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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between American and National League?

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The main difference between the American League (AL) and the National League (NL) in Major League Baseball (MLB) historically was the use of the Designated Hitter (DH) rule. The DH is a player who bats for the pitcher, allowing the pitcher to focus on pitching without having to bat or play defense. The AL used the DH rule, while the NL did not, requiring pitchers to bat and play defense. This difference led to distinct game strategies and player statistics between the two leagues.

However, following the new Collective Bargaining Agreement signed in 2022, the NL also adopted the DH rule, eliminating the main rule difference between the two leagues. Both leagues now use the DH rule, making the main differences between them mostly historical and related to team rosters and regional distinctions.

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  • What is the Difference Between American and National League?
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    • Comparative Table: American vs National League

    The American League (AL) and National League (NL) are the two leagues that make up Major League Baseball (MLB). While they share many similarities, there are some key differences between them:

    Feature American League National League
    Designated Hitter (DH) AL teams have a designated hitter, a player who bats in place of the pitcher and does not play in the field NL teams do not have a designated hitter, requiring pitchers to bat
    Scoring AL teams generally score more runs per game (RPG) than NL teams NL teams tend to score fewer runs per game compared to AL teams
    Power Hitting AL has been considered the more powerful league in terms of hitting, particularly since the introduction of the DH in 1973 NL has been thought of as having less power hitting compared to the AL, although the difference has decreased over time
    Competitiveness The best AL teams are considered better than the best NL teams, and the worst AL teams are worse than the worst NL teams, making the NL more competitive

    These differences can impact the style of play and strategy used by teams in each league. Some fans and analysts argue that the AL is generally more powerful and offense-oriented, while the NL is more focused on pitching and defense. However, it is essential to note that these differences do not guarantee that one league is superior to the other, as the level of competition and team performances can vary from year to year.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.