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Tipwin：Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and when discussing the best baseball, we can’t ignore the three major leagues: MLB, NPB, and KBO. This blog post will focus on the exciting events and outstanding performances of athletes in MLB, NPB, and KBO throughout 2024.
Major League Baseball( MLB)
Formed in 1903, MLB consists of 30 teams based in the United States and Canada, split into the American League (AL) and National League (NL). Each league is further segmented into eastern, central, and western divisions. The MLB season typically spans from April to October, culminating in the World Series, a best-of-seven playoff between the champions of the AL and NL. MLB enjoys extensive popularity not only in the United States and Canada but also among fans globally.
2024 MLB Draft
The 2024 MLB Draft, held in Fort Worth, Texas, concluded with notable selections across the rounds. The Cleveland Guardians had the first overall pick for the first time in franchise history and chose high school outfielder Max Clark.
On the first day of the 2024 MLB Draft, the Guardians made a major selection, choosing the Oregon State second baseman as their No.1 overall pick. It’s the first time Cleveland has ever had the top pick in its ballot history, and it also represents the first time an Australian-born player has been chosen as the No.1 overall pick. The Cincinnati Reds picked Chase Burns, a right-handed pitcher from Wake Forest University, second overall. At the same time, the Colorado Rockies chose Georgia outfielder Charlie Condon, extensively regarded as the stylish player in the draft.
Day 2 of the 2024 MLB Draft saw rounds 3 through 10 unfold with several standout picks. The Detroit Tigers snagged Michael Massey, a right-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, while the San Francisco Giants took Dakota Jordan, an outfielder from Mississippi State. Injuries impacted some prospects’ draft positions, like Peyton Stovall of Arkansas, but talent shone through, especially with players like Tyson Neighbors from Kansas State and Kavares Tears from Tennessee. The Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres were particularly active, focusing on a mix of pitching and power-hitting prospects.
The third day of the draft is also noteworthy, as historically, several standout players have been selected after the 10th round and later emerged as stars. For instance, Matt Strahm (2012, 21st round), Kirby Yates (2005, 26th round), and Seth Lugo (2011, 34th round) all began their careers as late-round picks but went on to make significant impacts in Major League Baseball.
The 94th All-Star Game
The 94th All-Star Game will be held at the rovers’ home field at 8 PM ET on July 16. Lovullo blazoned his starting ewer, Paul Skenes, who boasts a1.90 period, 215 period, and0.92 scourge over 661/3 innings. AL director Bruce Bochy also named his starter, Corbin Burnes of the Orioles, who holds a 2.43 period in 19 thresholds in his debut season with the Orioles after six seasons with the Spirits. In terms of starting lineups, the National League includes Ketel Marte, Shohei Ohtani, Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, Willson Contreras, Christian Yelich, Alec Bohm, Teoscar Hernandez, and Jurickson Profar, while the American League features Steven Kwan, Gunnar Henderson, Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, Yordan Alvarez, Jose Ramirez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Adley Rutschman, and Marcus Semien.
Nippon Professional Baseball( NPB)
Japan’s premier baseball league, NPB, is made up of the Central League and the Pacific League, each featuring six teams. The NPB season spans from late March or early April through October, and includes an All-Star series in July.
On March 29, the 2024 NPB season began with six exciting games, signaling the start of another compelling year of Japanese baseball. Intense rivalries and captivating stories have unfolded in both the Central and Pacific Leagues. The Yomiuri Giants and the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks have proven to be top contenders, demonstrating their extensive talent and strategic acumen.
Korea Baseball Organization(KBO)
The KBO League, established in 1982, represents South Korea’s premier professional baseball league. The 2024 season follows a similar format to the previous year, with 10 teams competing in 144 games from March 23 to September 10. The preseason, held from March 9 to March 19, concluded with the Doosan Bears leading with a perfect 8-0-1 record. Currently, the Kia Tigers top the KBO regular season standings with a 48-33-2 record and a .593 winning percentage. On July 6, the KBO All-Star Game saw the Nanum All-Stars defeat the Dream All-Stars 4-2.
Highlight on Star Players
The finest baseball games are defined by their top-tier players. Among the myriad of thrilling matches, several exceptional athletes have delivered unforgettable moments and unique viewing experiences to audiences.
Ronald Acuna Jr., the Venezuelan outfielder for the Atlanta Braves, burst onto the MLB scene in 2018 with a stellar debut, earning him the National League Rookie of the Year award. Since then, Acuna has consistently impressed with four MLB All-Star selections and three Silver Slugger awards, establishing himself as a formidable presence on the field. His standout moment came in 2023 when he became the first player ever to achieve 40 stolen bases, 20 home runs, and 50 RBIs before the All-Star break, solidifying his place in baseball history.
However, Acuna faced adversity in 2024 when a severe ACL injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season, despite his strong performance up to that point. His setback didn’t dampen his spirit, as he expressed disappointment, feeling responsible for letting down his team and fans. Despite this setback, Acuna’s resilience and track record suggest he will return stronger and continue to deliver exceptional performances.
In contrast, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees has been a dominant force since his MLB debut in 2016. Known for his powerful hitting and towering presence, Judge consistently delivers remarkable performances, exemplified by his impressive stats during the 2024 season. Despite facing challenges like injuries and ejections, Judge showcased his prowess with a notable performance against the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers, highlighting his impact with three home runs and 12 RBIs in just six games. His resilience and outstanding stats, including leading the majors in home runs and OPS, underscore his status as a premier player in Major League Baseball.
Meanwhile, Juan Soto, who joined the Yankees in 2023, continued to demonstrate his exceptional talent in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game as the American League’s starting outfielder. This marked his fourth All-Star selection, showcasing his consistent excellence and plate discipline. Soto’s ability to perform at the highest level underscores his importance to the Yankees and his reputation as one of the game’s top players.
Shohei Ohtani, the versatile Japanese star, also left an indelible mark in 2024 despite facing injury setbacks. Leading the American League with 44 home runs and achieving a 10-win season as a pitcher, Ohtani’s exceptional performance earned him a second unanimous MVP award, reaffirming his status as one of baseball’s most dynamic players.
Conclusion
In 2024, baseball’s global appeal remains strong across the MLB, NPB, and KBO leagues, each offering distinct excitement. MLB’s storied traditions lead to the World Series climax, while Japan’s NPB showcases intense competition in the Central and Pacific Leagues. In South Korea, the KBO’s competitive season and All-Star Game add to the excitement.
Top players like Ronald Acuna Jr., Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Shohei Ohtani have defined the season with their exceptional performances and resilience. Their contributions highlight baseball’s universal allure and ongoing impact, promising fans worldwide more unforgettable moments and fierce competition ahead.
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