[Source: Sports Illustrated]
Baseball has been one of America’s most traditional and longest lasting sports. Throughout its history starting from the early 20th century to now, many fans passionately support their club and team throughout the season. Then, if their teams make to the playoffs in October, they are especially more hopeful and excited to root for their team.
With the regular baseball season coming to a close, the start of The MLB postseason is highly anticipated and teams and fans are both gearing up respectively. But what exactly is the MLB Postseason and how does it all work? For those fans new and old, here is how it all goes down. The MLB Postseason usually starts in October with 5 teams from each league – The American League and National League – competing to win it all in the World Series.
First, the playoffs begin when the four wild card teams from each league face off against each other in their own leagues to see who advances to the next round. In the Wild Cards, the number 4 and number 5 seeds play in a winner-takes-all game.
The next round is the American League Division Series and National League Division Series. This is where the number 2 and number 3 seeds play against each other while the winner from each of the Wild Card games face off against the number 1 seed from each conference. The two teams play in a best out of 5 game series with the winner of the series advancing to the conference finals.
[Source: Printable Team Schedules]
After the semi-finals, comes the grand World Series. This is where the top two teams who survived each of the previous rounds face-off in an epic best out of 7 game series against each other. These games are the highlight of the MLB Postseason and many fans make their predictions as they fervently watch to see what happens.
For many of these sports fans, the World Series is an event that is a must see and an instant classic. Through the years, there have been many memorable events, like the Los Angeles Dodgers almost taking it all last year, dynasties like the Chicago White Sox breaking what they considered to be a curse in years past, and rivalries, such as the New York Yankees vs. The Boston Red Sox. This year with unexpected teams swooping in to possibly take the title, it is looking to be yet another exciting MLB Postseason.
Jonathan Chun, Grade 9
West Ranch High School
