Origin of each MLB franchise

Tampa Bay's expansion team began life in the AL East as the Devil Rays in 1998. In 2007, owner Stuart Sternberg made changes to the franchise's image, changing the club's name to the Tampa Bay Rays, which he described as "a beacon that radiates throughout Tampa Bay and across the entire state of Florida." The colors were also changed from black, green and blue, to navy blue, Columbia blue, and gold, and the team's symbol was changed from a devil ray to a ray of sunlight. The devil ray symbol is still on the sleeve of their jerseys, and there is a tank of cownose rays in the outfield. The franchise has never won a World Series. They won the AL pennant in 2008 and have won the AL East twice (2008, 2010). They were the AL wild card in 2011. Their one and only home has been Tropicana Field.

An early form of baseball was played in England in the mid-eighteenth century. This game was brought to North America and, by the late nineteenth century, baseball was widely recognized as the national sport of the United States. The modern era began in 1901, with eight National League (Senior Circuit) and eight American League (Junior Circuit) teams. Moves, name changes and expansions have resulted in the 30 current MLB teams. Trace the roots of each team.

The Atlanta Braves, then the Boston Beaneaters (1883-1906), were one of the original NL teams. Pre-modern era roots include the Boston Red Stockings (1871-76) and Red Caps (1876-82). Other Boston names included: Doves (1907-10), Rustlers (1911), Braves ('12-35 and '41-52) and Bees ('36-40). They moved to Milwaukee as the Braves in 1953, landing in Atlanta as the Braves in 1966. Media mogul Ted Turner bought the team in 1976. Liberty Media bought it in 2007. Braves star Hank Aaron (pictured) broke Babe Ruth's home run record in 1973. They have three World Series titles; nine NL pennants, 11 East Division titles, five West Division titles and one wild-card. The team has played in: South End Grounds (1894–1914); Fenway Park (1914–15); Braves Field (aka National League Park, 1915–52); Milwaukee County Stadium (1953–65); Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (aka Atlanta Stadium, 1966–96); and Turner Field (1997-present).

The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the eight original NL teams. The team's pre-modern era roots go back to the St. Louis Perfectos (1899) and St. Louis Brown Stockings/Browns (1882–1898). The Cards boast 11 World Series titles, the most recent in 2011, including two in the 1960s when Lou Brock (pictured) was a team star. They have 17 NL pennants, three East Division titles and eight division titles since moving to the Central Division in 1994. They earned a wild-card berth in 2001. The Redbirds have called four ballparks home: Robison Field (aka Cardinal Field, aka League Park, aka Sportsman's Park); Sportsman's Park (aka Busch Stadium); Busch Stadium (aka Busch Memorial Stadium); and the new Busch Stadium, which opened in 2006.

The Cubs were one of the original eight NL teams. The team became the Chicago Cubs in 1903. For the first two years of the modern era, and before, they were called the Chicago Orphans (1898–1902). Prior to that they were the Chicago Colts (1890–1897) and the Chicago White Stockings (1870–1871, 1874–1889). The Lovable Losers are renowned for their postseason futility; they have not won a World Series since taking two in a row in 1907 and '08. They have 10 NL titles, but have not won one since 1945, despite the best efforts of Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks (pictured). The Cubbies have won three Central Division titles, two East Division titles and earned one wild-card berth. The North Siders played in West Side Park until 1916 when Wrigley Field (aka Cubs Park, aka Weeghman Park) opened. Wrigley is the second oldest MLB ballpark, and is four years younger than Boston's Fenway Park.

One of the original eight NL teams, the Dodgers roots reach to 1883 as the Brooklyn Atlantics. Prior to the modern era, they were the Grays, Bridegrooms, Grooms and Trolley Dodgers (New Yorkers' name for Brooklynites). They were also called the Superbas (1899-1910) and the Robins (1914-1931) before becoming the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1932. In 1958 they moved west and became the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jackie Robinson broke MLB's color barrier as a Dodger in 1947. The Blue Crew won one World Series in Brooklyn and five in LA (the last in '88), dominating in the '60s with pitchers Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax (pictured). They have 18 NL pennants, 11 West Division titles and two wild-cards. The team has played at Dodger Stadium since 1962. They played at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum from 1958-61. Brooklyn venues were Ebbets Field (1913–57) and Washington Park (1898–1912).

The San Francisco Giants began life as the New York Gothams in 1883, becoming the New York Giants in 1885. They are one of the original eight National League teams. They, along with the Dodgers, moved to the West Coast in 1958 and became the San Francisco Giants. The great Willie Mays (pictured) played for the team on both coasts. The East Coast version won five World Series (1954, '33, '22, '21 and '05) while last year's championship was the first for San Francisco. They have 21 NL pennants (including four in SF), and seven West Division titles. Since 2000, the team has played at AT&T Park (aka SBC Park, aka Pacific Bell Park). When they first moved to SF, they played at Seals Stadium, moving to Candlestick Park in 1960 (later known as 3Com Park at Candlestick Point). In New York they called the Polo Grounds home and, for one year in 1911, Hilltop Park.

The Phillies are one of the eight original NL teams. After being founded in 1883 as the Quakers, the team changed its name to the Philadelphias; soon shortened to Phillies. Quakers was used interchangeably with Phillies from 1884-90. Nicknames for the current club include: Phils, The Fightin' (or Phightin') Phils and The Fightin's (or Phightin's). In the early 1940s owner William B. Cox was banned from MLB for betting on baseball. In 1943, the new owner tried to polish the team's image by unofficially adopting the name Bluejays; the moniker was dropped in 1948. The franchise has won two World Series titles, seven NL pennants and 11 East Division titles. The team has had four modern-era venues in Philly: Citizens Bank Park (2004–present); Veterans Stadium (1971–2003); Connie Mack Stadium (aka Shibe Park, 1927, 1938–1970); and Baker Bowl (aka National League Park, 1901–1926, 1928–1938).

The Pirates were one of the eight original NL teams. Always located in Pittsburgh, the team's pre-modern era names included: Allegheny (1882–86), the Pittsburgh Alleghenys (1887–89) and the Pittsburg Innocents (1890). The nickname Pirates was given to the club in 1891 after they were accused of hijacking (pirating) a player under contract to the Philadelphia Athletics. From 1891-1911 the city portion of the name was spelled Pittsburg. The 2011 season was the Bucs' 19th consecutive losing campaign (a pro sports record) but it hasn't always been that dismal. They have five World Series titles, including the "We Are Family" squad of 1979 and the 1971 team with the great Roberto Clemente (pictured). The team won nine NL pennants and nine East Division titles, but none since moving to the Central Division in 1994. In the modern era they have played at: Exposition Park  (1891–1909), Forbes Field (1909–1970) Three Rivers Stadium (1970–2000) and PNC Park (2001–present).

The Cincinnati Reds were one of the original eight NL teams, although they were briefly called the Cincinnati Redlegs form 1953-58, before restoring their original moniker. The team's  pre-modern era roots go back to the Cincinnati Red Stockings (1882–1889). The Big Red Machine has five World Series titles, the most recent in 1990, including two in the 1970s when the team boasted 1B Pete Rose, C Johnny Bench and SS Joe Morgan (pictured, from left). They've won nine NL pennants; seven of their division titles were in the West and two were in the Central. In the modern era the team has had four homes: Palace of the Fans (aka League Park); Crosley Field (aka Redland Field); Riverfront Stadium; and Great American Ball Park, which opened in 2003.

The Oakland Athletics, one of the charter AL teams, began as the Philadelphia Athletics in 1901. In 1955 they moved to Kansas City; they moved again in 1968, to Oakland, Calif. They officially were the Oakland A's from 1970-80. The name was changed back to Oakland Athletics in 1981, although they are commonly still called the A's. The name dates to 1860 when the amateur Athletic (Club) of Philadelphia team was formed. The A's have nine World Series titles (four on the West Coast, three of which featured Catfish Hunter, pictured, on the mound), 15 AL pennants, 14 AL West titles and one wild-card berth. The Philadelphia team played in Columbia Park, then Shibe Park (aka Connie Mack Stadium). In Kansas City, they played at Municipal Stadium. In Oakland they have had one home, now called O.co Coliseum or Overstock.com Coliseum (aka Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, aka McAfee Coliseum, aka Network Associates Coliseum).

The Indians have played in Cleveland throughout the modern era, undergoing several name changes. They began in 1894 as the minor-league Grand Rapids Rustlers, based in Michigan. In 1900 they moved to Cleveland as the Lake Shores. In 1901, they were named the Cleveland Blues, or Bluebirds. They became the Bronchos in 1902 before adopting the name Naps in 1903 in honor of star player Nap Lajoie. In 1915 local newspapers chose the name Indians. In 1975 the Indians made Frank Robinson the first African-American major-league manager. The Tribe has won two World Series titles (including 1948, with pitcher Bob Lemon, pictured); five AL pennants and seven Central Division titles. The team has only played in three ballparks: Progressive Field (aka Jacobs Field, 1994–present); Cleveland Stadium (aka Cleveland Municipal Stadium, 1932–93); and League Park (aka Dunn Field, 1900–46).

The Baltimore Orioles are one of the eight original AL teams, although they opened the modern era in 1901 as the Milwaukee Brewers, established in 1894. In 1902 they moved and became the St. Louis Browns. The team moved again in 1954, becoming the Baltimore Orioles, named for the state bird of Maryland. (The previous major-league Baltimore Orioles lasted from 1901-02, eventually becoming the New York Yankees.) The O's found their greatest success from the mid-1960s to early 1980s, with players like Brooks Robinson, Boog Powell, Clay Dalrymple and Frank Robinson (pictured, from left). They have World Series titles, seven AL pennants, eight East division titles and one wild-card. In Milwaukee, the Birds played at Lloyd Street Grounds. In St. Louis they played at Sportsman's Park (aka Busch Stadium). In Baltimore: Memorial Stadium (1954–1991), and Oriole Park at Camden Yards (1992–present).

The Boston Red Sox were one of the eight AL charter franchises. From 1901 to '07, the team wore dark blue stockings and were known as Boston, the Bostonians, the Bostons, the Americans or the Boston Americans. The Red Sox name was a nod to previous Boston teams called the Red Stockings. Boston dominated the new league, winning five World Series by 1918, then entered an 86-year championiship drought, which ended when they won the 2004 World Series. The eight-plus decades of futility are blamed on the "Curse of the Bambino," a hex that allegedly plagued the Red Sox after they sold Babe Ruth to the rival Yankees in 1919. Despite this, the Sox fielded many competitive teams, including the 1970s squads, led by Carlton Fisk (pictured). The BoSox have won seven World Series, six East Division titles and seven wild-cards. They play in MLB's oldest venue, Fenway Park, opened in 1912. Previously, they played at Huntington Avenue Baseball Grounds.

The Detroit Tigers are one of the eight charter AL franchises. The club's roots go back to 1894 as part of the Western League. Detroit's first pre-modern era major-league entry was the Detroit Wolverines, a member of the NL from 1881 through 1888. The nickname, now associated with the University of Michigan, came from Michigan's nickname, The Wolverine State. The Tigers moved from the AL East to the AL Central in 1998. The Tigers have won four World Series, most recently in 1984; 10 AL pennants; one Central Division title; three East Division titles; and one wild-card berth. The Tigers lost back-to-back World Series to the Cubs in 1907-08, the last time the Cubs won a Series. The Tigers' home ballparks have been: Comerica Park (2000–present); Tiger Stadium (aka Briggs Stadium, aka Navin Field, 1912–1999); Bennett Park (1896–1911); and Burns Park (Sundays, 1901–1902).

The Minnesota Twins, one of the original AL teams, began as the Washington Senators in 1901. Roots include the Kansas City Blues (1894-1900). In DC they were known as the Senators or Nationals; the latter became the official name in 1905. In 1960, MLB granted Minneapolis an expansion team. Nats owner Calvin Griffith moved his team to Minnesota; Washington got the expansion team. The Senators moved in 1961 and were renamed for the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Harmon Killebrew (pictured) moved with the team. A new Washington Senators/Nats team was born; it eventually moved to Texas. The team won two World Series as the Twins and one as the Senators; six AL Pennants; six Central Division titles; and four West Division titles. The franchise's venues: American League Park (1901–02); National Park (1903–10); Griffith Stadium (aka National Park, 1911–60); Metropolitan Stadium (1961–81); Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (1982–09); and Target Field (2010–present).

The White Sox are one of the eight original AL teams. From 1900-03, they were known as the White Stockings (a name that once belonged to the crosstown rival Cubs); the official name did not contain the city name. Thereafter, they were the Chicago White Sox. Pre-modern era roots were the St. Paul Saints (1895–99) and the Sioux City Cornhuskers (1894). Nicknames have included: The Sox, The ChiSox, The South Siders, The Pale Hose, The Men in Black, The Shy Sox and The Black Sox. The latter references to the 1919 squad involved in a gambling scandal. Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis banned the tainted players from MLB for life. The White Sox have three World Series titles; six AL Pennants; two West Division titles; and three Central Division titles. They have played in: U.S. Cellular Field (aka New Comiskey Park, 1991–present); Comiskey Park (aka White Sox Park, 1910–90); Milwaukee County Stadium (1968, 1969); and South Side Park (aka White Stockings Park, 1900–10).

One of the AL's charter franchises, the Yankees began as the Baltimore Orioles in 1901. The NY Giants had blocked plans for a second NYC team. In 1903, 15 of 16 owners (all but the Giants') agreed to award the AL a NY franchise and the Orioles became the NY Highlanders (also called the New York Americans). Editors coined the nickname Yankees (or Yanks) around 1904, to better fit headlines. They officially became Yankees in 1913. When the Highlanders lost the deciding game of the 1904 season to the Boston Americans (later the Red Sox), the bitter Giants refused to play the World Series and it was cancelled. The Yanks' 27 World Series wins and 40 AL pennants lead MLB. They won 17 East Division titles and four wild-cards. Yanks Hall-of-Famers include Mickey Mantle (pictured). The Yankees homes: Oriole Park (1901–02); Hilltop Park (1903–12); Polo Grounds (aka Brush Stadium, 1913–22); Yankee Stadium (aka The House That Ruth Built, 1923–73,  '76–2008); Shea Stadium (1974–75); and Yankee Stadium (2009–present).

The expansion Los Angeles Angels joined the AL in 1961, but their roots trace back to a California and Pacific Coast League team based in LA since 1892. From 1965, when the Halos moved to Anaheim, until 1996, they were known as the California Angels, the first MLB team to adopt the state name rather than the city's. They changed their name to the Anaheim Angels in 1997 and became known as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2005. Jim Fregosi (pictured) made his major-league debut as an Angel in 1961 and his big-league managerial debut with the Angels in 1978. They won the AL pennant and World Series in 2002 and have eight AL West titles and a wild-card berth. They've played at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles (1961), Chavez Ravine in L.A. (aka Dodger Stadium) and their current home, Angel Stadium of Anaheim (aka Anaheim Stadium, aka Edison International Field), since 1966.

The Rangers joined the AL in 1961 as the Washington Senators, an expansion team awarded to DC after the city's first ballclub relocated to Minnesota to become the Twins. After the 1971 season, the new Senators moved to Arlington, Texas, and debuted as the Rangers the next spring. The name references the region's law enforcement agency. In another DC connection, George W. Bush was part owner of the Rangers in the early 1990s. Pitching great Nolan Ryan (pictured) was a Ranger from 1989-93, entering the Hall of Fame as a Ranger. He is now principal owner, president and CEO of the Rangers. They played in back-to-back World Series in 2010 and 2011, losing both. They have four AL West titles. In DC, the team played in Griffith Stadium and RFK Stadium (aka DC Stadium). In Texas, they played in Arlington Stadium until '93. Their current home is Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (aka Ameriquest Field in Arlington, aka The Ballpark in Arlington).

The expansion Houston Astros joined the NL as the Houston Colt .45s in 1962. The team name was changed in 1965 when they moved to the Astrodome, the world's first domed stadium. The name is a nod to the city's role in the aerospace industry. They are often associated with the gaudy striped uniforms worn in the '70s and '80s (as seen on Cesar Cedeno, pictured). The team will join the AL West in 2013, becoming just the second team to switch leagues; the other is the Braves. The Astros are the oldest MLB franchise, based in one city its entire history, to have never won the World Series. They won two NL West titles and then four titles after moving to the NL Central. They gained wild-card berths in 2004 and 2005, winning the NL in '05 and advancing to the World Series, where they lost to the White Sox. The Colt .45s played for two years in Colt Stadium. They moved to the Astrodome (aka The Dome, aka Harris County Domed Stadium) in 1965. Their current home is Minute Maid Park (aka Astros Field, aka Enron Field).

The Mets are an expansion team, born in 1962. When the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants headed to the west coast in 1958, it left the largest city in America with no NL team and only one major-league team (the Yankees). The Mets adopted a color from each departed team: blue (Dodgers) and orange (Giants). The name Mets comes from the 19th century baseball club the New York Metropolitans. Mets' nicknames are the Amazin's or the Metropolitans. Recent troubles include the ownership being sued for $1 billion by the trustee in the Bernie Madoff scandal. The Mets have won two World Series titles: the "Miracle Mets" of 1969 (led by pitcher Tom Seaver, pictured) and 1986. They have four NL pennants, five East Division titles and two wild-card berths. Their home parks have been: Polo Grounds (1962–63); Shea Stadium (1964–2008); and Citi Field (2009–present).

The Brewers debuted in the American League as the Seattle Pilots in 1969 and moved to Milwaukee after just one season on the West Coast, becoming the Milwaukee Brewers in 1970. They are the second Milwaukee Brewers in history. The current Baltimore Orioles debuted as the Milwaukee Brewers in 1901. When the divisions were realigned in 1994, the Brewers moved from the AL East to the AL Central. They are the only team to change leagues, moving to the NL Central in 1998. The Brew Crew has never won a World Series or NL pennant but did capture an AL pennant and East Division title in 1982, during the tenure of Robin Yount (pictured). They also won the NL Central title in 2011 and earned a wild-card berth in 2008. In Seattle, the team played at Sick's Stadium. After the move to Wisconsin, they called Milwaukee County Stadium home, then moved to Miller Park in 2001.

The Washington Nationals began as the expansion Montreal Expos in 1969, MLB's first Canadian team. The Expos and Twins were targeted for contraction in 2001. The owner of the Metrodome won an injunction, forcing MLB to drop contraction; the 2002 CBA prohibited contraction through '06, so MLB opted to relocate the Expos, finding a new home in Washington in 2005. They adopted the nickname of the two previous Washington Senators teams, also known as the Nationals. The Expos won the NL East title in 1981, a season divided in two by a players strike. They had the best record in baseball in the strike-shortened '94 season. They are one of two MLB teams (with the Mariners) without a World Series appearance. In Montreal, they played in Jarry Park (1969–76) and Olympic Stadium (1977–2004). They had 22 home games at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 2003-04. In DC they played in RFK Memorial Stadium (2005–07) and Nationals Park (2008-present).

The Padres were an expansion team that joined the National League in 1969. They took the team name from the Pacific Coast League squad that played in San Diego starting in 1936. The team's name, Spanish for fathers, refers to the Spanish Franciscan friars who founded San Diego in 1769. The team won the NL pennant in 1998 and 1984, led both times by Hall of Fame outfielder Tony Gwynn (pictured). They won the West Division title five times. Known affectionately as the Friars, the team currently plays at Petco Park, which opened in 2004. Previously they played at Qualcomm Stadium (aka Jack Murphy Stadium, aka San Diego Stadium).

The Royals are an expansion team that joined the AL East in 1969, moving to the AL Central when the divisions were realigned in 1994. When the Athletics moved from Kansas City to Oakland in 1968, it created a major backlash in Missouri, and led Sen. Stu Symington to push for the revocation of the anti-trust agreement. To appease Missouri officials, Kansas City was awarded the expansion Royals. They won the World Series in 1985, led by the great George Brett (pictured). They also won the AL pennant in '80 and '85 and six West Division titles in the glory days of the '70s and '80s. The Royals called Municipal Stadium home through 1972, then moved to their current home, Kauffman Stadium, when it opened in 1972.

The Toronto Blue Jays are an expansion team established in 1977. They were the second MLB team located in Canada, following the Montreal Expos, established in 1969. The Jays became the fastest American League expansion franchise to win a World Series, in 1992, their 16th year. They added another title the following year. They've won a total of five AL East division titles, the first in 1985, when Cecil Fielder (pictured) was a member of the team. The Blue Jays are one of three MLB teams under corporate ownership (Rogers Communications). The others are the Braves (Liberty Media) and the Seattle Mariners (Nintendo of America). The Jays played in Exhibition Stadium from 1977-1989, moving to their current home, Rogers Centre (aka Skydome) in 1989.

The Seattle Mariners are an expansion team that joined the AL in 1977. The name evokes the marine culture in the seaside city. In 1970, future MLB commissioner Bud Selig purchased the Seattle Pilots and relocated the team to Milwaukee, where they became the Brewers. When the truck driver left the Pilots' spring training camp in Tempe in 1970, he was told to drive to Salt Lake and wait to find out whether to continue to Seattle or Milwaukee. The city of Seattle, King County and state of Washington sued the AL for breach of contract and were awarded the expansion Mariners. Ken Griffey Jr. (pictured) was a team star from 1989-99 and 2009-10. From 1990-91, his dad also played for the M's. The Mariners are one of two teams to never play in a World Series (along with the Washington Nationals). The M's won three AL West titles and one wild-card. The M's played in the multi-purpose Kingdome until 1999 when they moved to Safeco Field.

The Marlins joined the NL East in 1993 as the expansion Florida Marlins. As of Nov. 11, 2011, they are the Miami Marlins. After briefly considering the Florida Flamingos, it was decided to name the team for the fish species common to Atlantic waters and also after Miami's former minor league team of the same name. In 1990, Wayne Huizenga, CEO of Blockbuster, aggressively pursued an expansion franchise and the NL awarded him with the Miami-based franchise. The Marlins won two World Series titles, in 1997 and 2003, both via wild-card berths. They have never won a Division title. The Fish hope to reverse low attendance by moving to New Marlins Ballpark on Opening Day 2012. They previously played at the oft-renamed Sun Life Stadium (aka Land Shark Stadium, Dolphin Stadium, Dolphins Stadium, Pro Player Stadium, Pro Player Park, Joe Robbie Stadium).

The Colorado Rockies are an expansion team that joined the NL in 1993. Previous attempts to bring a team to Colorado failed. In 1959, former Colorado Gov. Ed Johnson created the Continental League, intended to be a third major league. The NL preemptively added expansion teams in NY and Houston in 1962. In the late '70s, Denverite Marvin Davis tried to establish a team, negotiating for the A's (twice), the Giants, White Sox and Pirates. There was a brief notion of relocating the Pirates to Denver following the '85 Pittsburgh drug trials. Denver was finally awarded an expansion team, but in 1992, Mickey Monus, head of the Rockies ownership group, was imprisoned for embezzlement and the NL was within 24 hours of moving the team to Tampa Bay before a new ownership group headed by Jerry McMorris took over. The Rockies won the NL pennant once; they have three wild-cards. The Rocks (including Dale Murphy, pictured) initially played at Mile High Stadium, moving to Coors Field in 1995.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are an expansion team that joined the National League in 1998. The upstart squad won the World Series in 2001, just their fourth year in existence, led by Luis Gonzalez (pictured). The Snakes won the NL West title in 2007, 2002, 2001 and 1999. While forming the plan to bring a team to Phoenix, Jerry Colangelo, owner of the franchise, held a name-the-team contest in the state's leading newspaper, the Arizona Republic. First prize was a pair of lifetime season tickets. The winning choice refers to the western diamondback, a rattlesnake native to the region known for injecting a large amount of venom when it strikes. The D-backs have always played at Chase Field, formerly known as Bank One Ballpark and still affectionately called the BOB.