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The highest level of baseball played in Canada and United States is popularly known as Major League Baseball. It consists of teams belonging to the National League and the American League. National League is the oldest professional team sport league in the world and was founded in the year 1876. The American League, on the other hand was founded in the year 1901, some 25 years after National League. The two leagues came together in the year 1903 to organize World Series and have conducted the same every single year since then. Out of 106 World Series played till date, 44 have been won by National League teams while balance 62 by American League Teams. The New York Yankees of American League have 27 World Series titles to their name - the most by any team. They are followed by St. Louis Cardinals of National League with 10 wins while Oakland Athletics come in at number three with nine wins. While American League consists of 14 teams, 16 teams play in the National League. Each league is further divided into three parts – west, center and east. For a period of about five decades, between 1903 and 1953, there were eight teams in each of the two leagues and all the teams were located in just 10 cities. While New York City had three teams, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and St. Lewis had two each. Before the start of a regular season, spring training is organized where a series of practice and exhibition matches are played. It basically serves two purposes. One, it allows players some time in the field so that they can practice and get ready for the regular season. Two, it also allows new players to show off their skills and potential and be considered in the existing team. Another important thing to know is that spring training is organized during the spring break of most colleges. Thus, it has always attracted big crowds who travel to enjoy warm weather and watch their favorite team play. The spring training season lasts for about two months from around mid February to mid August it ends at the time when the regular season starts. In present time, 162 games are played by each team in a Major League Baseball season. The regular season stretches for about six months, starting from first Sunday in April till first Sunday in October. Each team generally plays for six days in a week with either Monday or Tuesday being an off day. During vacation months – June, July and August, more day games are played while during other time, more night games are played. The teams compete to secure one of the four playoff berths in their league. This can either be done by winning their division or by securing a wild card spot. Just after mid-season, an exhibition game is played between a team consisting of players from National League and a team consisting of players from American League. Eight teams go in for post season, six being division winners while 2 wild card entrants. A series of matches are played to determine the winner. Top 3 teams from each league constitute the division winners. Major League Baseball is really popular among Baseball fans is generating good revenue as well. As per statistics, the revenue generated for the year 2009 was $6.6 billion and is sure to rise in near future. Alexandru Bobica is an author, business owner, and social media promoter. In addition to running TheBros, an internet marketing company he also creates niche sites about diverse topics such as bamboo flooring.
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