The first game in the history of the National League was played at the Jefferson Street Grounds in Philadelphia. This game is often pointed to as the beginning of the MLB.

The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, often simply referred to as the National League (NL), holds a distinguished place in sports history as the older of the two formidable leagues that together form Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States and Canada. More impressively, it stands as the world's oldest continuously operating professional team sports league, a testament to its enduring legacy and foundational role in the sport. Its inception on February 2, 1876, marked a significant turning point, as it was established to succeed the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players (NAPBBP) which operated from 1871 to 1875, commonly known as the "National Association." Due to its venerable age, the NL is affectionately known as the "Senior Circuit," a title that highlights its seniority compared to MLB's other prominent league, the American League (AL), which emerged 25 years later and is consequently dubbed the "Junior Circuit."

Currently, both the National League and the American League are composed of 15 teams each, totaling 30 professional clubs under the MLB umbrella. This balanced structure, however, was not always the case. The early 20th century saw a period of intense rivalry and conflict between the two leagues, often described as a "baseball war," which spanned from 1901 to 1902. This contentious era eventually gave way to a historic "peace pact." Under this groundbreaking agreement, both eight-team leagues formally recognized each other as legitimate "major leagues," establishing a framework for cooperation rather than competition. This pact also introduced crucial rules governing player contracts, effectively prohibiting the "raiding" of players between teams and regulating relationships with minor league and lower-level clubs to ensure a more organized talent pipeline. A symbolic gesture of this newfound accord was the establishment of a team from each league in New York City, then as now the nation's largest metropolis, solidifying baseball's presence in a key market. More significantly, the agreement laid the groundwork for a new professional baseball championship tournament. The champions of the 1903 seasons from both leagues arranged to compete against each other in what would become the inaugural World Series that autumn, building upon similar national series held in previous decades since the 1880s. While the initial World Series in 1903 was a success, the champions of 1904 failed to reach a similar agreement. Learning from this, the two leagues formalized the new World Series tournament, making it an annual fixture beginning in 1905, establishing it as an enduring arrangement between the leagues themselves. Over its extensive history, National League teams have collectively claimed victory in 51 of the 117 World Series championships contested between 1903 and 2021, showcasing their competitive spirit and rich tradition.

Major League Baseball (MLB) itself stands as a preeminent professional baseball organization, not only serving as the pinnacle of the sport in North America but also holding the distinction of being the oldest major professional sports league in the entire world. As of 2022, MLB comprises 30 teams: 15 within the National League and 15 within the American League. These teams are predominantly located in the United States, with 29 franchises, while one proudly represents Canada. While the NL was founded in 1876 and the AL in 1901, they operated as legally separate entities for many years despite their cooperative "National Agreement" signed in 1903. This distinction persisted until 2000, when they officially merged into a single, unified organization led by the Commissioner of Baseball, streamlining operations and governance. MLB's central operations are headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

The roots of professional baseball run deep, with the sport's first openly all-professional team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, emerging in 1869. Prior to this, though, a more clandestine form of professionalism existed, with some teams secretly compensating certain players. The initial decades of professional baseball were characterized by fervent rivalries between different leagues and a dynamic player market where athletes frequently moved between teams or even entire leagues, chasing better opportunities. The period leading up to 1920 is historically known as the "dead-ball era," a time when home runs were a rare spectacle, and games were often won through strategic small ball, pitching dominance, and defensive prowess. Professional baseball faced one of its most severe challenges with the infamous Black Sox Scandal, a conspiracy to intentionally lose the 1919 World Series, which cast a dark shadow over the sport's integrity. However, baseball demonstrated remarkable resilience, experiencing a surge in popularity throughout the Roaring Twenties and successfully navigating potential downturns during the economic hardships of the Great Depression and the global conflict of World War II. Shortly after the war's conclusion, the sport witnessed a monumental moment in its social history when Jackie Robinson courageously broke baseball's long-standing color barrier in 1947, forever changing the face of the game and American society.

The mid-20th century, specifically the 1950s and 1960s, ushered in an era of significant club expansion and relocation for both the American and National Leagues, reflecting demographic shifts and growing interest across the continent. The 1970s and 1980s saw further transformations, particularly with the advent of modern stadiums featuring artificial turf surfaces, which began to subtly alter the game's pace and style. The 1990s became synonymous with the "home run era," as offensive power dominated the game, leading to record-breaking statistical achievements. However, this period of offensive explosion eventually gave way to a darker chapter in the mid-2000s, when media reports increasingly disclosed the widespread use of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing substances among MLB players. This culminated in a major investigation in 2006, which produced the comprehensive Mitchell Report, implicating numerous players, including at least one from every team, in the use of these substances and sparking a concerted effort to clean up the sport.

In the contemporary MLB season, each team endures a demanding 162-game regular schedule. Following this grueling period, six teams from each league advance to a thrilling four-round postseason tournament. This intense competition culminates in the World Series, a best-of-seven championship series between the two victorious league champions, a tradition that proudly dates back to 1903. Baseball games, with their unique blend of tradition and excitement, are extensively broadcast on television, radio, and the Internet, reaching audiences throughout North America and in several other countries, cementing its global appeal. MLB boasts the highest total season attendance of any professional sports league in the world, attracting more than 69.6 million spectators in 2018, underscoring its immense popularity and community engagement. Beyond its major league operations, MLB also plays a vital role in developing future talent by overseeing Minor League Baseball, a comprehensive system of lower-tier teams affiliated with the major league clubs. Furthermore, MLB collaborates with the World Baseball Softball Confederation to jointly manage the international World Baseball Classic tournament, showcasing the sport on a global stage.

From a financial perspective, Major League Baseball stands as the second-wealthiest professional sports league globally by revenue, a testament to its robust business model, dedicated fan base, and powerful brand, trailing only the National Football League (NFL) in this regard.

Frequently Asked Questions About Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National League (NL)

What is the National League (NL)?
The National League, often called the "Senior Circuit," is one of the two primary leagues that constitute Major League Baseball (MLB). Founded on February 2, 1876, it is the older of the two leagues and holds the distinction of being the world's oldest extant professional team sports league.
When was the National League founded?
The National League was founded on February 2, 1876, replacing the earlier National Association of Professional Base Ball Players (NAPBBP).
How many teams are in the National League?
As of 2022, there are 15 teams in the National League.
What is the difference between the National League and the American League?
Historically, the main difference was the National League's longer existence ("Senior Circuit" vs. "Junior Circuit") and different playing rules, particularly the absence of the designated hitter (DH) rule in the NL for many decades, which the AL adopted. While the DH rule has recently been adopted by both leagues, their historical identities and rivalries remain distinct. They are the two constituent leagues of Major League Baseball.
What is the World Series?
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, a best-of-seven contest played between the champion teams of the National League and the American League. It first began in 1903.
When did the National League and American League merge?
While they cooperated under the "National Agreement" since 1903, the National League and American League officially merged into a single organization, led by the Commissioner of Baseball, in 2000. Before that, they remained legally separate entities.
What is Major League Baseball (MLB)?
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada. It is the oldest major professional sports league in the world, comprising 30 teams across its two leagues, the National League (NL) and the American League (AL).
Who was Jackie Robinson and why is he important?
Jackie Robinson was a groundbreaking American professional baseball player who, in 1947, famously broke baseball's color barrier by becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. His courage and talent paved the way for other African American athletes and significantly advanced the civil rights movement.
What was the "dead-ball era"?
The "dead-ball era" refers to the period in professional baseball, primarily before 1920, characterized by low-scoring games, fewer home runs, and a strategic emphasis on pitching, defense, and "small ball" tactics like bunts and stolen bases. The baseballs used during this era were thought to be less lively, hence the name.
What was the Black Sox Scandal?
The Black Sox Scandal was a major controversy in 1919 when several players from the Chicago White Sox conspired with gamblers to intentionally lose the World Series. The scandal led to the permanent banishment of eight players from baseball, including "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, and significantly tarnished the sport's reputation.
What was the Mitchell Report?
The Mitchell Report was a comprehensive report released in 2007, following an investigation led by former U.S. Senator George J. Mitchell, into the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in Major League Baseball. It implicated many high-profile players and led to significant changes in MLB's drug testing policies and penalties.