"In 1901, the American League declared itself a competitor to the NL, jumping up from its minor league status (where it had been called the Western League). The two leagues agreed to play a World Series in 1903, and for the next 90-odd years the leagues served as heated rivals. The NL's dominance in the All-Star Game from 1963 to 1982 -- it won 19 of the 20 contests -- was offered as proof of its superiority, certainly by its players and fans."
"Now, 150 years later, with a labor battle looming as the current collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1, it's possible that when a new agreement is reached, MLB could look different. After all, commissioner Rob Manfred has already suggested realignment along geographic lines -- though that's more likely to happen when the sport expands. So, entering the 2026 season, and with the Los Angeles Dodgers now chasing a third consecutive World Series title,"
William Hulbert organized the National League on Feb. 2, 1876, creating the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs to improve professional baseball's business model. The National League grew from the National Association of Baseball Players (1871–1875), which suffered competitive imbalance and small-market financial failures. The American League rose to major-league status in 1901 and formed the World Series agreement with the NL in 1903, sparking decades of rivalry. The NL dominated the All-Star Game from 1963–1982 and differences persisted through separate presidents, umpires and the designated hitter introduced in 1973. With the collective bargaining agreement set to expire and realignment suggested, MLB structure could change as the Dodgers pursue another title.
Read at ESPN.com
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