American League

Definition of American League as it relates to Sports, Major League Baseball, Sports American League, MLB, Baseball

The American League is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States and Canada, the other being the National League. Established in 1901, the American League consists of 15 teams divided into three geographical divisions: East, Central, and West. Each team plays a 162-game schedule during the regular season, with the top performers from each division advancing to the postseason playoffs. The league is known for its designated hitter rule, which allows a batter to be replaced by a pinch hitter without removing the pitcher from the game. This rule sets it apart from the National League, where the pitcher must also bat. The American League's champion team meets the National League's champion in the World Series, a best-of-seven championship series to determine the overall MLB champion.

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