MLB History: Looking Back at MLB Teams That Relocated

With so much buzz over the recent relocations of NFL teams, baseball fans might question how franchise movements have worked out in MLB. Relocation does not occur as frequently in baseball, so the moves that have been made are historic.

First we had the Los Angeles Rams, then the Los Angeles Chargers, and now potentially the Las Vegas Raiders. With three big relocations all occurring within a year of each other, it brings into the limelight the pros and cons of professional sports teams moving cities. The Rams had a pretty bad season – like the Rams do – and the Chargers were met with backlash. Meanwhile, every Raider fan I know has been giddy with joy over their move. However, this is a baseball site, and it is interesting to see how many MLB clubs have packed their bags and moved cities.

In the history of MLB, there have been 12 teams that have relocated to a new city. Honestly, the relocations are kind of hard to track, as teams often moved, changed names, then would move again. Some of the team names we know today were once part of another franchise, which is why it gets tricky. If I’m confusing you now, just wait, it will make sense shortly.

Anyhow, most of these moves came awhile ago when the MLB landscape was shifting to include the entire nation. However, one relocation has occurred this century, as most of you probably already know, but we will keep it a secret for now. Therefore, some of these teams have storied histories in both cities, some only in one. Some of these relocations have brought success and glory, while others have done no more than change the name of the club. Nonetheless, depending what side you are on, relocations are exciting things in the sports world. Let us take a look at the twelve MLB relocations that have happened.