Interleague games in baseball add a unique flavor to the sport, offering fans a glimpse into matchups that occur with less frequency during the 162-game regular season. These special contests bring together teams from different leagues, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. The rarity of these encounters amplifies their significance, as fans eagerly anticipate witnessing how teams accustomed to their own leagues navigate unfamiliar opponents.
In this post, we’ll celebrate these special times and explore 11 of the most unusual matchups between teams from different leagues. We’ll examine 11 of such rare interleague matchups. In the world of baseball, traditions are revered and history is etched in every pitch, interleague matchups stand out as unique chapters.
These rare encounters not only showcase the diversity of the baseball landscape but also contribute to the enduring magic of the sport. From historic clashes like the Dodgers vs. Yankees to equally nostalgic battles like the Atlanta Braves vs. Minnesota Twins, these matchups add a special flavor to the baseball experience.
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History of MLB Interleague Play
Prior to 1997, NL and AL teams only met in the All-Star Game and, occasionally, the World Series. The introduction of interleague play allowed teams from different leagues to face off during the regular season. The primary motivation behind this change was to add excitement to the schedule, enhance fan interest, and create intriguing matchups between teams that rarely faced each other.
The schedule typically includes a designated period each season for interleague games, creating anticipation and buzz as fans eagerly await matchups between iconic teams. This innovation not only increased attendance at ballparks but also generated renewed interest in the sport, as fans could now witness storied rivalries and rare encounters between teams with distinct histories.
Interleague play has become a cherished tradition in MLB, fostering new rivalries and preserving the rich tapestry of baseball history. The occasional matchups between teams that seldom cross paths add an extra layer of excitement to the regular season, creating unforgettable moments for fans and players alike. As baseball continues to evolve, interleague play remains a dynamic element that contributes to the enduring appeal of America’s pastime.
Here are 11 of the rarest MLB interleague matchups:
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Yankees
The Dodgers and Yankees have met in their long history many times, though mostly in the World Series. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, the Dodgers have one three championships, including five in New York. During the time that the Dodgers were on the East Coast, they never of course met the Yankees outside of an exhibition game, and it wasn’t until the year 2013 that the Dodgers finally visited Yankee Stadium for a regular season game.
Players who played for both teams:
Steve Howe
Darryl Strawberry
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2. Chicago Cubs vs. Boston Red Sox
Few baseball teams have as long as history as these two teams. The Chicago Cubs were founded in 1876 as the Chicago White Stockings and later became the Cubs in 1903; the Boston Red Sox were established in 1901 as the Boston Americans and adopted their current name in 1908. The teams faced off in the 1918 World Series, with Boston winning. It wasn’t until the year 2005 that they finally met–the first time in nearly 90 years. There have been several postseason close calls. For instance, in the year 2003, both the Red Sox and Cubs were involved in their respective league championships, though baseball fans know of what happened during the Cubs’ attempt at winning it all when unfortunately they lost to the Marlins in six games. I must say, whenever I see the Cubs playing the Red Sox on TV, it looks quite odd. But it’s a great treat for baseball fans, and it sure is one of the most rarest of interleague matchups.
Players who played for both teams:
Jamie Moyer
Dennis Eckersley
3. Toronto Blue Jays vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers and Blue Jays have rarely met. It wasn’t until the year 2008 that the Dodgers visited the Blue Jays for the first time. Both teams are from large cities with a heavy base of baseball fans. The total number of meetings between the the teams is 24. The Toronto Blue Jays have won the World Series twice in their history, and I personally would love to see the Dodgers someday meet the Blue Jays in the Fall Classic.
Players who played for both teams:
Tom Candiotti
David Wells
4. Atlanta Braves vs. Minnesota Twins
Every true baseball fan will remember or know of the thrilling 1991 World Series, which lasted seven games. Braves fans will never forget the phenomenal pitching performance of Jack Morris, when he lasted 10 innings to beat the braves. Ever since that heartbreaking loss to the Twins, the Braves and Twins have faced off a total of 22 times.
Players who played for both teams:
Bartolo Colon
Tom Zachary
5. Seattle Mariners vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
A Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Seattle Mariners showdown is a true rarity. These teams, coming from the National League and American League respectively, don’t often cross paths. It’s like catching a glimpse of a comet—a rare event but captivating when it happens. As of December 2023, the overall record between the Pirates and Mariners in interleague play is limited, making each encounter a unique spectacle.
Players who played for both teams:
Craig Reynolds
Enrique Romo
6. Miami Marlins vs. Kansas City Royals
This is one of the rarest of interleague matchups. The Miami Marlins, formerly the Florida Marlins, have been to Kansas City only 21 times. The Royals of course won the World Series in 2015 [vs. Mets] and have been a contender for a number of years, though not on the caliber as the Marlins. Perhaps someday they’ll meet in the World Series.
Players who played for both teams:
Benito Santiago
Jeff Conine
7. San Francisco Giants vs. Baltimore Orioles
Since the beginning of its history, the Giants have been to Baltimore only four times. Interleague afforded the opportunity to have more matchups between these two teams, though, they have rarely meet. As of the start of the 2024 season, the teams have met only 21 times.
Players who played for both teams:
Hoyt Wilhelm
Will Clark
8. Chicago White Sox vs. New York Mets
The White Sox and Mets have met a total of 16 times during the regular season. Their first meeting in a non-exhibition game was in 2002. And it wasn’t until 2013 that the White Sox would come to Shea Stadium for the first time. This is one of the rarest of matches, though a delight featuring two of among our country’s largest cities. I do remember listening to the White Sox play the Mets on WFAN Sports Radio from New York during Spring Training the ’80s. It seems to me that the White Sox at that time were in the Grapefruit League, and moved to the Cactus League a short time after, but ever since then, in regular season, games between them have been rare.
Players who played for both teams:
Sandy Alomar Jr.
Tom Seaver
9. Oakland A’s vs. Philadelphia Phillies
The Oakland A’s had their roots in the City of Brotherly Love. From 1901 until 1954, the team was in existence in Philadelphia, before moving to Kansas City, MO. Philadelphia was the only city other than New York and Boston that could proudly say that they had three teams. Every year, the city featured an exhibition game between these two beloved franchises. Like Dodgers and Giants fans in New York, after these teams left New York in the late Fifties, those who followed for decades their beloved teams in Philadelphia were heartbroken. Since the beginning of interleague play, the teams have met only eight times.
Players who played for both teams:
Dave Stewart
Dwayne Murphy
10. Chicago Cubs vs. Baltimore Orioles
The Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles is perhaps one of the rarest interleague matchups–so far they’ve met a total of 19 times. This is remarkable, considering how long both of these teams have been around. Of all of the interleague matches, I find this the most aesthetically pleasing, if you will, in that I love the Cubs and Orioles uniforms. Perhaps its rarity is what makes it even more of a pleasure for us baseball fans.
Players who played for both teams:
Sammy Sosa
Rafael Palmeiro
11. Oakland A’s vs. Washington Nationals (Montreal Expos)
A Washington Nationals versus Oakland A’s matchup is quite uncommon, and the Oakland A’s facing the Montreal Expos was perhaps the rarest of interleague matches. Before the Expos became the Washington Nationals after the 2000 in the 2005 season, they were previously known as the Expos. The Expos had only once ever been to Oakland, although the A’s never played against the Expos in Canada. I searched online for videos of the Expos playing the A’s, and could find none. The total number of games that the Expos (now Nationals) have played against the A’s is 18.
Players who played for both teams:
Blake Treinen
F.P. Santangelo
Conclusion
Interleague play, a significant development in Major League Baseball (MLB), was introduced in 1997, providing fans with the opportunity to witness historic clashes and matchups they had only dreamed of. In the 25+ years since, there have been hundreds of games played between teams of each league, though there are a few matchups that are rare. We hope that you have found this list entertaining, and like yourself, I look forward to baseball’s exciting changes in recent years making this sport even more exciting. Baseball has changed a lot since its inception, though it is still a beautiful game, and one that we baseball fans cherish.
Featured Photo/Wendy Wei@Pexels
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