In Major League Baseball there are two "Major Leagues" - the American League (AL) and the National League (NL), each of which is split into three divisions. Almost all of the games played by teams are within their own league, although since the late 1990's a small number of "interleague" games are played.

The main difference between the American League and the National League is the Designated Hitter rule (in use in the American League, so pitchers do not hit for themselves, and not used in the National League). When an AL team meet an NL, the Designated Hitter rule is used for games played in AL ballparks, and not for games played in NL ballparks.

Each team's first aim is to win their divisional title, and if they cannot win their division, then to finish as the best runner-up in their league (the Wild Card). If two teams are tied for a divisional title, or the wild card spot, then a one game playoff is held (venue decided by tossing a coin) the day after the season ends to determine the winner (potential coin tosses are held a few days in advance to allow the teams to make contingency plans).

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