Top 5 Most Intense Rivalries in Baseball

With millions of fans and often described as America’s pastime, Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the world. It is a highly competitive sport that’s full of surprises and nail-biting finishes. The game has enthralled audiences across the globe and has a glorious history dating back to more than a hundred years. While baseball is a limited-contact sport, it still has spawned some fierce rivalries over the years. These rivalries are among the things that drive teams, players and fans to the edge, eventually culminating into the deep passion for the game. For records, here are some of the most intense rivalries in Major League Baseball (MLB).

New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox:If you play against someone for more than 2,000 times, it is bound to create some rivalry. This is exactly the case with New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, whose rivalry is known as one of the most intense in the history of baseball. The rivalry dates back to more than a century and it all started to take shape when Babe Ruth of Boston Red Sox joined New York Yankees in 1916. Since then, there have been a number of flash points, both on and off the field, which have kept therivalry simmering over the years.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants:This is another longest-standing rivalry in MLB, which some people consider as the greatest sports rivalry of all time. The rivalry dates back to the time when both teams were based in New York City in late 19th century. Even as the teams shifted to California, the rivalry continued to grow, as cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco are considered natural rivals in terms of political, economic and cultural standpoint.

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs:Also known as I-55 rivalry and Route 66 rivalry, this is one of the bitterestrivalries in MLB. The rivalry has its roots in the economic trade rivalry that had existed between Chicago and St. Louis in the late nineteenth century. While both teams are almost neck and neck in NL pennant wins, Cardinals have a much better record in World Series, having won 11 championships in comparison to just 3 won by Cubs.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets:Also known as Battle of the Broads, the Mets–Phillies rivalry has been one of the most intense in MLB. The rivalry began in 1962 when the Mets franchise came into existence. The rivalry has led to several brawls on the field and Phillies fans hate Mets like no other. Phillies appear to have an upper hand, having a higher number of wins on their side.

Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers: This is a relatively new rivalry in baseball, but it still has plenty of hate and scorn to go with it. This rivalry is also referred to as I-94 Rivalry, as both teams’ locations are almost equidistant from each other, off Interstate 94 (I-94). As of now, both teams are almost neck and neck in regular season series wins.