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Baseball

MLB rules, records and players.

148 guides, records and explainers.

File photo from June 12, 2015: Yankees general manager Brian Cashman at Baltimore on a Yankees at Orioles day. It does not show Wednesday's press conference or the 2026 team. The 16:9 cropped derivative is offered under the same CC BY-SA 2.0 licence as the original.
Baseball

Brian Cashman Agrees a New Yankees Contract, His 30th Season as GM Is Next

Brian Cashman told reporters Wednesday he has agreed a new Yankees contract. Hal Steinbrenner blamed the players for the ALDS sweep, not the front office. What was said and what comes next.

File photo from September 13, 2011: Bob Uecker, wearing a USS Milwaukee ball cap he had just been given, talks with Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus on the field at Miller Park, now American Family Field. It predates the 2026 World Series by 15 years.
Baseball

Bob Uecker's Family Tells Milwaukee 'Let's Win Our Way' as the Brewers Reach the World Series

Two days before the Brewers' first World Series game since 1982, the Uecker family released a letter through the club: pride, longing for Bob, and a message for the players, the staff and the fans.

File photo from May 30, 2023: Jake Woodford pitching for the Memphis Redbirds at Werner Park, three seasons before he played for both World Series clubs in one year. It does not show a 2026 game.
Baseball

Woodford Pitched for Both World Series Teams and Is in Line for a Ring Either Way

Jake Woodford pitched for Milwaukee and Tampa Bay in 2026, was designated four times, and is on neither World Series roster. The ring custom puts him in line for one either way.

File photo from August 2024: American Family Field in Milwaukee before a Brewers game, showing the field and the seating bowl. It is a file photo and does not show the World Series or any Timeless Ticket seat.
Baseball

Brewers Admit a Timeless Ticket Mistake and Let Holders Keep Both Seats

The Brewers admitted an internal mistake over Timeless Ticket World Series seats. Holders who applied in time keep their seats and keep their ticket for a future season.

File photo of Junior Caminero in a Tampa Bay Rays uniform during a game in June 2026. It is a file photo and does not show ALCS Game 6.
Baseball

Caminero's First Postseason Homer Sent the Rays to the World Series

Junior Caminero needed 33 postseason at-bats to hit his first October homer. It came off Cade Smith's splitter in Game 6, and it sent Tampa Bay to the World Series.

File photo from July 1, 2026 of Freddy Peralta on the mound for the New York Mets at Rogers Centre in Toronto, wearing his No. 51 jersey. It does not show the ALCS. The 16:9 cropped derivative is offered under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
Baseball

Freddy Peralta Pitches Rays Into the World Series, Where Milwaukee Waits

Freddy Peralta won ALCS Game 6 and the series MVP award for Tampa Bay. Traded twice in nine months, he now faces Milwaukee, the club that raised him.

File photo from June 2023 of Gavin Williams pitching for the Columbus Clippers, Cleveland's Triple-A team. It does not show the 2026 ALCS. The 16:9 cropped derivative is offered under the same CC BY 2.0 licence.
Baseball

Vogt's Bullpen Game Falls Short as Rays Beat Guardians 7-3 to Reach the World Series

Tampa Bay beat Cleveland 7-3 in ALCS Game 6 to win the series 4-2. The bullpen game Vogt chose over Gavin Williams on short rest never held the Rays, and there is no Game 7.

File photo from 28 April 2026: Chase DeLauter of the Cleveland Guardians. It does not show ALCS Game 4 or the seventh-inning error. The 16:9 cropped derivative is offered under the same CC BY 4.0 licence.
Baseball

DeLauter Lets Aranda's Single Under His Glove and Takes the Blame as Rays Tie the ALCS

Chase DeLauter let Jonathan Aranda's single slip under his glove in the seventh inning of ALCS Game 4, turning a 2-1 game into 5-1 as Tampa Bay won 7-3.

File photo from 27 August 2017: Yandy Diaz batting for Cleveland, the club he faced on Saturday night with Tampa Bay. It does not show ALCS Game 4.
Baseball

Yandy Diaz Refused to Challenge a Strike Three in the ALCS, Then Homered to Save the Night

Yandy Diaz walked away from a strike three outside the zone rather than use an ABS challenge in ALCS Game 4, was rescued by Aranda's hit, then homered in the ninth.

File photo from 18 August 2024: Tarik Skubal pitching for Detroit, the club he played for until the 2026 trade deadline. It does not show the NLCS or the Dodgers. The 16:9 cropped derivative is offered under the same CC BY-SA 2.0 licence as the original.
Baseball

Skubal Will Not Talk About His Future, So Blake Snell Is Talking for Him

Tarik Skubal refused to discuss his free agency minutes after the Dodgers were swept, while Blake Snell, two lockers over, began recruiting him to stay.

File photo from 6 August 2022: William Contreras, then with Atlanta, begins a throw from behind the plate. It does not show the 2026 NLCS or Willson Contreras's posts. Released under CC0.
Baseball

Willson Contreras Calls His Brother the Real NLCS MVP, Then Deletes the Posts

Willson Contreras argued in three Instagram stories that his brother William was the real NLCS MVP over Jake Bauers, then deleted two of them. The numbers argue both ways.

File photo from 26 April 2011: Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker at Miller Park in Milwaukee. It does not show the 2026 NLCS or Jeff Levering's final call. The 16:9 cropped derivative is offered under the same CC BY 2.0 licence.
Baseball

Murphy Calls His Brewers Gamers, Not Hall of Famers, After Sweeping the Dodgers

Pat Murphy summed up Milwaukee's NLCS sweep in one line about gamers and Hall of Famers. The payroll gap and two sweep records back him up.

File photo from 12 April 2025: Miguel Rojas pitching in relief for the Dodgers against the Cubs at Dodger Stadium. It does not show the 2026 NLCS. The 16:9 cropped derivative is offered under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
Baseball

Miguel Rojas Announces His Retirement in the Dodgers' Clubhouse After the NLCS Sweep

Miguel Rojas told his Dodgers teammates after the Game 4 loss to Milwaukee that he is retiring, ending a 13-year career in the room where it peaked.

File photo from 23 April 2024: Freddie Freeman batting for the Los Angeles Dodgers at Washington. It does not show the NLCS or his Thursday press conference. The cropped 16:9 derivative is offered under the same CC BY-SA 2.0 licence as the original.
Baseball

Freeman Fires Back at the Dinosaur Label as the Dodgers Face Elimination

Freddie Freeman rejected the idea that the Dodgers are losing the NLCS because they are old, saying Los Angeles is simply not playing well against Milwaukee.

File photo from August 2011: Dale Murphy in his retired No. 3 Atlanta Braves jersey at an alumni game. It does not show a 2026 playoff broadcast. Cropped 16:9 derivative of the original photograph.
Baseball

Dale Murphy Backs His Son as Alex Call Asks MLB to Drop the Risque Playoff Ads

A fan's post about playoff commercial breaks drew in his Hall of Fame father and a Dodgers outfielder. The argument is really about who controls the breaks.

File photo from June 4, 2016: Progressive Field in Cleveland, where Game 3 will now start at 1 p.m. on Thursday. The cropped derivative is offered under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence as the original.
Baseball

MLB Moves ALCS Game 3 Up Five Hours as Cleveland Rain Closes In

Guardians-Rays Game 3 on Thursday becomes a 1 p.m. matinee instead of a 6 p.m. start as MLB races the Cleveland forecast, with Friday's Game 4 looking even wetter.

File photo from July 26, 2025: Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians during a game against Kansas City. It does not show ALCS Game 2 in St. Petersburg.
Baseball

Ramirez Takes the Blame as Two Miscues Sink the Guardians in ALCS Game 2

Jose Ramirez left third base uncovered, then let a grounder through his legs on the turf edge as three unearned runs beat Cleveland 3-1 in ALCS Game 2.

File photo from May 2023: Shohei Ohtani batting for the Los Angeles Angels against Cleveland, three years before the 2026 NLCS. It does not show this series.
Baseball

Ohtani Bats Sixth and Reaches Three Times as Dodgers Fall 6-2 to Trail 3-0

Shohei Ohtani batted sixth in NLCS Game 3 and reached base three times, but the Dodgers lost 6-2 to Milwaukee and now trail the series 3-0.

A generic catcher in a plain dark uniform crouched behind home plate with one hand raised near his helmet while a generic pitcher on the mound touches his own head asking for a review, a glowing blue pitch-tracking screen in the outfield behind them, editorial graphic
Baseball

Smith Declines Two ABS Challenges on Turang as Roberts Says the Misses Changed Yamamoto's Outing

Dodgers catcher Will Smith twice declined ABS challenges on would-be third strikes to Brice Turang in NLCS Game 2, and both times Turang reached and scored.

A generic pitcher in a plain cream uniform throwing wildly past a generic first baseman as the ball bounces into foul territory and a generic runner breaks for home from third, under stadium floodlights, editorial graphic
Baseball

Henderson's Two Throwing Errors Gift the Dodgers Two Runs in NLCS Game 2

Brewers starter Logan Henderson made two throwing errors in NLCS Game 2, a wild pickoff in the third and a bunt play in the fifth, and each one scored a Dodgers run.

A generic tall baseball pitcher in a plain unbranded uniform handing a signed jersey and cleats to a generic fan at a dugout railing in exchange for an oversized trading card showing a pitcher throwing an American football, editorial graphic
Baseball

Misiorowski Trades a Signed Jersey and Cleats to a Fan for His Own 1-of-1 Card

Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski traded a signed game-worn jersey and cleats to a fan at Petco Park for his own one-of-one Topps card showing him throwing a football.

A generic baseball player in his mid-30s seen from behind sitting alone on a dugout bench at night with his batting helmet beside him and a lineup card on the wall, editorial graphic
Baseball

Brewers Bench Captain Christian Yelich for NLCS Game 1 Against Tarik Skubal

Milwaukee opened the NLCS with captain Christian Yelich on the bench against left-hander Tarik Skubal, starting Andrew Vaughn at DH in a platoon move.

A generic anonymous batter in a plain unbranded uniform swinging low like a golfer at a baseball almost scraping the dirt above home plate, with a faint glowing height marker at ground level in a packed night stadium, editorial graphic
Baseball

Ramirez Homers Off a Pitch 0.74 Feet Off the Ground, the Lowest Postseason Homer on Record

Jose Ramirez golfed a knuckle-curve 0.74 feet above the ground for the Game 5 winner, the lowest pitch hit for a postseason home run since tracking began in 2008.

A generic baseball pitcher in a plain white unbranded uniform walking through an open bullpen gate toward the mound at a floodlit night stadium, editorial graphic
Baseball

Gavin Williams Ties Cleveland's Playoff Strikeout Record as Guardians Win Game 5 on One Day of Rest

Gavin Williams struck out 12 in 5 2/3 scoreless innings on Saturday, one day after closing Game 4, as Cleveland beat Chicago 2-0 to complete a 2-0 series comeback and reach the ALCS.

A hand moving a blank generic team nameplate between slots on a large baseball playoff bracket board in a stadium media room, editorial graphic
Baseball

MLB Proposes Letting Top Seeds Choose Their Playoff Opponents, and Fans Are Not Buying It

MLB's labour proposal would let higher seeds pick their Wild Card and Division Series opponents from 2027, inside a package the union says hangs on a salary cap.

A generic pitcher in a plain grey road uniform and ski goggles being interviewed in a plastic-sheeted clubhouse while a soaked reporter in goggles holds a microphone and teammates celebrate behind them, editorial graphic
Baseball

Tarik Skubal's Beer-Soaked Interview Steals the Dodgers' NLDS Celebration Without Him Pitching

Tarik Skubal never threw a pitch in Game 4, then produced the Dodgers' viral moment: two live interviews drowned in beer, weeks before his free agency.

A generic baseball player in a plain dark jersey wearing headphones at a podcast microphone in a dark studio, raising one hand in a denial gesture with a floodlit stadium behind the window, editorial graphic
Baseball

Acuna Denies Podcast Insult Was Aimed at Snitker, Says It Was a Former Assistant Coach

Ronald Acuna Jr. says the viral podcast clip was not about Brian Snitker, refusing to name the former assistant coach he meant and calling the Snitker reading wrong.

A generic pitcher on the mound with his hands on his cap in disbelief as a baseball drops untouched on the grass between two fielders and a runner advances behind them at a floodlit night game, editorial graphic
Baseball

Tyler Mahle Caught Swearing on TV After Dubon's Dropped Pop Gifts Dodgers a Run

Tyler Mahle's four-word reaction on FS1 summed up Atlanta's night after Mauricio Dubon's dropped pop fly let Shohei Ohtani score in NLDS Game 4.

A generic young man in plain casual clothes throwing a ceremonial first pitch from a baseball mound while a packed crowd looks on, editorial graphic
Baseball

White Sox Tease a Mystery First Pitch, Fans Expect Obama or the Pope and Get Belmont Cameli

Chicago teased a big-name mystery guest for the ALDS Game 3 first pitch, fans guessed Obama, Pope Leo XIV and Michael Jordan, and the reveal was actor Belmont Cameli.

A generic fan in a white visiting jersey holding a caught baseball high in night-game stands while nearby fans gesture toward a disappointed child in a red jersey, editorial graphic
Baseball

Dodgers Fan Refuses to Give NLDS Foul Ball to a Young Braves Fan and Goes Viral

A Dodgers fan in a Yamamoto jersey caught a foul ball in Game 3 of the NLDS, refused the crowd's chant to give it to a young Braves fan, and the clip passed 2.6 million views on X.

An empty closer's seat in a nighttime stadium bullpen with a lone glove, cap and white hospital wristband left on the bench while generic pitchers warm up blurred behind, editorial graphic
Baseball

Miller Misses an Elimination Game for His First Child, Fried Vows to Pitch His Own

Padres closer Mason Miller missed an elimination game on the paternity list as his first child arrived, while Yankees ace Max Fried says he will start his own elimination game with a baby due any day.

A fly ball at a floodlit left-field wall at night as a generic fan's outstretched hands reach over the wall and touch the ball above a leaping outfielder's glove, editorial graphic
Baseball

Volpe's Tying Homer Is Overturned on Fan Interference as Rays Sweep Yankees

Anthony Volpe's apparent game-tying homer in ALDS Game 3 was overturned to an RBI double on fan interference, and the Yankees' season ended 30 years after Jeffrey Maier.

A closer on the mound at night with his glove tucked to his chest, a runner at second base in the blurred background touching the side of his neck, editorial graphic
Baseball

Padres Dismiss Mason Miller Pitch-Tipping Theory as Brewers Deny Knowing What Was Coming

Padres manager Craig Stammen has dismissed viral claims that Mason Miller tipped his pitches in NLDS Game 2, and Brewers manager Pat Murphy denies his hitters knew what was coming.

A generic baseball manager in a dugout wearing a broadcast headset, mouth open in dismay mid-interview, while an outfielder makes a sliding catch in the background under stadium lights, editorial graphic
Baseball

Pat Murphy Curses Jackson Merrill on Live TV During His Own Mid-Game Interview

Brewers manager Pat Murphy was mid-interview with Fox Sports in NLDS Game 3 when Jackson Merrill robbed Sal Frelick, and Murphy swore at him on live TV.

A generic infielder's throw sailing wide past a stretching first baseman under domed stadium lights at night, with a team-mate in the dugout holding his head in his hands, editorial graphic
Baseball

Yankees Make Four Errors in ALDS Game 2, Three in a First Inning Not Seen Since 1909

The Yankees committed four errors in their 5-2 ALDS Game 2 loss to the Rays, three in the first inning, as Tampa Bay took a 2-0 series lead to the Bronx.

A young outfielder lining a pitch up the middle in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded as teammates pour out of the dugout, editorial graphic
Baseball

Chourio's Final-Strike Walk-Off Beats Mason Miller as Brewers Stun Padres 4-3 for a 2-0 NLDS Lead

Down to their final strike against Mason Miller, the Brewers walked three times and Jackson Chourio lined a 101.3 mph fastball for a walk-off single and a 2-0 NLDS lead.

Sunlit baseball stadium under a clear sky with a silhouetted pitcher on the mound and heat haze over the outfield, editorial graphic for Dodgers vs Braves NLDS Game 1
Baseball

Dodgers Beat Braves 5-3 in NLDS Game 1 as Skubal Dominates in 100-Degree Heat

Tarik Skubal struck out seven over six innings and Hernandez, Tucker and Muncy homered as Los Angeles beat Atlanta 5-3 in NLDS Game 1.

Floodlit baseball stadium at dusk with a silhouetted relief pitcher on the mound, editorial graphic for White Sox vs Guardians ALDS Game 1
Baseball

White Sox Beat Guardians 3-0 in ALDS Game 1 Behind Murakami Homer and a Three-Hitter

Munetaka Murakami hit a two-run homer and five Chicago pitchers combined on a three-hitter as the White Sox beat Cleveland 3-0 in ALDS Game 1.

Domed baseball stadium interior at night with a fly ball arcing toward the roof cables, editorial graphic for Brewers vs Padres NLDS Game 1
Baseball

Brewers Beat Padres 3-2 in NLDS Game 1 as France's Ninth-Inning Drive Hits the Roof Cables

Milwaukee beat San Diego 3-2 in NLDS Game 1: Contreras homered in the seventh, Chourio set a franchise record, and a roof-cable catch ended the ninth.

Floodlit domed baseball stadium at night with a silhouetted pitcher on the mound, editorial graphic for Rays vs Yankees ALDS Game 1
Baseball

Rays Beat Yankees 1-0 in ALDS Game 1 as Rasmussen Takes No-Hitter Into the Eighth

Drew Rasmussen held the Yankees hitless for 7 2/3 innings as the Rays won ALDS Game 1 1-0 on Jonathan Aranda's homer, with Aaron Judge left off the roster.

Floodlit baseball stadium at dusk under a deep blue sky, editorial graphic for Yankees vs Rays ALDS Game 1
Baseball

Yankees vs Rays ALDS Game 1: Judge a Doubt After Wild Card Sweep of Red Sox

The Yankees swept the Red Sox 18-2 to reach the ALDS vs the Rays. Game 1 is Saturday in St. Petersburg, with Aaron Judge a doubt through a calf injury.

Records & Money

Open topic hub →
Most home runs by a team in a season, led by the 2019 Minnesota Twins
Baseball

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.

A baseball bat and glove representing MLB's 30-30 club of power and speed hitters
Baseball

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.

MLB batter making contact at home plate under stadium lights
Baseball

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.

Baseball slugger following through on a home run swing at a packed stadium
Baseball

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.

Baseball batter following through on a swing at a packed daytime ballpark
Baseball

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.

An MLB trophy representing the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award winners
Baseball

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.

MLB infielder fielding a ground ball at shortstop during a day game
Baseball

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.

Baseball catcher in full gear crouched behind home plate giving signs
Baseball

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.

Baseball bat and ball resting on the infield dirt near shortstop
Baseball

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.

Baseball on a pitcher's mound at dusk in an empty stadium
Baseball

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.

Baseball and batting gloves on home plate under stadium lights
Baseball

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.

Baseball resting on the infield dirt near a base with a sunlit stadium behind
Baseball

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.

A pitcher releasing a fastball as a radar gun reading glows in the background
Baseball

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.

A floodlit baseball stadium at night with a scoreboard showing extra innings
Baseball

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.

A baseball soaring high over the outfield wall of a stadium at dusk
Baseball

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.

Weathered baseball resting on a pitcher's mound in an empty ballpark
Baseball

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.

Baseball and glove on a sunlit infield with a scoreboard in the distance
Baseball

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.

Baseball resting on a pitcher's mound in an empty ballpark
Baseball

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.

Baseball resting inside a leather fielding glove
Baseball

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.

Baseball player swinging at the plate under stadium lights with the bases loaded
Baseball

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.

Baseball bat and ball on the dirt near home plate
Baseball

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.

Baseball bat and ball resting on home plate under stadium lights
Baseball

MLB Home Run Leaders: Most Career Home Runs Ever

Barry Bonds holds MLB's career home run record with 762. See the official top 10, the four-player 700 club and why fans still debate the mark.

Baseball pitcher on the mound preparing to throw during a game
Baseball

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.

Baseball and bat resting on the infield dirt of a ballpark
Baseball

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.

Baseball pitcher mid-windup on the mound under stadium lights
Baseball

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.

Batter connecting with a pitch as a runner rounds third base
Baseball

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.

Baseball scoreboard glowing above an empty stadium at dusk
Baseball

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.

Relief pitcher throwing from the mound under stadium lights
Baseball

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.

Base runner sliding into second base ahead of the tag
Baseball

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.

Pitcher releasing a fastball toward home plate under stadium lights
Baseball

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.

Baseball manager watching from the dugout steps during a Major League game
Baseball

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.

Baseball and championship trophy on a stadium infield under bright lights
Baseball

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.

Empty baseball stadium at dusk with a lone scoreboard glowing
Baseball

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' record 73 in 2001, with the full leaderboard
Baseball

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.

Baseball curveball breaking toward the plate
Baseball

What Is a Curveball in Baseball? Spin and Break

A curveball is a breaking pitch that uses topspin to move down and often across the plate as it reaches the hitter.

Baseball in flight illustrating a fastball pitch
Baseball

What Is a Fastball in Baseball? Types, Grip, and Movement

A fastball is a pitcher’s high-velocity pitch family. Four-seam, two-seam, cutter, and sinker versions trade speed for movement.

Baseball terminology glossary graphic showing a diamond with labeled positions, pitches, and hitting terms
Baseball

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 demonstrating the out signal with a clenched fist behind home plate
Baseball

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.

A baseball box score showing the line score, batting stats, and pitching stats broken into three sections
Baseball

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.

Split-screen diagram comparing a slider grip and pitch path against a curveball grip and pitch path
Baseball

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.

A packed MLB ballpark during a playoff game at night
Baseball

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.

MLB players celebrating clinching a wild card playoff spot
Baseball

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.

A baseball pitcher releasing a pitch, illustrating grip and spin
Baseball

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.

A baseball designated hitter swinging at a pitch during a game
Baseball

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.

MLB ballpark at night with an out-of-focus scoreboard, representing baseball finances
Baseball

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.

Baseball roster card illustrating the designated for assignment process
Baseball

What Does DFA Mean in Baseball? The 7-Day Process

DFA means designated for assignment. Learn what leaves the 40-man roster, what happens during the seven-day window, and how waivers and pay work.

Relief pitcher warming up in a baseball bullpen with the field beyond
Baseball

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.

The four hits that make up a baseball cycle: single, double, triple and home run
Baseball

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.

A baseball scoreboard showing a low batting average with a batter at the plate
Baseball

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 Tommy John surgery is: reconstructing a torn elbow UCL with a tendon graft
Baseball

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 WAR means in baseball: wins above replacement scale from role player to MVP
Baseball

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 WHIP means in baseball: walks plus hits divided by innings pitched with a good-WHIP scale
Baseball

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.

A baseball scoreboard showing on-base percentage plus slugging percentage as the OPS formula
Baseball

What Does OPS Mean in Baseball? Formula and Examples

OPS means on-base plus slugging. Learn the exact formula, what .800 and 1.000 mean, how walks count, and when OPS+ is the better comparison.

A major league hitter following through on a swing at home plate during a night game, with the catcher and umpire crouched behind him and a full stadium in the background
Baseball

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
Baseball

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 runner advancing toward second base
Baseball

What Is a Stolen Base in Baseball? Rules and Strategy

A stolen base occurs when a runner advances to the next base without the batter putting the ball in play, usually during the pitcher’s delivery.

Baseball diamond diagram showing all nine defensive positions labeled with their scorekeeping numbers 1 through 9
Baseball

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.

A baseball scoreboard showing nine innings during an MLB game
Baseball

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.

A baseball batter squares around to bunt the ball toward the infield.
Baseball

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.

Outfielder calmly camping under a high fly ball, illustrating a can of corn catch in baseball
Baseball

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.

Shortstop turning a double play by throwing to first base after forcing out the runner at second
Baseball

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.

Infielder stepping on second base to complete a force out on a baserunner in a baseball game
Baseball

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.

A baseball batter waiting on a pitch with a 3-2 full count showing on the scoreboard
Baseball

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.

A baseball batter watching a home run fly out of the park with the bases loaded
Baseball

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.

A batter watches a deep fly ball while a runner tags up at third base to score on a sacrifice fly
Baseball

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.

Diagram showing the baseball strike zone over home plate between a batter's shoulders and knees
Baseball

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.

A baseball catcher scrambling for a pitch in the dirt as the batter runs to first
Baseball

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.

A baseball bouncing over the outfield wall as an outfielder reaches for it
Baseball

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.

A baseball runner leading off third base watching an outfielder catch a fly ball
Baseball

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.

A baserunner leading off second base to start an extra inning in an empty-count situation
Baseball

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.

White perforated plastic wiffle ball and a yellow plastic bat on a backyard lawn
Baseball

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.

A baseball pitcher on the mound mid-motion with a runner leading off base
Baseball

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.

Infielder camped under a pop fly, illustrating the infield fly rule
Baseball

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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Baseball roster lineup card with nine position slots on a stadium backdrop
Baseball

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.

Close-up of a pitcher's hand gripping a baseball across the four-seam horseshoe seams before release
Baseball

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.

Pitcher demonstrating the fingertip grip used to throw a knuckleball, fingernails dug into the seams
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.

Pitcher's hand gripping a baseball with index and middle fingers split wide apart on the outside of the seams for a splitter
Baseball

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.

Close-up of a two-seam fastball grip showing fingers along the narrow seams
Baseball

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.

A baseball resting in the pocket of a leather glove being broken in
Baseball

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.

Close-up of a pitcher's hand gripping a baseball for a circle changeup
Baseball

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.

Close-up of a pitcher's hand gripping a baseball for a curveball
Baseball

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.

Close-up of a cut fastball grip on a baseball
Baseball

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.

Close-up of a two-seam sinker grip on a baseball
Baseball

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.

Close-up of a pitcher's hand gripping a baseball for a slider
Baseball

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.

A classic MLB ballpark filled with fans under stadium lights
Baseball

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.

An MLB pitcher mid-delivery on the mound under stadium lights
Baseball

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.

A large MLB stadium packed with fans seen from the upper deck
Baseball

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.

A historic early-20th-century baseball stadium with a manual scoreboard
Baseball

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.

A selection of leather baseball gloves for different positions
Baseball

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, from Radbourn to McLain
Baseball

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
Baseball

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
Baseball

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.

Baseball player stepping out of the dugout to pinch hit under stadium lights
Baseball

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.

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Play & Tools

Free baseball games and interactive tools on SportsMonkie.