During the 1960s, Major League Baseball began to expand en masse. It meant more teams out west, and more teams down in the south, in spaces traditionally reserved for Spring Training & Minor League teams. Here’s a breakdown of the Expansion Era timeline across Major League Baseball.
What teams are Expansion Era Teams?
Here’s a look at the Major League teams considered “Expansion Era” organizations:
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- Colorado Rockies
- Houston Astros
- Kansas City Royals
- Los Angeles Angels
- Miami Marlins
- Milwaukee Brewers
- New York Mets
- San Diego Padres
- Seattle Mariners
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Texas Rangers
- Toronto Blue Jays
- Washington Nationals
All of these teams entered the league since what can be considered the start of the “Expansion Era,” when Major League Baseball considerably increased its footprint across the United States (and Canada) since 1960.
The 1960s saw the founding of the Mets, Rangers, Angels, Astros, Royals, and Padres, as well as the Milwaukee Brewers. Milwaukee was originally known as the Seattle Pilots, playing in Seattle for one season (1969) before moving to Wisconsin.
The Nationals were also founded in 1969. However, that organization started as the Montreal Expos before moving to Washington after the 2004 season.
Additionally, the Rangers began as the Washington Senators, the second Senators franchise in MLB history. The original one, which began play in 1901, moved to Minnesota starting with the 1961 season.
The 1970s saw the Seattle Mariners enter the league as Washington’s new Major League team, along with the Toronto Blue Jays. Both franchises entered the league in 1977.
Two decades later saw additional teams were added to the league. Colorado and Miami (originally known as the Florida Marlins) joined the league in 1993. Five years later, the Diamondbacks and Devil Rays (now known as the Rays) joined the league, marking the last expansion of the league to this date.
Check out more of our MLB coverage.