Only a small number of college baseball players make it to the Major Leagues. The best teams compete in the World Series in October.

The Fall Classic 

The World Series began in 1903. Two rival baseball leagues met head-to-head. The National League (NL) was founded in 1876. The American League (AL) started as a minor league association. It declared itself a major league in 1901. Each league has 15 teams. Both leagues have divisions based on U.S. regions: East, Central, and West. One final winner comes from each league. Those two compete in the World Series in the fall of each year. The Boston Americans won in 1903. (They are now the Boston Red Sox.)

Say Hey and the Hammer

George Herman “Babe” Ruth may be the best baseball player of all time. Two legends rank close behind. 

Willie Mays joined the New York Giants in 1951. He earned fame for his way of catching balls. He let them drop into his glove, rather than snagging them with both hands held high. That move is called a “basket catch.” He returned to the Giants after two years in the Army. He led the league in hitting. Mr. Mays often greeted people with a friendly, “Hey!” Folks dubbed him “The Say Hey Kid.” He turned his back on a long hit, ran hard, and caught the ball after it came over his shoulder for a stunning out in 1954. That feat helped the New York Giants win the World Series. His career home run total was 660. 

Hank Aaron signed with the Milwaukee Braves in 1952. He helped them win the World Series in 1957. (The team is now the Atlanta Braves.) Mr. Aaron hit his 715th career home run in 1974. That beat Babe Ruth’s record of 714. Hammerin’ Hank finished with 755 total homers. He helped 2,297 players score. That is the highest RBI (runs batted in) of all time. Mr. Aaron founded the Chasing the Dream Foundation. It gives scholarships to needy students.  

Recommended Reading: For more about baseball, read Jackie & Me by Dan Gutman.