Leagues
Baseball
Popular Baseball Leagues Worldwide
Baseball is one of the most followed sports worldwide, with several professional leagues in different countries. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most popular leagues:
1. Major League Baseball (MLB) - USA & Canada
The MLB is the most prestigious professional baseball league in the world. It consists of 30 teams divided into two leagues:
- American League (AL)
- National League (NL)
Each league has three divisions (East, Central, West), and teams compete in a 162-game regular season, followed by the MLB Playoffs and the World Series, where the AL and NL champions face off in a best-of-seven series.
MLB features the best players globally and is the most wagered baseball league worldwide.
2. Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) - Japan
The NPB is Japan's top professional baseball league, often called the "Japanese MLB." It consists of two leagues:
- Central League
- Pacific League
Each league has six teams that play a 143-game regular season, followed by the Climax Series Playoffs, leading to the Japan Series Championship (best-of-seven).
The NPB is known for its elite pitching, disciplined batting, and strong fan culture. Many MLB players come from or transition to NPB.
3. Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) - South Korea
The KBO is South Korea's top professional baseball league, consisting of 10 teams playing a 144-game season.
- The league has bat-flipping culture, an exciting offensive style, and a loyal fan base.
- The season ends with the KBO Playoffs and the Korean Series (best-of-seven championship).
The KBO has gained international popularity, especially during the MLB offseason.
4. Mexican League (LMB) - Mexico
The LMB is Mexico's top baseball league and is affiliated with Minor League Baseball (MiLB) as a Triple-A league.
- Features 18 teams and a 90-game season.
- The league is known for its mix of local and former MLB players.
- The championship series is called the Serie del Rey.
Baseball is extremely popular in Mexico, and the LMB is one of Latin America's top leagues.
5. Liga de Beisbol Profesional de la Republica Dominicana (LIDOM) - Dominican Republic
The LIDOM is the Dominican Republic's top professional winter league and one of the best baseball leagues globally.
- The league features six teams playing a 50-game season, followed by the round-robin playoffs and a best-of-nine championship series.
- Many MLB players play in LIDOM during the offseason.
- The champion represents the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Series (Serie del Caribe).
LIDOM produces some of the best MLB talent, including legends like David Ortiz and Pedro Martinez.
6. Cuban National Series (Serie Nacional de Beisbol) - Cuba
Cuba has a rich baseball tradition, and the Serie Nacional is its premier league.
- The league has 16 teams divided into two divisions.
- It is known for its strong pitching and fundamentals.
- Many Cuban MLB stars (e.g., Jose Abreu, Yordan Alvarez) developed in this league.
7. Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) - Venezuela
The LVBP is Venezuela's top professional baseball league and runs from October to January.
- Features eight teams playing a 63-game season.
- The champion competes in the Caribbean Series.
- Produces top MLB talent, including stars like Miguel Cabrera and Ronald Acuna Jr.
8. Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) - Taiwan
The CPBL is Taiwan's premier baseball league, known for its high-scoring games.
- Features six teams playing a 120-game season.
- The Taiwan Series decides the champion.
- Attracts international talent and former MLB players.
9. Minor League Baseball (MiLB) - USA
The MiLB is MLB's developmental league system, featuring multiple levels:
- Triple-A (AAA) - One step below MLB.
- Double-A (AA) - Top prospects develop here.
- Single-A (A & A-Advanced) - Lower-level professional baseball.
MiLB serves as a farm system for MLB teams to develop young players.
10. Caribbean Series (Serie del Caribe) - Latin America
The Caribbean Series is an annual tournament featuring the champions from:
- Dominican Republic (LIDOM)
- Puerto Rico (LBPRC)
- Venezuela (LVBP)
- Mexico (LMP)
- Cuba (Invited in some years)
It determines the best baseball team in Latin America and is highly competitive.
Betting on Baseball
Common Baseball Bets
1. Moneyline Bet (Winner Bet)
- A simple bet on which team will win the game.
- Example:
- New York Yankees (-160) vs. Boston Red Sox (+140)
- Yankees are favorites (bet $160 to win $100).
- Red Sox are underdogs (bet $100 to win $140).
2. Run Line Bet (Baseball's Version of Point Spread)
- A bet where the favorite must win by a certain number of runs, and the underdog can lose within a margin.
- Example:
- Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (+120) vs. Chicago Cubs +1.5 (-140)
- Dodgers must win by 2 or more runs.
- Cubs can lose by 1 run (or win) to cover the bet.
3. Over/Under (Total Runs Bet)
- Betting on whether the total runs scored in the game will be over or under a set number.
- Example:
- Over/Under 8.5 runs
- If the game ends 6-4 (10 total runs), Over wins.
- If the game ends 3-2 (5 total runs), Under wins.
4. First Five Innings (F5) Bet
- A bet on the outcome of the first five innings instead of the full game.
- Useful when betting on starting pitchers.
5. Player Props (Individual Performance Bets)
- Betting on specific player stats.
- Example:
- Shohei Ohtani Over/Under 1.5 hits
- Aaron Judge to hit a home run (+250 odds)
- Max Scherzer Over 7.5 strikeouts
6. Futures Bets (Season-Long Bets)
- Betting on outcomes that will happen later in the season.
- Example:
- World Series Winner (Braves +600, Astros +750, Dodgers +900).
- MVP Winner (Juan Soto +450, Mookie Betts +500).
- Most Home Runs in a Season (Pete Alonso +700, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. +800).
Where People Bet on Baseball
- Online Sportsbooks (FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars).
- Vegas Sportsbooks (Casinos in Las Vegas).
- Offshore Sportsbooks (Websites operating outside the U.S.).
- Local Bookies (Illegal in some places but common in underground betting).
Many sportsbooks offer live betting, where you can wager while the game is happening, adjusting to real-time odds.
Final Thoughts
Baseball has major leagues worldwide, including MLB, NPB, KBO, LIDOM, and LVBP, with passionate fanbases. The sport also has a wide range of betting options, from moneylines and run lines to player props and futures, making it one of the most dynamic sports for betting globally.