why are baseball champions in america called 'world champions' when its not a global sport, unlike soccer

Answer 1

You should just do a search, because this question has been asked one million times by non-North Americans.

Short answer:

1) At the time of its inception, America was the only country with a serious and competitive baseball league. Calling it "World Series" was not meant to downplay other countries.

2) Even today, MLB is by far the best baseball league in the world. Players from all over the world come here to play, and they're the best club teams by a mile. For evidence, look no further than the most current series between MLB and the Japanese league, won 5-0 by the MLB teams.

3) For marketing purposes, "World Series" was and is a lot more catchy than "American Baseball Championship." Sure it's a little hyperbolic, but it's a much better name.

And for the record - a lot of people might say that it was sponsored by a newspaper called the World, but that's nothing but a baseball urban legend.

Answer 2

This was asked about a day ago by someone else.

The first World Series was played in 1903, and was called the World Series because it was sponsored by the New York newspaper, "The World". The name stuck.

The first World Baseball Classic (an international professional tournament) was held in March, 2006, and won by the Japanese team. The US team didn't make it to the finals. The last two World Series champions have called themselves just that, World Series champions, and have recognized the Japanese team as the world champions.

Further, professional baseball is played in the US, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Domincan Republic, Venezuela, Columbia, Nicaragua, Japan, Taiwan, South Africa, Italy, Australia and the Netherlands. It's becoming more popular in western Europe as well. That hardly qualifies as not being an international sport.

Answer 3

At one time the US was the only nation with a system of professional baseball teams, so whoever was champion here was pretty much assured to be the world champion as well. Since there are now professional teams in other nations the US champions should be considered as National champions, but it's still called the 'World Series' by tradition.

Answer 4

Skill level.
Also MLB does have the best of the best in all the world.

Soccer. yawn. The most boring sport on the planet. I played it for 20 years and at the professional level. I would rather watch Brokeback Mountain or Queer Eye than watch another Soccer Game. I play Ice Hockey now and most likely the most exciting sport once you understand it. I would rather take a slap shot to the groin than watch Brokeback Mt. (telling you how boring soccer is).

Hope this helps

Answer 5

MLB never played in international championship. MLB never made it to Olympic games (because they failed to qualify), and they lost in WBC. MLB is the only league that arrogantly boasting that they are the world champion without winning any international competitions. That's laughable and ugly.

It is strongly suggested that MLB participate in Beijing Olympics (if they qualify) and win the next WBC. By winning both competitions, MLB needs to prove its power. Until then, MLB had better shut up their big mouth.

No matter how many players from other countries are playing in MLB, your "world series" is nothing but U.S. domestic series. If MLB is really that strong and fair (including umpires), why don't you show your power to the whole world in an international series at least once?

U.S. is supposed to be the champion of "democracy and justice," ha? Deeds, not words, ha?

Answer 6

Because when they wanted a new style of championship in 1903, they were the only nation in the world that had the sport so they called it the World Series.

Answer 7

Craig S has the best answer.

He's also correct that the World Series was NOT named after a New York Newspaper:

http://www.snopes.com/business/names/worldseries.asp

Answer 8

Baseball is a global sport - it is played in many countries, not just the US.

Answer 9

They are called the world champs because the U.S. plays the sport for longer than other place even though U.S. is not the only place that plays.

Answer 10

because the best players in the world come her to play on our teams. They are also smart to come here because that's where all the money is.