ^
1934 MLB teams & 1934 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Baltimore Black Sox^
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers Chicago American Giants
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cleveland Red Sox§
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Nashville Elite Giants
New York Yankees New York Giants Newark Dodgers*
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Philadelphia Bacharach Giants§
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Philadelphia Stars*
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals Pittsburgh Crawfords

1935

First season in NNL * Team rejoined MLB ** Only season in NNL § Team folded after this season ^ Team departed after this season ^^
1935 MLB teams & 1935 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Brooklyn Eagles§
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers Chicago American Giants^^
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Columbus Elite Giants
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Homestead Grays**
New York Yankees New York Giants New York Cubans*
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Newark Dodgers^
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Philadelphia Stars
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals Pittsburgh Crawfords

1936

First season in NNL * Team departed after this season ^^
1936 MLB teams & 1936 Negro League teams
AL NL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Bees Homestead Grays
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers New York Black Yankees*
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs New York Cubans^^
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Newark Eagles*
New York Yankees New York Giants Philadelphia Stars
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Pittsburgh Crawfords
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Washington Elite Giants
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1937: Founding of the Negro American League (NAL)

Team rejoined MLB ** Only season in NNL §
1937 MLB teams & 1937 Negro League teams
AL NL NAL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Bees Birmingham Black Barons** Homestead Grays
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers Chicago American Giants** New York Black Yankees
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Tigers§ Newark Eagles
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Detroit Stars§ Philadelphia Stars
New York Yankees New York Giants Indianapolis Athletics§ Pittsburgh Crawfords
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Kansas City Monarchs** Washington Elite Giants
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Memphis Red Sox**  
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Stars§

1938

First season in NAL * Team rejoined MLB ** Only season in NNL § Team departed after this season ^^
1938 MLB teams & 1938 Negro League teams
AL NL NAL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Bees Atlanta Black Crackers** Baltimore Elite Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers Birmingham Black Barons^^ Homestead Grays
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Chicago American Giants New York Black Yankees
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Indianapolis ABCs* Newark Eagles
New York Yankees New York Giants Jacksonville Red Caps* Philadelphia Stars
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Kansas City Monarchs Pittsburgh Crawfords
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Memphis Red Sox Washington Black Senators§
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1939

Team joined NAL or rejoined NNL ** Team folded after this season ^ Team left NNL mid-season ^^
1939 MLB teams & 1939 Negro League teams
AL NL NAL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Bees Chicago American Giants Baltimore Elite Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers Cleveland Bears Homestead Grays
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Indianapolis ABCs^ New York Black Yankees
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Kansas City Monarchs New York Cubans**
New York Yankees New York Giants Memphis Red Sox Newark Eagles
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies St. Louis Stars Philadelphia Stars
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates Toledo Crawfords** Toledo Crawfords^^
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1940

Team rejoined NAL ** Team folded after this season ^
1940 MLB teams & 1940 Negro League teams
AL NL NAL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Bees Birmingham Black Barons** Baltimore Elite Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers Chicago American Giants Homestead Grays
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cleveland Bears New York Black Yankees
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Indianapolis Crawfords^ New York Cubans
New York Yankees New York Giants Kansas City Monarchs Newark Eagles
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Memphis Red Sox Philadelphia Stars
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates St. Louis–New Orleans Stars  
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1941

Team temporarily folded after this season ^^
1941 MLB teams & 1941 Negro League teams
AL NL NAL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Birmingham Black Barons Baltimore Elite Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers Chicago American Giants Homestead Grays
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Jacksonville Red Caps New York Black Yankees
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Kansas City Monarchs New York Cubans
New York Yankees New York Giants Memphis Red Sox Newark Eagles
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies St. Louis–New Orleans Stars^^ Philadelphia Stars
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates    
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1942

First season in NAL * Team folds mid-season ^
1942 MLB teams & 1942 Negro League teams
AL NL NAL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Birmingham Black Barons Baltimore Elite Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers Chicago American Giants Homestead Grays
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Buckeyes* New York Black Yankees
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Jacksonville Red Caps^ New York Cubans
New York Yankees New York Giants Kansas City Monarchs Newark Eagles
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phils Memphis Red Sox Philadelphia Stars
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates    
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1943

First season in NAL * Team folds mid-season ^
1943 MLB teams & 1943 Negro League teams
AL NL NAL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Birmingham Black Barons Baltimore Elite Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers Chicago American Giants Harrisburg–St. Louis Stars^
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Clowns* Homestead Grays
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Cleveland Buckeyes New York Black Yankees
New York Yankees New York Giants Kansas City Monarchs New York Cubans
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Memphis Red Sox Newark Eagles
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates   Philadelphia Stars
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1944

The Cincinnati Clowns split their home games between Cincinnati, Ohio and Indianapolis, Indiana and became the Cincinnati–Indianapolis Clowns.

1944 to 1945 MLB teams & 1944 to 1945 Negro League teams
AL NL NAL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Birmingham Black Barons Baltimore Elite Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers Chicago American Giants Homestead Grays
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cincinnati–Indianapolis Clowns New York Black Yankees
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Cleveland Buckeyes New York Cubans
New York Yankees New York Giants Kansas City Monarchs Newark Eagles
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Memphis Red Sox Philadelphia Stars
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates    
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1946

The Cincinnati–Indianapolis Clowns stopped playing in Cincinnati, Ohio and permanently played in Indianapolis, Indiana and became the Indianapolis Clowns.

1946 MLB teams & 1946 Negro League teams
AL NL NAL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Birmingham Black Barons Baltimore Elite Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers Chicago American Giants Homestead Grays
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cleveland Buckeyes New York Black Yankees
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Indianapolis Clowns New York Cubans
New York Yankees New York Giants Kansas City Monarchs Newark Eagles
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Memphis Red Sox Philadelphia Stars
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates    
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

Integration, end of Negro Major Leagues, and Relocations (1947–1960)

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1947

The Brooklyn Dodgers, Cleveland Indians, and St. Louis Browns integrated.

Team has yet to integrate †
1947 MLB teams & 1947 Negro League teams
AL NL NAL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Birmingham Black Barons Baltimore Elite Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers Chicago American Giants Homestead Grays
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cleveland Buckeyes New York Black Yankees
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Indianapolis Clowns New York Cubans
New York Yankees New York Giants Kansas City Monarchs Newark Eagles
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Memphis Red Sox Philadelphia Stars
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates    
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1948

Team has yet to integrate † Team folded after this season ^
1948 MLB teams & 1948 Negro League teams
AL NL NAL NNL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves Birmingham Black Barons Baltimore Elite Giants
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers Chicago American Giants Homestead Grays
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cleveland Buckeyes New York Black Yankees^
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds Indianapolis Clowns New York Cubans
New York Yankees New York Giants Kansas City Monarchs Newark Eagles
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Memphis Red Sox Philadelphia Stars
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates    
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1949

Team has yet to integrate †
1949 MLB teams
AL NL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds
New York Yankees New York Giants
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1950

The Boston Braves integrated.

Team has yet to integrate †
1950 MLB teams
AL NL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds
New York Yankees New York Giants
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1951

The Chicago White Sox integrated.

Team has yet to integrate †
1951 to 1952 MLB teams
AL NL
Boston Red Sox Boston Braves
Chicago White Sox Brooklyn Dodgers
Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs
Detroit Tigers Cincinnati Reds
New York Yankees New York Giants
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1953: Braves relocation to Milwaukee, and Cincinnati renaming

Team has yet to integrate †
1953 MLB teams
AL NL
Boston Red Sox Brooklyn Dodgers
Chicago White Sox Chicago Cubs
Cleveland Indians Cincinnati Redlegs
Detroit Tigers Milwaukee Braves
New York Yankees New York Giants
Philadelphia Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Browns Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1954: Browns relocation to Baltimore

Team has yet to integrate †
1954 MLB teams
AL NL
Baltimore Orioles Brooklyn Dodgers
Boston Red Sox Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox Cincinnati Redlegs
Cleveland Indians Milwaukee Braves
Detroit Tigers New York Giants
New York Yankees Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Athletics Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1955: Athletics relocation to Kansas City

Team has yet to integrate †
1955 to 1956 MLB teams
AL NL
Baltimore Orioles Brooklyn Dodgers
Boston Red Sox Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox Cincinnati Redlegs
Cleveland Indians Milwaukee Braves
Detroit Tigers New York Giants
Kansas City Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
New York Yankees Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1957

The Philadelphia Phillies integrated.

Team has yet to integrate †
1957 MLB teams
AL NL
Baltimore Orioles Brooklyn Dodgers
Boston Red Sox Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox Cincinnati Redlegs
Cleveland Indians Milwaukee Braves
Detroit Tigers New York Giants
Kansas City Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
New York Yankees Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators St. Louis Cardinals

1958: The NL exits New York for California

Team has yet to integrate †
1958 MLB teams
AL NL
Baltimore Orioles Chicago Cubs
Boston Red Sox Cincinnati Redlegs
Chicago White Sox Los Angeles Dodgers
Cleveland Indians Milwaukee Braves
Detroit Tigers Philadelphia Phillies
Kansas City Athletics Pittsburgh Pirates
New York Yankees St. Louis Cardinals
Washington Senators San Francisco Giants

1959: Cincinnati reverts back to the Reds

1959 to 1960 MLB teams
AL NL
Baltimore Orioles Chicago Cubs
Boston Red Sox Cincinnati Reds
Chicago White Sox Los Angeles Dodgers
Cleveland Indians Milwaukee Braves
Detroit Tigers Philadelphia Phillies
Kansas City Athletics Pittsburgh Pirates
New York Yankees St. Louis Cardinals
Washington Senators San Francisco Giants

First expansion (1961–1968)

1961 relocation and expansion

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1961 expansion team *
1961 MLB teams
AL NL
Baltimore Orioles Chicago Cubs
Boston Red Sox Cincinnati Reds
Chicago White Sox Los Angeles Dodgers
Cleveland Indians Milwaukee Braves
Detroit Tigers Philadelphia Phillies
Kansas City Athletics Pittsburgh Pirates
Los Angeles Angels* St. Louis Cardinals
Minnesota Twins San Francisco Giants
New York Yankees  
Washington Senators*

1962 expansion

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1962 expansion team *
1962 to 1964 MLB teams
AL NL
Baltimore Orioles Chicago Cubs
Boston Red Sox Cincinnati Reds
Chicago White Sox Houston Colt .45s*
Cleveland Indians Los Angeles Dodgers
Detroit Tigers Milwaukee Braves
Kansas City Athletics New York Mets*
Los Angeles Angels Philadelphia Phillies
Minnesota Twins Pittsburgh Pirates
New York Yankees St. Louis Cardinals
Washington Senators San Francisco Giants

1965: Houston and Angels renaming

  • The Houston Colt .45s became the Houston Astros.
  • The Los Angeles Angels became the California Angels on September 2, 1965, with 28 games left in the season.
1965 MLB teams
AL NL
Baltimore Orioles Chicago Cubs
Boston Red Sox Cincinnati Reds
California/Los Angeles Angels Houston Astros
Chicago White Sox Los Angeles Dodgers
Cleveland Indians Milwaukee Braves
Detroit Tigers New York Mets
Kansas City Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
Minnesota Twins Pittsburgh Pirates
New York Yankees St. Louis Cardinals
Washington Senators San Francisco Giants

1966: Braves relocation to Atlanta

The Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta and became the Atlanta Braves.

1966 to 1967 MLB teams
AL NL
Baltimore Orioles Atlanta Braves
Boston Red Sox Chicago Cubs
California Angels Cincinnati Reds
Chicago White Sox Houston Astros
Cleveland Indians Los Angeles Dodgers
Detroit Tigers New York Mets
Kansas City Athletics Philadelphia Phillies
Minnesota Twins Pittsburgh Pirates
New York Yankees St. Louis Cardinals
Washington Senators San Francisco Giants

1968: Athletics relocation to Oakland

The Kansas City Athletics moved to Oakland, California, and became the Oakland Athletics.

1968 MLB teams
AL NL
Baltimore Orioles Atlanta Braves
Boston Red Sox Chicago Cubs
California Angels Cincinnati Reds
Chicago White Sox Houston Astros
Cleveland Indians Los Angeles Dodgers
Detroit Tigers New York Mets
Minnesota Twins Philadelphia Phillies
New York Yankees Pittsburgh Pirates
Oakland Athletics St. Louis Cardinals
Washington Senators San Francisco Giants

Birth of division play (1969–1993)

1969 expansion and realignment

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1969 expansion team *
1969 MLB teams
AL NL
East West East West
Baltimore Orioles California Angels Chicago Cubs Atlanta Braves
Boston Red Sox Chicago White Sox Montreal Expos* Cincinnati Reds
Cleveland Indians Kansas City Royals* New York Mets Houston Astros
Detroit Tigers Minnesota Twins Philadelphia Phillies Los Angeles Dodgers
New York Yankees Oakland Athletics Pittsburgh Pirates San Diego Padres*
Washington Senators Seattle Pilots* St. Louis Cardinals San Francisco Giants

1970: Pilots relocation to Milwaukee

The Seattle Pilots moved to Milwaukee and became the Milwaukee Brewers.

1970 to 1971 MLB teams
AL NL
East West East West
Baltimore Orioles California Angels Chicago Cubs Atlanta Braves
Boston Red Sox Chicago White Sox Montreal Expos Cincinnati Reds
Cleveland Indians Kansas City Royals New York Mets Houston Astros
Detroit Tigers Milwaukee Brewers Philadelphia Phillies Los Angeles Dodgers
New York Yankees Minnesota Twins Pittsburgh Pirates San Diego Padres
Washington Senators Oakland Athletics St. Louis Cardinals San Francisco Giants

1972: Senators relocation to the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex

1972 to 1976 MLB teams
AL NL
East West East West
Baltimore Orioles California Angels Chicago Cubs Atlanta Braves
Boston Red Sox Chicago White Sox Montreal Expos Cincinnati Reds
Cleveland Indians Kansas City Royals New York Mets Houston Astros
Detroit Tigers Minnesota Twins Philadelphia Phillies Los Angeles Dodgers
Milwaukee Brewers Oakland Athletics Pittsburgh Pirates San Diego Padres
New York Yankees Texas Rangers St. Louis Cardinals San Francisco Giants

1977 expansion

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1977 expansion team *
1977 to 1992 MLB teams
AL NL
East West East West
Baltimore Orioles California Angels Chicago Cubs Atlanta Braves
Boston Red Sox Chicago White Sox Montreal Expos Cincinnati Reds
Cleveland Indians Kansas City Royals New York Mets Houston Astros
Detroit Tigers Minnesota Twins Philadelphia Phillies Los Angeles Dodgers
Milwaukee Brewers Oakland Athletics Pittsburgh Pirates San Diego Padres
New York Yankees Seattle Mariners* St. Louis Cardinals San Francisco Giants
Toronto Blue Jays* Texas Rangers  

1993 expansion

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1993 expansion team *
1993 MLB teams
AL NL
East West East West
Baltimore Orioles California Angels Chicago Cubs Atlanta Braves
Boston Red Sox Chicago White Sox Florida Marlins* Cincinnati Reds
Cleveland Indians Kansas City Royals Montreal Expos Colorado Rockies*
Detroit Tigers Minnesota Twins New York Mets Houston Astros
Milwaukee Brewers Oakland Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Los Angeles Dodgers
New York Yankees Seattle Mariners Pittsburgh Pirates San Diego Padres
Toronto Blue Jays Texas Rangers St. Louis Cardinals San Francisco Giants

Wild Card era (1994–present)

1994 realignment

MLB realigned to three divisions in each league to accommodate an expanded postseason format with a wild card team (although this new playoff format would not be fully implemented until 1995 due to a work stoppage):

  • The AL Central was formed with the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers transferring from the AL East, and the Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, and Minnesota Twins transferred from the AL West.
  • The NL Central was formed with the Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, and St. Louis Cardinals transferring from the NL East, and the Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros transferred from the NL West.
  • The Atlanta Braves transferred to the NL East.
1994 to 1996 MLB teams
AL NL
East Central West East Central West
Baltimore Orioles Chicago White Sox California Angels Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Colorado Rockies
Boston Red Sox Cleveland Indians Oakland Athletics Florida Marlins Cincinnati Reds Los Angeles Dodgers
Detroit Tigers Kansas City Royals Seattle Mariners Montreal Expos Houston Astros San Diego Padres
New York Yankees Milwaukee Brewers Texas Rangers New York Mets Pittsburgh Pirates San Francisco Giants
Toronto Blue Jays Minnesota Twins   Philadelphia Phillies St. Louis Cardinals  

1997: Angels renaming

The California Angels became the Anaheim Angels.

1997 MLB teams
AL NL
East Central West East Central West
Baltimore Orioles Chicago White Sox Anaheim Angels Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Colorado Rockies
Boston Red Sox Cleveland Indians Oakland Athletics Florida Marlins Cincinnati Reds Los Angeles Dodgers
Detroit Tigers Kansas City Royals Seattle Mariners Montreal Expos Houston Astros San Diego Padres
New York Yankees Milwaukee Brewers Texas Rangers New York Mets Pittsburgh Pirates San Francisco Giants
Toronto Blue Jays Minnesota Twins   Philadelphia Phillies St. Louis Cardinals  

1998 expansion

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  • The Arizona Diamondbacks joined the NL West.
  • The Tampa Bay Devil Rays joined the AL East.
  • The Detroit Tigers transferred to the AL Central.
  • In order to primarily continue intraleague play, the Milwaukee Brewers transferred to the NL Central so both leagues would have an even number of teams.
1998 expansion team *
1998 to 2004 MLB teams
AL NL
East Central West East Central West
Baltimore Orioles Chicago White Sox Anaheim Angels Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Arizona Diamondbacks*
Boston Red Sox Cleveland Indians Oakland Athletics Florida Marlins Cincinnati Reds Colorado Rockies
New York Yankees Detroit Tigers Seattle Mariners Montreal Expos Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers
Tampa Bay Devil Rays* Kansas City Royals Texas Rangers New York Mets Milwaukee Brewers San Diego Padres
Toronto Blue Jays Minnesota Twins   Philadelphia Phillies Pittsburgh Pirates San Francisco Giants
  St. Louis Cardinals  

2005: Expos relocation and Angels renaming

2005 to 2007 MLB teams
AL NL
East Central West East Central West
Baltimore Orioles Chicago White Sox Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Arizona Diamondbacks
Boston Red Sox Cleveland Indians Oakland Athletics Florida Marlins Cincinnati Reds Colorado Rockies
New York Yankees Detroit Tigers Seattle Mariners New York Mets Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers
Tampa Bay Devil Rays Kansas City Royals Texas Rangers Philadelphia Phillies Milwaukee Brewers San Diego Padres
Toronto Blue Jays Minnesota Twins   Washington Nationals Pittsburgh Pirates San Francisco Giants
  St. Louis Cardinals  

2008: Tampa Bay renaming

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays became the Tampa Bay Rays.

2008 to 2011 MLB teams
AL NL
East Central West East Central West
Baltimore Orioles Chicago White Sox Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Arizona Diamondbacks
Boston Red Sox Cleveland Indians Oakland Athletics Florida Marlins Cincinnati Reds Colorado Rockies
New York Yankees Detroit Tigers Seattle Mariners New York Mets Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers
Tampa Bay Rays Kansas City Royals Texas Rangers Philadelphia Phillies Milwaukee Brewers San Diego Padres
Toronto Blue Jays Minnesota Twins   Washington Nationals Pittsburgh Pirates San Francisco Giants
  St. Louis Cardinals  

2012: Marlins renaming

The Florida Marlins became the Miami Marlins.

2012 MLB teams
AL NL
East Central West East Central West
Baltimore Orioles Chicago White Sox Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Arizona Diamondbacks
Boston Red Sox Cleveland Indians Oakland Athletics Miami Marlins Cincinnati Reds Colorado Rockies
New York Yankees Detroit Tigers Seattle Mariners New York Mets Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers
Tampa Bay Rays Kansas City Royals Texas Rangers Philadelphia Phillies Milwaukee Brewers San Diego Padres
Toronto Blue Jays Minnesota Twins   Washington Nationals Pittsburgh Pirates San Francisco Giants
  St. Louis Cardinals  

2013: Astros switch leagues

With interleague play expanded to occur throughout the season, the Houston Astros transferred to the AL West to accommodate each league with 15 clubs apiece.

2013 to 2015 MLB teams
AL NL
East Central West East Central West
Baltimore Orioles Chicago White Sox Houston Astros Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Arizona Diamondbacks
Boston Red Sox Cleveland Indians Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Miami Marlins Cincinnati Reds Colorado Rockies
New York Yankees Detroit Tigers Oakland Athletics New York Mets Milwaukee Brewers Los Angeles Dodgers
Tampa Bay Rays Kansas City Royals Seattle Mariners Philadelphia Phillies Pittsburgh Pirates San Diego Padres
Toronto Blue Jays Minnesota Twins Texas Rangers Washington Nationals St. Louis Cardinals San Francisco Giants

2016: Angels renaming

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim became the Los Angeles Angels.

2016 to 2021 MLB teams
AL NL
East Central West East Central West
Baltimore Orioles Chicago White Sox Houston Astros Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Arizona Diamondbacks
Boston Red Sox Cleveland Indians Los Angeles Angels Miami Marlins Cincinnati Reds Colorado Rockies
New York Yankees Detroit Tigers Oakland Athletics New York Mets Milwaukee Brewers Los Angeles Dodgers
Tampa Bay Rays Kansas City Royals Seattle Mariners Philadelphia Phillies Pittsburgh Pirates San Diego Padres
Toronto Blue Jays Minnesota Twins Texas Rangers Washington Nationals St. Louis Cardinals San Francisco Giants

2022: Cleveland renaming

The Cleveland Indians became the Cleveland Guardians.

2022 to the present MLB teams
AL NL
East Central West East Central West
Baltimore Orioles Chicago White Sox Houston Astros Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Arizona Diamondbacks
Boston Red Sox Cleveland Guardians Los Angeles Angels Miami Marlins Cincinnati Reds Colorado Rockies
New York Yankees Detroit Tigers Oakland Athletics New York Mets Milwaukee Brewers Los Angeles Dodgers
Tampa Bay Rays Kansas City Royals Seattle Mariners Philadelphia Phillies Pittsburgh Pirates San Diego Padres
Toronto Blue Jays Minnesota Twins Texas Rangers Washington Nationals St. Louis Cardinals San Francisco Giants

See also

References

  1. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. According to the National League's 1877 Constitution, the member clubs were given as "Boston B. B. Club, Chicago B. B. Club, Cincinnati B. B. Club, Hartford B. B. Club, Louisville B. B. Club, St. Louis B. B. Club." Constitution and Playing Rules of the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs. Chicago, A. G. Spalding 1877.