Since 1997, American and National League teams have squared off against one another for a few short series each season. By pitting cross-town rivals against one another as well as inter- and intra- state rivals against one another, the MLB has sparked the waning interest of casual baseball fans and delivered favorable matchups that leave fans wanting more.
It shows too. According to an MLB press release, ticket sales for interleague games have grown 11.8% since 1997. Fans love seeing teams and superstar players from the opposing league come in town for a series. It is a chance for them to boast that their team and that their league is better than the other. However, in recent years, the competitive level between the two leagues has dropped off.
Since 2004, the American League is 975-789 against the National League in interleague play. That is a .552 winning percentage. Anyone who follows baseball knows that the American League is now the “senior circuit.” With four of the top five payrolls in baseball, the American League has imposed its will on the National League the last six seasons. Instead of playing more divisional games, games that actually matter, National League clubs are subjected to beatings at the hands of the AL.
This is not to say that all NL teams play poorly against the AL, but only the Rockies, Marlins, and Cardinals hold winning records against the AL during interleague play. For teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates or the Kansas City Royals, more divisional and league games would benefit them greatly. Keep the leagues separated until its time for the Fall Classic and now with the inevitable addition of another wild card team, those interleague games could hold the fate of a team. I would rather it be determined by some meaningful games rather than some de-facto exhibition games.
written by Shane McFarland
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