The middle of the 19th century witnessed the invention of the great American game of baseball, with early teams playing for one dominating league. The National League had a monopoly on professional baseball starting in 1879 until the formation of the Western League, which officially changed its name to the American League in 1901.
Early Years
The former Western League was well known for its baseball coverage of midwestern cities in the United States. This all changed in 1900, according to Sports-Know-How.com, when the Western League branched out into new territory, taking on much of the area controlled by the National League. Formally becoming the American League in 1901, league founder Charles Comiskey officially set up league headquarters in Minnesota, moving it to Chicago within the first few years. Players would constantly change leagues as the need suited them, playing one season for the National League and then moving to the American League to increase playing time.
World Series
In 1903, the National and American Leagues agreed to send their best teams to compete face to face in the World Series. This World Series was the first in recorded history, pitting the American League's Boston Americans against the National League's Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Kidzworld.com. With a final score of 5-3, the Boston Americans became the first-ever World Series champions. Since then, the World Series has been played yearly--except for 1994 when a player's strike canceled it.
Late 20th Century
In 1997, the World Series was no longer the only time an American League and National League team would face each other in regulation play. Inter-league regular-season games were implemented, pitting American League teams against National League teams. Unlike the All-Star game, the midsummer exhibition that pits the A.L.'s best against the N.L.'s best, these inter-league games counted in the standings. In 1973, the American League made another historical change with the advent of the designated hitter. From that point on, no pitcher would be allowed to bat in an American League game. The theory was that the DH would increase offense and make the games more exciting, but the National League didn't follow suit, keeping its pitchers in the lineup.
Outstanding Teams
The American League has boasted many teams over the years that have showed exceptional talent, with the New York Yankees winning more World Series championships than any other team. The American League has had more than its share of historical players, such as Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams and many more.
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