Brewers switch leagues, join Reds in NL Central

Associated Press

NEW YORK - The Reds have a new rival.

The Milwaukee Brewers became the first Major League Baseball team to switch leagues this century, moving from the American League to the National League when baseball's ruling executive council approved the shift Wednesday night.

The Brewers, who had been in the AL Central, will play in a six-team NL Central starting next season. It leaves the NL with 16 teams and the AL with 14.

As part of the realignment, the expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays will join the AL East and the Detroit Tigers will shift to the AL Central.

The NL Central will be the largest divi sion, with the Reds, Brewers, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals.

Owners gave the council permission to make the decision when they approved a one-team realignment on Oct. 15. The Kansas City Royals were given first choice to switch, but preferred to remain in the AL.

Milwaukee was an NL city from 1953 - when the Boston Braves moved there - until 1965 - when the Braves moved to Atlanta. Milwaukee gained an AL franchise when a group including current president and acting commissioner Bud Selig purchased the financially troubled Seattle Pilots after their inaugural 1969 season.

Publication date: 11-06-97