The Cincinnati Reds become a force in the National League under Sparky Anderson. They reach their first World Series in 9 years, but are brought down in 5 games by the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series who themselves avenge a loss to the New York Mets a year earlier.

The season is shortened by a strike, neccating the first ever Division Series in the playoffs. The Los Angeles Dodgers become the first team to come back from the 2 games to none deficit to beat the Houston Astros in the NLDS. They go on to beat the Montreal Expos in the NLCS on a famous home run by Rick Monday. Los Angeles goes on the avenge losses to the Yankees in 1977 and 1978 by beating them in six games to take the World Series.

The Astros bounce back from a 15–30 start to win the wild card and eventually their first pennant. The White Sox win their first championship in 88 years, sweeping the Astros in four games.

The powerhouse Detroit Tigers dominate the American League with a historic 35-5 start, while the upstart Padres claim their first pennant after a thrilling series with the Chicago Cubs. Detroit wins their first championship since 1968 when they beat San Diego in five games.

Interleague play is introduced for the first time as part of the regular season. Ken Griffey, Jr. wins the AL MVP, hitting 56 home runs. The Florida Marlins become the first wild card team to win a World Series, defeating the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 on a walk-off bases-loaded single by Édgar Rentería.