July 10, 1968 – The National League of Major League Baseball announced that it would split into 2 divisions of six teams each for the 1969 season. The decision came after the American League separated its teams into divisions in a similar fashion. Warren Giles, President of the NL stated that New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St Louis, and the expansion team from Montreal would comprise one group. At the same time, San Francisco, LA, San Diego, Cincinnati, Houston, and Atlanta would round out group 2.
As a compromise, the American League increased their scheduled games to 162 from 156 to match the NL so that consistency would be between the two opposing Leagues. The NL would move to three geographical divisions in 1994 as the Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins had been recently added and the Milwaukee Brewers moved over from the AL.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Sports History On This Day: May 27
May 27, 1968 – Football’s legendary player, owner, and founding NFL member George Halas retired
Sports History On This Day: May 26
May 26, 1974 – The words “Gentlemen start your engines,” was declared for the first
Sports History On This Day: May 25
May 25, 1919 – There are hidden talents to many of the athletes we celebrate
Indy 500 Race Day: On The Grid
In this episode, Tim Coffeen will take you inside the garage as an Indy
Sports History On This Day: May 24
May 24, 1935 – A landmark event occurred at the ballpark in Cincinnati, Ohio. President
How Would You Rank the Best NFL Teams of the 1970s?
Many would argue the NFL during the 1970s was the best era in league
Sports History On This Day: May 23
May 23, 1922 – Boxer Gene Tunney suffered his only professional defeat in a 15-round
When George Halas Went To War; What Happened to the Chicago Bears?
George Halas, the founder and also coach of the Chicago Bears for many decades,