Baseball
MLB rules, records and players.
104 guides, records and explainers.
Records & Money
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Most Home Runs by a Team in a Season
The 2019 Minnesota Twins hit 307 home runs, the MLB team single-season record, edging the 2019 Yankees' 306. The full table.
The 30-30 Club in MLB (History and Members)
The MLB 30-30 club is hitters with 30 home runs and 30 steals in a season. Ken Williams did it first in 1922; the Bonds hold the record with five each.
The 3,000-Hit Club in MLB (Every Member)
Pete Rose leads all hitters with 4,256, and 33 players have reached 3,000 career hits. The top of the list plus recent inductees, explained.
The 500 Home Run Club (MLB)
Only 28 players have hit 500 career home runs. Barry Bonds leads with 762. The full 500 home run club list and why the milestone still matters.
Longest Hitting Streak in MLB History
Joe DiMaggio holds the record with a 56-game hitting streak in 1941. Full leaderboard of the longest streaks and why the record is considered unbreakable.
MLB Rookie of the Year Winners (Recent List)
Paul Skenes and Luis Gil won the 2024 MLB Rookie of the Year awards. Recent winners in both leagues, plus the Jackie Robinson history behind the trophy.
Most Consecutive Games Played in MLB History
Cal Ripken Jr. played 2,632 consecutive MLB games from 1982 to 1998, breaking Lou Gehrig's 2,130. The full leaderboard and why the record is unbreakable.
Most Home Runs by a Catcher in MLB History
Mike Piazza holds the record with 396 home runs as a catcher. Full leaderboard and what the 'as a catcher' qualifier means for the record explained.
Most Home Runs by a Shortstop
Cal Ripken Jr. hit the most home runs while playing shortstop, with 353. The full leaderboard of home runs at the shortstop position, explained.
Who Is the Youngest Cy Young Winner?
Dwight Gooden is the youngest Cy Young winner, taking the 1985 NL award at age 20. The full list of the youngest Cy Young Award winners, explained.
The 40-40 Club in MLB (Every Member)
Only six MLB players have hit 40 home runs and stolen 40 bases in a season. The full 40-40 club list, from Jose Canseco to Shohei Ohtani, explained.
Best Regular-Season Record in MLB History
The 1906 Cubs' .763 win rate is the best in MLB history; the 2001 Mariners' 116 wins are the most. The full leaderboard, explained.
The Fastest Pitch in MLB History
Aroldis Chapman threw the fastest pitch in MLB history at 105.8 mph in 2010. The full leaderboard of the hardest throwers ever, explained.
The Longest Games in MLB History
The longest MLB game by innings was a 26-inning tie between Brooklyn and Boston in 1920. The full leaderboard of baseball's marathons.
The Longest Home Run Ever Hit
Mickey Mantle's 565-foot blast in 1953 is the most famous longest home run ever. Statcast's verified record is 505 feet. The full story.
Longest Losing Streaks in MLB History
The 1889 Louisville Colonels lost 26 straight, the longest losing streak in MLB history. The full list, from the Colonels to the 1961 Phillies, explained.
Longest Winning Streaks in MLB History
The 1916 Giants won 26 straight, the longest winning streak in MLB history. The full list, from the Giants to the 2017 Indians, explained.
Most Cy Young Awards Won
Roger Clemens holds the MLB record with seven Cy Young Awards. The full leaderboard of baseball's most decorated pitchers, explained.
Most Gold Gloves Won in MLB
Greg Maddux won 18 Gold Gloves, the most in MLB history. Brooks Robinson leads position players with 16. The full leaderboard, explained.
Most Grand Slams in MLB History
Alex Rodriguez holds the MLB record with 25 career grand slams, ahead of Lou Gehrig's 23. The full leaderboard of slam kings, explained.
Most Hits in MLB History
Pete Rose collected 4,256 career hits, the most in MLB history. The full leaderboard of baseball's all-time hit kings, explained.
Most Home Runs of All Time (MLB)
Barry Bonds hit 762 career home runs, the most in MLB history. The full leaderboard of baseball's all-time home run leaders, explained.
Most Losses in MLB History (Pitchers)
Cy Young holds the MLB record with 316 career losses, the same pitcher who also holds the record for 511 wins. The full leaderboard, explained.
Most MLB MVP Awards Won
Barry Bonds holds the MLB record with seven MVP awards. The full leaderboard of baseball's most decorated MVP winners, explained.
Most No-Hitters Thrown (MLB)
Nolan Ryan holds the MLB record with 7 career no-hitters, three more than anyone else. The full leaderboard of no-hit pitchers, explained.
Most RBIs of All Time (MLB)
Hank Aaron drove in 2,297 runs, the most in MLB history. The full leaderboard of baseball's all-time RBI leaders, explained.
Most Runs in a Single MLB Game
The Texas Rangers scored 30 runs in one game in 2007, the modern MLB record. The full leaderboard of the highest-scoring MLB games ever.
Most Saves in MLB History
Mariano Rivera recorded 652 saves, the most in MLB history. The full leaderboard of baseball's all-time save leaders, explained.
Most Stolen Bases of All Time (MLB)
Rickey Henderson stole 1,406 bases, the most in MLB history. The full leaderboard of baseball's all-time base-stealers, explained.
Most Career Strikeouts by a Pitcher
Nolan Ryan struck out 5,714 batters, the most in MLB history. The full leaderboard of baseball's all-time strikeout kings, explained.
The Winningest Managers in MLB History
Connie Mack holds the record with 3,731 wins as an MLB manager, far ahead of Tony La Russa's 2,902. The full leaderboard, explained.
Most World Series Wins by a Team
The New York Yankees have won the most World Series titles with 27. The full leaderboard of MLB's most successful franchises, explained.
Worst Record in MLB History
The 1899 Cleveland Spiders went 20-134, the worst record in MLB history. The full list of futility, from the Spiders to the 2024 White Sox, explained.
Most Home Runs in a Season
Barry Bonds holds the MLB single-season home run record with 73 in 2001. The full list, the honest steroid-era context, and the pre-1947 caveat explained.
Explainer
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Baseball Terminology Glossary: Every Key Term Explained
A complete baseball terminology glossary covering hitting, pitching, fielding, baserunning, and scoring terms every fan needs to know.
Baseball Umpire Signals Explained: Safe, Out, Strike, Fair, and More
Baseball umpire signals explained: safe, out, strike, ball, foul, fair, home run, infield fly, time, and count gestures with meanings.
How to Read a Baseball Box Score: A Line-by-Line Guide
Learn how to read a baseball box score: the line score, batting lines (AB, R, H, RBI), pitching lines (IP, ER, ERA), and every abbreviation decoded.
Slider vs Curveball: Grip, Spin, and Movement Compared
Slider vs curveball compared: grip, spin axis, velocity, and movement shape, plus a table showing exactly how to tell the two pitches apart.
How Do the MLB Playoffs Work? (12-Team Format)
The MLB playoffs are a 12-team bracket: six per league — three division winners and three wild cards — through the Wild Card Series, Division Series, LCS and World Series.
How Does the MLB Wild Card Work?
MLB's wild card gives each league three playoff berths to the best non-division winners. The lower seeds meet in a best-of-three Wild Card Series.
Types of Pitches in Baseball: The Complete Guide
The main types of pitches in baseball are the fastball, sinker, cutter, slider, curveball, changeup, splitter and knuckleball. See how each grip, speed and movement works.
What Is the Designated Hitter (DH) in Baseball?
The designated hitter bats in place of the pitcher and never plays the field. Since 2022 the universal DH applies in both the American and National Leagues.
Does MLB Have a Salary Cap? No — Here's Why
MLB has no salary cap. Instead it uses a competitive balance (luxury) tax to slow big spenders, which is why baseball payrolls vary more than any major US league.
What Does DFA Mean in Baseball? Explained
DFA in baseball means designated for assignment: the player is removed from the 40-man roster, and the team has seven days to trade, waive, or release him.
What Is a Bullpen Game in Baseball?
What is a bullpen game? A team uses a chain of relief pitchers instead of a starter. Why it happens, how the win is decided, and if it works.
What Is a Cycle in Baseball? Rarity and Records
A cycle in baseball is one single, one double, one triple and one home run by the same batter in a single game. How rare it is, plus records.
What Is the Mendoza Line in Baseball?
The Mendoza Line is a .200 batting average, the informal benchmark for poor hitting in baseball. Its origin, meaning and use beyond sport, explained.
What Is Tommy John Surgery?
Tommy John surgery rebuilds a pitcher's torn elbow ligament with a tendon graft. Why pitchers need it, recovery time, and whether they throw harder after.
What Is WAR in Baseball? Explained
WAR in baseball is wins above replacement: how many wins a player adds versus a replacement-level fill-in. What a good WAR is, records, and bWAR vs fWAR.
What Is WHIP in Baseball? Good WHIP Explained
WHIP in baseball is walks plus hits per inning pitched. What counts as a good WHIP, the record holders, and how WHIP compares to ERA.
What Does OPS Mean in Baseball?
OPS in baseball means on-base plus slugging: a hitter's OBP added to their SLG. What counts as a good OPS, plus how OPS+ adjusts for park and league.
Highest-Paid MLB Players: Total Value vs AAV in 2026
The highest-paid MLB players in 2026: Juan Soto's $765m tops total value, Kyle Tucker's $60m sets the AAV record, and Ohtani's deal leads neither.
Ideal Attack Angle in Baseball: What It Is and Why It Matters
The ideal attack angle in baseball is generally 10 to 15 degrees upward through the zone, matching the pitch plane to lift the ball for extra bases.
Rules & How It Works
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Baseball Positions by Number: The Complete 1-9 Guide
Baseball positions by number run 1-9: pitcher, catcher, first base, second, third, shortstop, left, center, right field. Full scorekeeping guide.
How Many Innings Are in a Baseball Game? (9 in MLB)
A baseball game has nine innings in MLB, the minors, and college. High school plays seven and Little League six. Here's every level, plus how long games last.
What Is a Bunt in Baseball? Types, Rules & Strategy Explained
A bunt in baseball is a ball tapped softly with the bat, not swung at. Learn bunt types, rules, sacrifice bunts, drag bunts, and squeeze plays.
What Is a Can of Corn in Baseball? Meaning, Origin & Examples
A can of corn in baseball is an easy, high fly ball a fielder catches without moving much. Learn the term's grocery-store origin and how it's used.
What Is a Double Play in Baseball? Rules, Types & Scoring Explained
A double play in baseball is when the defense records two outs on one continuous play. Learn every type, how it's scored, and the slide rule that protects it.
What Is a Force Out in Baseball? Force Play Rules Explained
A force out in baseball happens when a runner must advance to an open base and is put out there before or without a tag. Full rules and examples.
What Is a Full Count in Baseball? 3-2 Count Rules Explained
A full count in baseball is a 3-ball, 2-strike count on the batter, where the next non-foul pitch usually ends the at-bat. Here's how it works.
What Is a Grand Slam in Baseball?
A grand slam in baseball is a home run hit with the bases loaded, scoring all four runners for the maximum four runs possible on a single swing.
What Is a Sacrifice Fly in Baseball? Rule, Scoring, RBI Explained
A sacrifice fly in baseball is a fly out that scores a runner from third base. Learn the official rule, scoring, RBI, and how it differs from a sac bunt.
What Is the Strike Zone in Baseball? Rules, Dimensions & 2026 ABS Explained
The strike zone in baseball is the area over home plate a pitch must cross for a strike. Learn its exact dimensions, history, and MLB's ABS challenge rules.
Dropped Third Strike Rule in Baseball, Explained
On an uncaught third strike, the batter can try to reach first base if it's unoccupied or there are two outs — the strikeout doesn't automatically end the at-bat.
What Is a Ground-Rule Double in Baseball?
A ground-rule double awards the batter two bases when a fair ball bounces over the outfield fence or is out of play. Runners advance two bases from where they were.
What Is Tagging Up in Baseball?
Tagging up is when a baserunner waits on his base until a fly ball is caught, then advances. He must be touching the base at the moment of the catch.
The Ghost Runner Rule in MLB, Explained
The ghost runner rule places an automatic runner on second base to start each half-inning in extra innings. Why MLB added it and how it works.
Wiffle Ball Rules: How to Play and Score
Wiffle ball rules explained: teams, innings, how to get outs, scoring by hit zones and the no-baserunning format most backyard games actually use.
What Is a Balk in Baseball? Rules, Types, and Penalty
A balk is an illegal pitching motion with runners on base, and the penalty advances every runner one base. Here are the common types and the reasons.
The Infield Fly Rule in Baseball, Explained Simply
The infield fly rule calls the batter out on an easy pop-up with runners on first and second (or bases loaded) and fewer than two outs. Here is why it exists.
How-To Guides
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162-0 Strategy Guide: How to Build a Perfect MLB Roster
Winning 162-0 means balancing hitting and pitching evenly, matching your roster to the era your spins converge on, and saving rerolls for your pitcher and weakest defensive slot. Here's the full draft strategy.
How to Throw a Four-Seam Fastball: Grip, Mechanics, and Drills
How to throw a four-seam fastball: the horseshoe-seam grip, backspin mechanics, and drills for the fastest, straightest pitch in baseball.
How to Throw a Knuckleball: Grip, Release, and Drills
Learn how to throw a knuckleball step by step: the fingertip grip, the dead-wrist release that kills spin, and drills used by real MLB knuckleballers.
How to Throw a Splitter: Grip, Mechanics and Elbow-Safety Tips
Learn how to throw a splitter: the wide index-middle finger grip, fastball arm action, why it drops late, and how it differs from a forkball or changeup.
How to Throw a Two-Seam Fastball: Grip, Movement & Drills
To throw a two-seam fastball, place your index and middle fingers along the narrow seams, thumb underneath, and add slight pressure with the index finger to create arm-side run and sink.
How to Break In a Baseball Glove: The Right Way
Break in a baseball glove by playing catch daily, applying a thin coat of glove conditioner, working the pocket by hand, and shaping it with a ball tied inside overnight.
How to Throw a Changeup: Grip, Arm Speed & Deception
To throw a changeup, use a circle or three-finger grip deeper in the hand, then throw it with identical fastball arm speed so it arrives 8-12 mph slower and fools timing.
How to Throw a Curveball: Grip, Spin & Release
To throw a curveball, use a spike or standard grip with the middle finger on a seam, apply topspin by pulling down at release, and stay on top for a sharp downward break.
How to Throw a Cutter in Baseball: Grip & Release
To throw a cutter, use a four-seam grip shifted slightly off-center toward your fingers, apply a hint of pressure with the middle finger, and throw hard for late glove-side cut.
How to Throw a Sinker in Baseball: Grip & Movement
To throw a sinker, use a two-seam grip along the seams, apply slight pronation at release, and throw with fastball intent for arm-side run and downward sink that gets ground balls.
How to Throw a Slider: Grip, Spin & Release
To throw a slider, grip it slightly off-center like a two-seam, apply firm sidespin off the index finger, and stay on top with fastball arm speed for late lateral break.
List
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The Best MLB Ballparks, Ranked by Atmosphere & History
The best MLB ballparks ranked: PNC Park, Oracle Park, Wrigley Field, Fenway and Camden Yards, weighed on views, history, features, food and atmosphere.
The 10 Best Pitchers in MLB Right Now, Ranked
The best MLB pitchers right now, ranked for the 2026 season: Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Jacob Misiorowski, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the elite aces defining it.
The 10 Largest MLB Stadiums by Seating Capacity, Ranked
Dodger Stadium tops the list at roughly 56,000 seats, followed by Chase Field, T-Mobile Park, Coors Field and Yankee Stadium. Every top-10 MLB ballpark by capacity, ranked and explained.
The Oldest MLB Stadiums Still in Use
Ranked: the 10 oldest MLB ballparks still in use, from Fenway Park (1912) and Wrigley Field (1914) to Dodger Stadium (1962), Angel Stadium (1966), Kauffman Stadium (1973) and beyond, with opening years and history.
Best Baseball Gloves 2026: 11 Top-Rated Picks by Position
The best baseball gloves for 2026, ranked by position: Wilson A2000 1786, Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRO205, Wilson A2K, Mizuno Pro Select, Nokona Alpha and more.
Most Wins in a Season by an MLB Pitcher
The most wins in a season by an MLB pitcher: Old Hoss Radbourn's 60 in 1884 leads all-time, Jack Chesbro's 41 is the modern record, McLain's 31 was last.
Greatest Female Baseball Players in History
The greatest female baseball players, from All-American Girls League pioneers to modern standouts like Marti Sementelli and international stars.
Greatest Baseball Players of All Time: The Definitive List
The greatest baseball players of all time include Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Ted Williams, legends whose impact defined entire eras.
Best MLB Pinch Hitters of All Time
Ranking the best MLB pinch hitters of all time: Lenny Harris leads with 212 career pinch hits, Matt Stairs owns 23 pinch-hit homers, plus four more legends.
Analytics
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What Is FIP in Baseball? Fielding Independent Pitching
FIP (fielding independent pitching) is an ERA-scaled stat built only from strikeouts, walks, and home runs. Here is the formula and how to read it.
What Is OBP in Baseball? On-Base Percentage Explained
OBP is on-base percentage: how often a hitter reaches base per plate appearance. Here is the formula, a worked example, and what counts as a good OBP.
What Is OPS+ in Baseball? OPS Plus Explained
OPS+ is park- and league-adjusted OPS where 100 is exactly average. Here is the formula, a worked example, and how to read a hitter's OPS plus.
What Is Slugging Percentage in Baseball? SLG Explained
Slugging percentage (SLG) is total bases per at-bat, so it measures power, not just hits. Here is the formula, a worked example, and what counts as elite.
What Is wRC+ in Baseball? Weighted Runs Created Plus
wRC+ is park- and league-adjusted offense on a scale where 100 is average. Here is what it measures, how it is built, and how to read a hitter's wRC plus.
Stats
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BABIP in Baseball: What It Means
BABIP is Batting Average on Balls In Play, how often balls hit into the field become hits. What it means, how to calculate it, and how to read it.
What Is a Quality Start in Baseball?
A quality start is when a starting pitcher throws at least 6 innings and allows 3 or fewer earned runs. The stat explained, its limits and how it's used.
What Is ERA in Baseball? Meaning and How to Calculate It
ERA is earned run average: the earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings. Here is the formula, what counts as earned, and how to read the number.
More Baseball
Fantasy Baseball Scoring Explained: Roto, H2H, Points
Roto vs head-to-head vs points fantasy baseball scoring compared, plus the 5x5 categories explained and how each format shapes your draft.
MLB Draft Lottery Odds: How the Top Six Picks Work
MLB's draft lottery, new in the 2022 CBA, sets the top six picks by chance. The three worst teams each get 16.5% odds. Here's the full table and anti-tank rules.
MLB Luxury Tax Explained: Competitive Balance Tax Tiers
MLB's luxury tax, the Competitive Balance Tax, charges escalating rates above a $241M threshold with surtax tiers. Here's the 2025 breakdown and repeat-payor rates.
What Is a Perfect Game in Baseball?
A perfect game is when a pitcher retires all 27 batters in a row with no runner reaching base. See how it differs from a no-hitter and why it is so rare.
What Is a Walk-Off in Baseball?
A walk-off is when the home team scores the winning run in the bottom of the final inning, ending the game instantly. Here is how it works and the types.
Best Utility Players in MLB: Who Plays Everywhere
The best utility players in MLB fill multiple positions at an elite level, giving managers flexibility. See who tops the list and why they matter.
Play & Tools
Free baseball games and interactive tools on SportsMonkie.