The World Series, a championship baseball series between the American League (AL) and National League (NL) champions, began in 1903. It has been held annually since 1905, with the exceptions of 1904 and 1994.
History of the World Series
The inaugural World Series in 1903 saw the Boston (AL) team defeat the Pittsburgh (NL) team. The New York Giants (NL) refused to play the AL champion in 1904, but the series resumed the following year and has continued every year since, except for 1994 due to a players' strike. A seven-game format has been standard for the series since 1922.
Timing of the World Series
The World Series is traditionally played in October. However, some recent series have extended into November due to in-season delays and the expansion of earlier postseason rounds. For instance, the 2025 World Series concluded on November 1. It is often referred to as the "Fall Classic" because it is played during the autumn season in North America.
