Can You Name All of These Major League Baseball Teams?

SPORTS

By: Gavin Thagard

6 Min Quiz

Image: Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III

About This Quiz

It's a Sunday afternoon in the middle of spring. Life is coming back as trees and flowers bloom. The weeks of rain have passed, and the sun pours through the blinds into the living room, where you just turned on a baseball game. You look at the screen and realize that you don't even know the two teams playing. How common of an occurrence is this for you? Are you just a fan in passing or a true lover of the game of baseball? 

There's a reason baseball is called "America's Pastime," as it's been one of the most popular sports in North America for over a century. Of course, when it comes to Major League Baseball, there have been many changes since the American League came together with the National League to play the first modern World Series in 1903. One of the biggest changes is the expansion of the league into the 30 teams that comprise it today.

Will you be able to identify all 30 teams that compete in the majors? From the east coast of Pennsylvania to the port cities of Washington and California, you'll have to know both historical franchises and new entries into the league. If you're ready, get started and see if you can knock this MLB quiz out of the park.

After one of the best seasons in franchise history, controversy hit this MLB team in 2020. Who are they?

After losing in the 2019 World Series, the Houston Astros became the center of controversy for a cheating scandal that dates back to their World Series victory in 2017. According to the reports, the Astros read signs from opposing teams and found ways to communicate those signs to their batters.

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No MLB team has won more championships than which one shown here?

The New York Yankees won a World Series in every decade except for the 1980s and 2010s. The team's last title was won in 2009, which is why it decided to part ways with manager Joe Girardi following the 2017 season.

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Can you identify this team that's won seven straight West Division titles?

Jackie Robinson, the first black player to compete in Major League Baseball, was a star for the Dodgers, who were located in Brooklyn at the time. Robinson was a six-time All-Star with the Dodgers and won the NL MVP in 1949.

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Do you recognize this team that plays in the oldest stadium in Major League Baseball?

After winning three World Series with the Boston Red Sox, Babe Ruth's contract was sold to the New York Yankees in 1919, beginning what became known as "The Curse of the Bambino." The Red Sox wouldn't break the curse until they finally won a championship in 2004.

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One of the most dominant franchises in the National League, what team is this?

Serving as general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, Branch Rickey helped establish the farm system in Major League Baseball during his time with the club. Rickey was tired of scouting talent who ended up going elsewhere, so he encouraged the Cardinals to start their own minor league teams to develop players.

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How well do you know this MLB team that's often considered the little brother in New York City?

The New York Mets suffered through some horrible seasons after the franchise was founded in 1962. However, they were able to put a championship roster together in 1969 that became known as the "Miracle Mets" because they surprised the entire baseball world.

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Are you familiar with this team that ended a record championship drought in 2016?

The Chicago Cubs play home games in Wrigley Field, one of the most historic ballparks in baseball. The team first started playing home games there in 1916, even winning its inaugural game against the Cincinnati Reds.

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Legends like Hank Aaron and Chipper Jones played for which franchise depicted here?

The Braves were located first in Boston and later in Milwaukee before the team made the move to Atlanta in 1966. They have won titles in all three cities, with their latest championship coming in 1995.

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The only franchise located in Canada, is this a team you're familiar with?

After not qualifying for the playoffs for three straight seasons, the Toronto Blue Jays hired Cito Gaston as their manager in 1989. In his first season with the team, Gaston led the Blue Jays to the ALCS, and in 1992, he helped the team win the first championship in franchise history.

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What's the name of this team that recently hired Rocco Baldelli as its manager?

After playing in Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome from 1982 through 2009, the Minnesota Twins moved to Target Field for the 2010 season. They later hosted the 2014 All-Star Game in their new stadium.

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Did you watch this team win the 2019 World Series?

The Washington Nationals were a Wild Card team coming into the 2019 MLB Playoffs, but that didn't stop them from taking out team after team, including the top-seeded Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS. The Nationals then defeated the Houston Astros in the World Series to take home the first title in franchise history.

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Select the name of this MLB team that's led by Mike Trout, one of the biggest stars in baseball.

After parting ways with longtime manager Mike Scioscia in 2018, the Los Angeles Angels decided to bring in Brad Ausmus, who only lasted one season with the team. As his replacement for 2020, the Angels hired veteran manager Joe Maddon to hopefully put them back in playoff contention.

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One of the first MLB franchises to move to California, who is this?

In 1944, while still located in New York, the Giants made Carl Hubbell the first player in the National League to have his number retired. This honor was given only one year after Hubbell retired from baseball.

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Can you identify this team that's named after one of the most important industries in town?

Established in 1969 and moved to Milwaukee in 1970, the Brewers have played in both the American League and the National League. The team reached one World Series as a member of the American League but hasn't returned since changing leagues in 1998.

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Do you know this MLB team that's struggled since reaching back-to-back World Series in 2008 and 2009?

The Phillie Phanatic, the mascot for the Philadelphia Phillies, is one of the most recognized mascots in all of professional sports. Phanatic claims to be the Phillies' biggest fan but also loves cheesesteaks, sleeping and the movie "Rocky."

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This team plays games in the "Windy City." Who are they?

The Chicago White Sox were at the center of the 1919 Black Sox Scandal, where eight players threw the World Series to make money in a gambling operation. All of the players were permanently banned from MLB, including from the Hall of Fame.

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The '70s were dominated by which franchise shown here?

From 1970 through 1976, the Cincinnati Reds went to four World Series, winning two back to back in 1975 and 1976. The team during this era was known as "The Big Red Machine" with players like Pete Rose, Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan on the roster.

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How well do you know this team that currently has the longest championship drought in baseball?

The Cleveland Indians moved to Progressive Field, their current ballpark, in 1994 after playing in Cleveland Park since the '30s. The next season, they were back in the World Series for the first time since 1954, though they couldn't capture a title during that 1995 playoff run.

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Are you familiar with this team that's carried the same name since it joined the majors in 1901?

After reaching the ALCS in 1972, the Detroit Tigers went into a period of decline for most of the rest of the decade. One bright spot for the team during this time was Mark Fidrych, who won over fans in 1976 as a rookie, winning the AL Rookie of the Year after posting a 19-9 record as a pitcher.

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Is this MLB franchise, known for implementing sabermetrics in the early 2000s, a team you recognize?

Before moving to Oakland, the Athletics were located in Philadelphia and Kansas City at different points. The team had tremendous success during its early years in Philadelphia, where it won five of its nine World Series titles.

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Have you ever watched this team play home games at Tropicana Field?

The Tampa Bay Rays were established in 1998, and the team's first decade of play was marred by failure. Only once did they finish better than last place in their division, and the Rays never reached the playoffs until 2008 when they made a run at the World Series, ultimately losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in five games.

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A franchise still searching for its first World Series title, who is this?

The San Diego Padres are trying to get to the playoffs for the first time since 2006. To accomplish this, the team brought in new manager Jayce Tingler, who is taking his first stab at being a manager.

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What's the name of this team that hasn't made the playoffs since 2001?

Though the Seattle Mariners were established in 1977, the team never reached the playoffs until the '90s came around. Support for the team was in decline by then, but luckily, a victory in the 1995 ALDS once again inspired the city of Seattle to get behind their team.

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Cal Ripken Jr. was one of the biggest stars in the history of which franchise depicted here?

The Baltimore Orioles last made the World Series in 1983. With future Hall of Famers like Jim Palmer and Cal Ripken Jr. playing, the Orioles defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in five games to take home the championship.

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Can you identify this MLB team that hasn't changed its name or city since 1891?

In the history of the Pittsburgh Pirates, few players are as well known as Roberto Clemente, who played for the Pirates from 1955 until 1972. Clemente was a 15-time All-Star, an NL MVP and a two-time World Series champion.

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Name this MLB franchise that was established in 1998.

Unlike most expansion franchises, the Arizona Diamondbacks didn't have to wait long before they started having success on the field. They reached the playoffs in only their second season and won a World Series in 2001, making them the fastest expansion team to win a World Series.

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This team will be playing home games on a new field in 2020. Who are they?

Before moving to Texas, the Rangers were located in Washington D.C., where they were known as the Senators. During their final game in Washington in 1971, fans stormed the field, taking away souvenirs including first base.

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Do you recognize this team that reached the World Series as a Wild Card team in 2014?

Aside from Jackie Robinson, whose number was retired league-wide, the Kansas City Royals have only retired three players' numbers. Those numbers include No. 5 for George Brett, No. 10 for Dick Howser and No. 20 for Frank White.

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How familiar are you with this team that plays in the "Mile High City"?

After playing their first season in 1993, the Colorado Rockies only made the playoffs once before their World Series run in 2007. The Rockies didn't come away victorious in the 2007 World Series, but it's the closest they've come to a championship.

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Are you a big enough baseball fan to identify this MLB team?

Derek Jeter, the longtime great for the New York Yankees, became part owner of the Miami Marlins in 2017. He was immediately named the team's chief executive officer, and one of his first moves was trading the 2017 NL MVP, Giancarlo Stanton, to his former team.

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