By Edwin Escolero—
Major League Baseball is a major pastime celebrated in the U.S. and around the world. As the autumn wind signals the end of summer, it also syncs with the start of MLB playoffs.
The annual MLB championship, the World Series, assembles the two teams that have proven themselves, triumphant in their own leagues and pits them both against each other for the chance to win The Commissioner’s Trophy. A landmark for the MLB was in 1903 which was the start of the World Series that fans continue to revel in today.
An exact date of conception for the MLB remains disputed; many claim it to be traced back to England during the Tudor Period where it was known as “The Game of Rounders.”
The mechanics of the game would be circulated in print in 1828 in The Boy’s Own Book by William Clarke, while early allusions to “Base-Ball” were found in John Newbery’s children’s alphabet rhyme book, A Little Pretty Pocket-Book which was released in 1744.
The role of modern baseball was shifted into the arena, starting from its humble origin which dates back to 1845 thanks to a group known as the Knickerbockers Club, named after a NY fire department engine company. Through the efforts of this group the first baseball team was born, the NY Knickerbockers.
Alexander Joy Cartwright, Jr. a key member of the group who helped set the “Knickerbockers Rules” which was the template for baseball regulations that is adhered today.
Like aged wine the antiquated sport has stood the test of time through the testimony of its fan base.
The alpha league that existed unopposed in 1876 was the National League. It wasn’t until 1900 that the American League would rise to challenge the NL’s monopoly over the baseball associations. The greenhorn league’s motivation, capital reserve and structure have enabled it to stand against the NL.
October is the culmination of the 162-game season. This is when diehard fans can watch two worlds collide, the AL and the NL. Only eight teams make it to the MLB postseason tournament where their wooden bats will clash against the stitched leather to avoid elimination.
MLB playoffs not only pair the leagues against each other, it also acts as a venue for fans of respective leagues like a United Nations for baseball aficionados.
These leagues operate independently from each other. Adding to the fiery atmosphere of MLB playoffs only four teams from each league are given the chance to vie for victory in the World Series.
Anticipations of a homerun and the chance to catch a foul ball bring fans flocking to the grassy field encompassed by the modern coliseum.
The playoffs not only showcase the prowess of the top players, it crowns the champions of the World Series and grants them immorality through their place in history books of baseball.
