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The American League (or formally the American League of Professional Baseball Clubs) is often called the Junior Circuit because it was established 25 years after the National League. Before it was brought up from minor to major league status, the A.L. was originally called The Western League founded in 1893.

In 1899, the league was renamed the American League. When its National Agreement membership expired in October of 1900 the A.L. chose not to renew. On January 28, 1901 the baseball "war" began when the American League declared itself at major league status.

Although the office of American League president was eliminated in 1999, Jackie Autry, former owner of the Anaheim Angels, currently holds the title of honorary American League president.

The two divisions didn't play each other for the first 96 years of their coexistence except for exhibition games or in the World Series. That all changed in 1997 when interleague games became part of the regular season, and began to count in the standings. As of the end of the 2005 season, The New York Yankees have won the most World Series (26) and the most League Penants (39.)

There are fourteen teams in the American League and they are divided geographically:

East Coast National League Teams

Central National League Teams

West Coast National League Teams

also see -> World Series Baseball | Little League World Series

National League Baseball

also see in Sports Idols -> Jason Giambi | Ken Griffey, Jr.

Derek Jeter | Mike Piazza | Alex Rodriguez