Do you like College Football? Who am I kidding, of course you do!
That said, are you looking for something to fill the summer void of waiting for CFB to start, but aren’t sure how to get into the MLB?
You’re in luck, because I’m here to make it easy for you!
First things first, the MLB is the highest form of professional baseball. It is split up into two leagues (think conferences) called the National League and the American League.
Picture the two leagues as the Big Ten and SEC. The two leagues are split up into three divisions: West, Central, and East. Each division comprises five teams, grouped by location.
Pretty simple, right?
Ok, so how should you pick your team? The easiest way is to compare the MLB teams to College Football and see where you land
National League
NL East
Atlanta Braves: Georgia Bulldogs:
Historically, both the Braves and Georgia are relevant teams with recent championships to help their case. At one point, the Braves won the NL East 10 years in a row from 1995 to 2005 and then went on a run from 2018 to 2023. Georgia has gone on a similar run in the SEC. If you’re a Georgia Bulldog fan, a southerner, or love that front-running mentality, the Braves are the team for you!
Miami Marlins: Arizona State Sun Devils
Flashy, warm-weather team with a few out-of-nowhere big years (1997, 2003), but not consistent contenders. Like ASU, the Marlins produce talent and surprises but rarely sustain success. If you love chaos and unpredictability, this is your team. Their fanbase endures constant rebuilds, hoping for the next spark. Young stars often shine bright before being traded away.
New York Mets: Nebraska Cornhuskers
Historic success in the ’80s and ’90s, huge fanbase, and constant talk of a comeback that never quite materializes. Mets and Huskers fans both live in hope, but recent decades have been rough. High-profile signings or recruits keep optimism alive. Yet, both seem cursed by near-misses in big moments.
Philadelphia Phillies: Florida Gators
Tons of swagger in the 2000s, including a title in 2008. Like the Gators, they’ve had high highs, low lows, and always seem like they’re one good run away from contending. Their fans are fiercely loyal and loud. Recent playoff pushes show they’re still dangerous.
Washington Nationals: Colorado Buffaloes
A surprise championship in 2019 (or 1990 for CU), but otherwise a program/team that’s struggled for consistency. Big markets, big moments, but a lot of forgettable seasons. Rebuilding phases test their fans’ patience. New talent offers hope for a revival.
NL Central
Chicago Cubs: UCLA Bruins
Historic. Legendary. Long championship drought that ended in iconic fashion. Both programs feel like sleeping giants with all the tools to win but rarely capitalize consistently. Their massive fanbases carry a sense of destiny. Recent years lean more on nostalgia than dominance.
Cincinnati Reds: Army Black Knights
Once dominant, especially in the early years. The Reds were baseball royalty in the ’70s, just like Army was in college football’s early era. These days, they’re mostly just trying to stay relevant. Young players and recruits show flashes of potential. Tradition keeps their legacy alive.
Milwaukee Brewers: Oregon Ducks
Stylish, modern, often good, but no championships. The Brewers, like Oregon, often have exciting offenses and near misses but no ultimate prize (yet). Their fanbases embrace the flair and optimism. Consistent contention keeps hope burning bright.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Rutgers Scarlet Knights
One of the first programs/teams to do it, with deep roots in the sport, but little to show for it lately. A tough climb back to relevance. Fans cling to historical pride. Occasional young stars hint at better days ahead.
St. Louis Cardinals: Ohio State Buckeyes
Winning is in their DNA. Tons of championships, respected programs, and consistent playoff appearances. If you want stability and high standards, this is your squad. Their fans expect excellence every season. Depth and discipline keep them perennial contenders.
NL West
Arizona Diamondbacks: TCU Horned Frogs
Young by comparison, with a few big upsets and surprising postseason runs (like 2001 and 2023 for Arizona, 2010s and 2022 for TCU). Often underestimated, but capable of magic. Scrappy rosters defy expectations. Fans love their underdog grit.
Colorado Rockies: Indiana Hoosiers
Beautiful facilities (Coors Field, Memorial Stadium) and passionate fans, but very little on-field success. They’re there, they try, but the results rarely follow. High-altitude offense excites but doesn’t deliver titles. Fans stay loyal despite the frustration.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Alabama Crimson Tide
A modern dynasty with tons of resources, talent, and expectations. Always in the playoff picture, and typically dominant in the regular season. Championships are the standard. Their deep pockets fuel star-studded rosters. Fans demand nothing less than excellence.
San Diego Padres: Texas Longhorns
Huge potential, tons of money, big-name players, and lots of preseason hype — but the results often fall short. The ceiling is high, but the consistency is low. Fans are vocal and expectant. Recent investments signal a push for glory.
San Francisco Giants: Clemson Tigers
Multiple championships in the 2010s, a core group of players, and a little underdog spirit despite the success. They’ve fallen off recently but can’t be counted out. Savvy management keeps them competitive. Fans cherish the recent golden era.
American League
AL East
Baltimore Orioles: Penn State Nittany Lions
Long-respected, historically strong, and now enjoying a youth-fueled resurgence. The fanbase is loyal, and the future looks bright. Young stars are redefining their identity. Camden Yards and Happy Valley buzz with optimism.
Boston Red Sox: Michigan Wolverines
An old, prestigious program with a bitter rival and a national brand. Big successes in the 2000s and 2010s after a long drought. Always relevant. Fenway and the Big House are sacred grounds. Fans expect drama and greatness.
New York Yankees: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Iconic, global brand. Most championships. Loved or hated, never ignored. While recent titles have been elusive, the name still holds weight. Pinstripes and gold helmets carry unmatched prestige. Fans demand a return to dominance.
Tampa Bay Rays: Iowa Hawkeyes
Resourceful, overachieving, and always in the mix. Despite budget limitations (or lack of recruiting stars), they develop talent and win consistently. Analytics drive their success. Fans admire the scrappy, smart approach.
Toronto Blue Jays: Washington Huskies
Based far from the sport’s traditional power centers, but always capable of big seasons. Strong recent talent, but still chasing the next title. Young stars like Guerrero Jr. mirror UW’s playmakers. Fans dream of a breakthrough.
AL Central
Chicago White Sox: Miami Hurricanes
Chaotic, swagger-filled franchises with past championships and current dysfunction. Capable of rising fast, or totally bottoming out. Fans embrace the rollercoaster ride. Rebuilds test their patience but spark hope.
Cleveland Guardians: Wisconsin Badgers
Solid every year. Great player development, strong fundamentals, but always just short of a title. Fans respect the grind. Consistent contention keeps them in the hunt. Young talent fuels quiet optimism.
Detroit Tigers: Florida State Seminoles
Used to dominate (’80s–2010s for Detroit, ’90s–2010s for FSU), but have fallen on hard times and are rebuilding. Fans reminisce about past glory. New leadership aims to restore the roar.
Kansas City Royals: Baylor Bears
Won it all in 2015 (or 2021 Sugar Bowl for Baylor), then slid back into irrelevance. But the blueprint for success is still there. Fans cling to those magical runs. Emerging talent hints at a comeback.
Minnesota Twins: Minnesota Golden Gophers
Same state, same name. Decent history, solid teams, and occasional division wins, but very limited postseason success. Fans are patient but crave more. Cold winters breed tough, loyal supporters.
AL West
Houston Astros: LSU Tigers
Controversial but dominant. Recent titles, superstar players, and a win-at-all-costs edge. You might not like them, but you respect them. Their aggressive style draws polarized reactions. Fans revel in the villain role.
Los Angeles Angels: USC Trojans
Tons of individual star power (Trout, Ohtani = Bush, Williams), glamorous location, but no team results to back it up. Fans are frustrated by wasted potential. Glitz and talent keep hope alive.
Sacramento Athletics: Vanderbilt Commodores
Smart and underfunded. Occasionally competitive despite the odds, but rarely make deep runs. Always rebuilding. Fans admire the scrappy, cerebral approach. New home in Sacramento adds uncertainty.
Seattle Mariners: Texas A&M Aggies
Passionate fanbase, huge potential, historic droughts. When they’re good, the hype is unreal, but they haven’t broken through. Recent playoff pushes excite fans. The wait for a title feels eternal though.
Texas Rangers: Tennessee Volunteers
Just won it all after years of mediocrity. High energy, loud fans, and finally delivering on the hype with a championship. Momentum is on their side. Fans are hungry for more success.
