80 MLB Trivia Questions
80 MLB Trivia Questions With Answers From Easy to Hard
Ready to test your baseball knowledge? These 80 MLB trivia questions cover legendary players, famous teams, World Series moments, baseball rules, and surprising events from Major League Baseball history.
80 MLB Trivia Questions
Click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct answer and a short explanation. The questions start with baseball basics and gradually become more challenging, ending with a multiple-choice round for dedicated MLB fans.
- Question 1
What does MLB stand for?
Answer
Major League Baseball.
Explanation
MLB includes teams from the American League and National League, the two leagues that make up professional baseball's highest level in the United States and Canada.
- Question 2
How many outs does a team get in one half-inning?
Answer
Three outs.
Explanation
Once the defensive team records three outs, the teams switch between batting and fielding.
- Question 3
How many innings are scheduled in a standard MLB game?
Answer
Nine innings.
Explanation
A regulation game is scheduled for nine innings, although extra innings or an early ending may change how many are actually played.
- Question 4
How many strikes normally result in a strikeout?
Answer
Three strikes.
Explanation
A batter is generally out on the third strike, although certain uncaught-third-strike situations allow an attempt to reach first base.
- Question 5
How many balls does a batter need to receive a walk?
Answer
Four balls.
Explanation
Four pitches called balls give the batter a base on balls, allowing them to advance to first base.
- Question 6
What is a home run with all three bases occupied called?
Answer
A grand slam.
Explanation
A grand slam scores four runs because the batter and all three baserunners cross home plate.
- Question 7
Which player throws the baseball toward home plate to begin a pitch?
Answer
The pitcher.
Explanation
The pitcher delivers the ball to the batter while trying to prevent the opposing team from reaching base and scoring.
- Question 8
How many bases are arranged around a baseball diamond, including home plate?
Answer
Four.
Explanation
The four bases are first base, second base, third base, and home plate.
- Question 9
What position does the player crouching behind home plate normally play?
Answer
Catcher.
Explanation
The catcher receives pitches, helps coordinate the defense, and attempts to prevent runners from advancing.
- Question 10
Which two leagues make up Major League Baseball?
Answer
American League and National League.
Explanation
MLB teams compete in the AL and NL, with each league divided into East, Central, and West divisions.
- Question 11
How many runs does a solo home run score?
Answer
One run.
Explanation
A solo home run occurs with the bases empty, so only the batter scores.
- Question 12
A batter hits the ball into play and reaches second base without an intervening error or an attempt to retire another runner. What type of hit is recorded?
Answer
A double.
Explanation
A double is a two-base hit. It is often produced by a ball driven into an outfield gap or off the wall.
- Question 13
Fenway Park has been the home of which MLB team since 1912?
Answer
Boston Red Sox.
Explanation
Fenway Park opened in 1912 and is famous for its distinctive left-field wall, the Green Monster.
- Question 14
Which Chicago baseball team plays its home games at Wrigley Field?
Answer
Chicago Cubs.
Explanation
Wrigley Field has been the Cubs' home since 1916 and is known for its ivy-covered outfield walls.
- Question 15
Dodger Stadium, which opened in 1962, belongs to which MLB franchise?
Answer
Los Angeles Dodgers.
Explanation
The Dodgers moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles after the 1957 season and began playing at Dodger Stadium in 1962.
- Question 16
What is the name of the Baltimore Orioles' home ballpark that opened in 1992?
Answer
Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Explanation
Camden Yards helped popularize the retro-style ballpark design that influenced numerous later MLB stadiums.
- Question 17
Which MLB team plays its home games at Oracle Park in San Francisco?
Answer
San Francisco Giants.
Explanation
The Giants moved into the waterfront stadium in 2000 after spending decades at Candlestick Park.
- Question 18
Citi Field in Queens, New York, is home to which baseball team?
Answer
New York Mets.
Explanation
The Mets began playing at Citi Field in 2009 after leaving their longtime home, Shea Stadium.
- Question 19
Which MLB franchise is based in Canada?
Answer
Toronto Blue Jays.
Explanation
The Blue Jays joined MLB in 1977 and represent Toronto, Ontario.
- Question 20
Before relocating to Atlanta in 1966, the Braves played in which city?
Answer
Milwaukee.
Explanation
The Braves franchise previously played in Boston and Milwaukee before moving to Atlanta.
- Question 21
Which MLB franchise changed its name from the Cleveland Indians to the Cleveland Guardians in 2022?
Answer
Cleveland Guardians.
Explanation
The franchise adopted the Guardians name beginning with the 2022 season.
- Question 22
Before 2008, the Tampa Bay Rays were known by what name?
Answer
Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
Explanation
The franchise entered MLB in 1998 as the Devil Rays and shortened its name before the 2008 season.
- Question 23
Which MLB franchise switched from the American League to the National League for the 1998 season?
Answer
Milwaukee Brewers.
Explanation
Milwaukee joined the National League Central after spending its previous seasons in the American League.
- Question 24
What was the Miami Marlins franchise called before the 2012 season?
Answer
Florida Marlins.
Explanation
The team adopted the Miami Marlins name when it moved into its new ballpark in 2012.
- Question 25
Which baseball legend was famously nicknamed "The Sultan of Swat"?
Answer
Babe Ruth.
Explanation
Ruth became one of baseball's most celebrated power hitters, particularly during his years with the New York Yankees.
- Question 26
Which Brooklyn Dodgers player broke the modern American and National Leagues' color barrier in 1947?
Answer
Jackie Robinson.
Explanation
Robinson debuted for Brooklyn on April 15, 1947, becoming the first Black player in the modern American and National Leagues.
- Question 27
Which legendary slugger finished his MLB career with 755 home runs?
Answer
Hank Aaron.
Explanation
Aaron surpassed Babe Ruth's longstanding career home run record in 1974 and retired with 755 home runs.
- Question 28
Who made the famous over-the-shoulder catch in center field during Game 1 of the 1954 World Series?
Answer
Willie Mays.
Explanation
Mays made the remarkable catch at the Polo Grounds while playing for the New York Giants against Cleveland.
- Question 29
Which Boston Red Sox legend hit .406 during the 1941 season?
Answer
Ted Williams.
Explanation
Williams finished the season with a .406 batting average, one of the most celebrated hitting achievements in modern baseball history.
- Question 30
Which Baltimore Orioles star played in 2,632 consecutive MLB games?
Answer
Cal Ripken Jr.
Explanation
Ripken broke Lou Gehrig's consecutive-games record in 1995 and eventually extended his streak to 2,632 games.
- Question 31
Which Seattle Mariners outfielder won the American League MVP award in 1997?
Answer
Ken Griffey Jr.
Explanation
Griffey hit 56 home runs during the 1997 season and was unanimously selected as the American League MVP.
- Question 32
Who recorded 262 hits for the Seattle Mariners during the 2004 season?
Answer
Ichiro Suzuki.
Explanation
Ichiro broke George Sisler's longstanding single-season hits record by collecting 262 hits in 2004.
- Question 33
Which Hall of Fame outfielder was nicknamed "The Man of Steal"?
Answer
Rickey Henderson.
Explanation
Henderson became MLB's career stolen-base leader and was renowned for his speed and aggressive baserunning.
- Question 34
Roberto Clemente spent his entire MLB playing career with which team?
Answer
Pittsburgh Pirates.
Explanation
Clemente played for Pittsburgh from 1955 through 1972 and became one of baseball's most influential Puerto Rican stars.
- Question 35
Which New York Yankees slugger hit three home runs in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series?
Answer
Reggie Jackson.
Explanation
Jackson homered on three consecutive pitches from three different Dodgers pitchers, helping the Yankees win the championship.
- Question 36
Who became the first MLB player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season?
Answer
Shohei Ohtani.
Explanation
Ohtani reached the historic 50-home-run, 50-stolen-base milestone while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024.
- Question 37
Which team won the first modern World Series in 1903?
Answer
Boston Americans.
Explanation
The Boston Americans, later renamed the Red Sox, defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates five games to three in a best-of-nine series.
- Question 38
Which team ended a 108-year championship drought by winning the 2016 World Series?
Answer
Chicago Cubs.
Explanation
The Cubs defeated Cleveland in seven games, winning a dramatic Game 7 that went into extra innings.
- Question 39
The Boston Red Sox swept which team to win the 2004 World Series?
Answer
St. Louis Cardinals.
Explanation
Boston won the series in four games, capturing its first World Series championship since 1918.
- Question 40
Which team defeated the New York Yankees in seven games to win the 2001 World Series?
Answer
Arizona Diamondbacks.
Explanation
Arizona won Game 7 with a ninth-inning rally against Mariano Rivera, claiming the franchise's first championship.
- Question 41
Which team defeated the Houston Astros to win the 2019 World Series?
Answer
Washington Nationals.
Explanation
Washington won the series in seven games, taking all four games played in Houston.
- Question 42
The Texas Rangers won their first World Series championship in 2023 against which team?
Answer
Arizona Diamondbacks.
Explanation
Texas defeated Arizona in five games, with Corey Seager earning World Series MVP honors.
- Question 43
Who hit the famous pinch-hit walk-off home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series?
Answer
Kirk Gibson.
Explanation
The injured Dodgers outfielder homered off Oakland closer Dennis Eckersley, creating one of the most memorable moments in postseason history.
- Question 44
Which Pittsburgh Pirates player hit a walk-off home run to win Game 7 of the 1960 World Series?
Answer
Bill Mazeroski.
Explanation
Mazeroski's ninth-inning home run gave Pittsburgh a 10–9 victory over the New York Yankees.
- Question 45
Which New York team defeated the Boston Red Sox in the 1986 World Series?
Answer
New York Mets.
Explanation
The Mets escaped elimination with a dramatic comeback in Game 6 before winning the championship in Game 7.
- Question 46
Which Minnesota Twins pitcher threw 10 shutout innings in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series?
Answer
Jack Morris.
Explanation
Morris pitched all 10 innings as Minnesota defeated Atlanta 1–0 in one of the most famous World Series pitching performances.
- Question 47
Which team nicknamed "The Big Red Machine" won the 1975 World Series?
Answer
Cincinnati Reds.
Explanation
Cincinnati defeated the Boston Red Sox in seven games, securing the franchise's first championship since 1940.
- Question 48
Which team defeated the San Francisco Giants to win the 2002 World Series?
Answer
Anaheim Angels.
Explanation
The Angels recovered from a 3–2 series deficit and won Game 7 to claim their first World Series title.
- Question 49
In what year did the American League begin operating as a major league?
Answer
1901.
Explanation
The American League established itself as a major league in 1901, challenging the older National League.
- Question 50
Which team was involved in the infamous 1919 Black Sox scandal?
Answer
Chicago White Sox.
Explanation
Eight White Sox players were accused of participating in a conspiracy to fix the 1919 World Series against Cincinnati.
- Question 51
Who founded the original Negro National League in 1920?
Answer
Rube Foster.
Explanation
Foster helped establish the Negro National League, creating an organized professional baseball competition for Black players during segregation.
- Question 52
Who became the first Black player in the modern American League in 1947?
Answer
Larry Doby.
Explanation
Doby joined Cleveland in July 1947, shortly after Jackie Robinson made his National League debut.
- Question 53
In which city was MLB's first official All-Star Game played in 1933?
Answer
Chicago.
Explanation
The inaugural official MLB All-Star Game took place at Comiskey Park, where the American League defeated the National League 4–2.
- Question 54
Who won the first Cy Young Award in 1956?
Answer
Don Newcombe.
Explanation
The Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher received the inaugural award, which originally recognized one pitcher across both major leagues.
- Question 55
Which MLB franchise began playing in 1962 as the Houston Colt .45s?
Answer
Houston Astros.
Explanation
The franchise adopted the Astros name in 1965 when it moved into the Astrodome.
- Question 56
Which MLB league first introduced the designated hitter rule in 1973?
Answer
American League.
Explanation
The AL adopted the designated hitter in 1973. The National League permanently introduced the position in 2022.
- Question 57
Who pitched a perfect game for the New York Yankees in the 1956 World Series?
Answer
Don Larsen.
Explanation
Larsen retired all 27 Brooklyn Dodgers batters he faced in Game 5, producing a historic World Series perfect game.
- Question 58
Who became the first Black manager of an American or National League team in 1975?
Answer
Frank Robinson.
Explanation
Robinson became player-manager of the Cleveland Indians, marking a major milestone in the integration of MLB's managerial ranks.
- Question 59
What does RBI stand for in baseball statistics?
Answer
Runs Batted In.
Explanation
An RBI is generally credited when a batter's plate appearance results in a run scoring, subject to official scoring exceptions.
- Question 60
What does ERA stand for in pitching statistics?
Answer
Earned Run Average.
Explanation
ERA measures the average number of earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings pitched.
- Question 61
What is it called when the defense records two outs during the same continuous play?
Answer
A double play.
Explanation
A double play often involves a ground ball hit with runners on base, allowing defenders to retire two players before the play ends.
- Question 62
A runner on first base must advance after the batter hits a fair ground ball. A fielder holding the ball touches second base before the runner arrives. What type of out is recorded?
Answer
A force out.
Explanation
The runner is forced to advance because the batter becomes a runner. Touching the required base before that runner arrives records an out, provided the force remains in effect.
- Question 63
A runner leaves their base before a fly ball is first touched, and the ball is caught. What must the runner do before advancing legally?
Answer
Tag up.
Explanation
The runner must return to and retouch the original base. Under MLB rules, a runner may leave once a fielder first touches the fly ball, even if the catch is completed afterward.
- Question 64
Which rule can declare a batter out on a fair fly ball that an infielder can catch with ordinary effort when first and second base are occupied and fewer than two outs have been recorded?
Answer
The infield fly rule.
Explanation
The rule also applies with the bases loaded, but not to line drives or attempted bunts. It prevents defenders from intentionally allowing a routine fly ball to fall to create easy force outs.
- Question 65
What baseball statistic is credited when a runner successfully advances to another base by attempting to steal it?
Answer
A stolen base.
Explanation
The official scorer determines whether the runner receives credit. Advancing because of an error, defensive indifference, or certain other plays does not automatically qualify as a stolen base.
- Question 66
What does OPS stand for in baseball statistics?
Answer
On-base Plus Slugging.
Explanation
OPS combines a player's on-base percentage and slugging percentage into one offensive statistic.
- Question 67
How is a player's batting average calculated?
Answer
Hits divided by at-bats.
Explanation
A batter with 30 hits in 100 official at-bats has a .300 batting average.
- Question 68
What is the primary role of a designated hitter in MLB?
Answer
To bat in place of the pitcher.
Explanation
The designated hitter normally provides offense without playing a defensive position. MLB also permits a starting pitcher to serve as the designated hitter under its two-way-player rule.
- Question 69
Which MLB franchise selected Mike Trout with the 25th overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft?
Answer
B. Los Angeles Angels.
Explanation
The Angels selected Trout out of high school in the first round, and he later became a multiple-time American League MVP.
- Question 70
Who hit 73 home runs during the 2001 MLB season?
Answer
C. Barry Bonds.
Explanation
Bonds hit 73 home runs for the San Francisco Giants in 2001, setting the single-season home run record in the American and National Leagues.
- Question 71
Who became the first player unanimously elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by baseball writers?
Answer
D. Mariano Rivera.
Explanation
Rivera received votes on all 425 ballots cast in the 2019 Baseball Writers' Association of America election.
- Question 72
Which MLB team selected Derek Jeter in the first round of the 1992 Draft?
Answer
B. New York Yankees.
Explanation
New York selected Jeter sixth overall, and he spent his entire MLB playing career with the Yankees.
- Question 73
Who became the first pitcher to record 20 strikeouts in a nine-inning MLB game in 1986?
Answer
C. Roger Clemens.
Explanation
Clemens struck out 20 Seattle Mariners batters on April 29, 1986, while pitching for the Boston Red Sox.
- Question 74
Who hit the walk-off home run that won the 1993 World Series for the Toronto Blue Jays?
Answer
B. Joe Carter.
Explanation
Carter hit a three-run homer off Mitch Williams in Game 6, giving Toronto its second consecutive championship.
- Question 75
Which Negro Leagues legend became MLB's officially recognized career batting-average leader after Negro Leagues statistics were incorporated into the historical record in 2024?
Answer
C. Josh Gibson.
Explanation
MLB's 2024 statistical update recognized Gibson as the career batting-average leader, moving him ahead of Ty Cobb on the official leaderboard.
- Question 76
Who became the first pitcher to win the Cy Young Award in both the American League and National League?
Answer
C. Gaylord Perry.
Explanation
Perry won the American League Cy Young Award with Cleveland in 1972 and the National League award with San Diego in 1978.
- Question 77
Which Yankees legend recorded a 56-game hitting streak in 1941?
Answer
B. Joe DiMaggio.
Explanation
DiMaggio recorded at least one hit in 56 consecutive games during the 1941 season, establishing a record that remains one of baseball's most famous achievements.
- Question 78
Which Hall of Fame pitcher threw two no-hitters during the 1973 MLB season?
Answer
C. Nolan Ryan.
Explanation
Ryan pitched no-hitters against Kansas City and Detroit in 1973 while playing for the California Angels.
- Question 79
Which Hall of Fame pitcher made his American League debut with Cleveland in 1948 after a celebrated Negro Leagues career?
Answer
A. Satchel Paige.
Explanation
Paige joined Cleveland in 1948 after becoming one of the most famous pitchers in Negro Leagues history.
- Question 80
Who was named MVP of the 1990 World Series after the Cincinnati Reds swept the Oakland Athletics?
Answer
C. José Rijo.
Explanation
Rijo won both of his World Series starts and allowed only one run across 15⅓ innings as Cincinnati swept Oakland in four games.
How to Play MLB Trivia With Friends
MLB trivia is an easy way to add some competition to a baseball watch party, family gathering, or game night. One person can host the quiz while everyone else writes down their answers. For larger groups, divide participants into teams and give each team a scorecard.
Award one point for every correct answer. Wait until everyone has responded before revealing the explanation so that less experienced baseball fans have a fair chance to participate.
For a game with several rounds, try this arrangement:
- Warm-up round: Use questions 1–12 for baseball basics and familiar rules.
- Teams and legends: Questions 13–36 cover famous franchises, stadiums, and players.
- Championship challenge: Questions 37–48 focus on World Series history and postseason moments.
- History and rules: Questions 49–68 test knowledge of baseball history, terminology, and statistics.
- Expert round: Save questions 69–80 for the final multiple-choice challenge.
If two teams finish with the same score, select an unanswered question from the harder sections as a tiebreaker.
Choosing MLB Trivia by Difficulty
Baseball fans often know different parts of the sport. Someone who follows a hometown team may recognize its stadium, players, and recent championships but struggle with events from earlier decades.
For beginners, questions about innings, positions, scoring, and well-known teams are a good starting point. These also work for younger participants who are still learning the game.
Regular MLB viewers may prefer questions about memorable World Series moments, famous players, and historic franchise changes. Mixing different eras prevents the competition from favoring only those familiar with recent seasons.
The hardest questions involve unusual accomplishments, historical records, and specific awards. Multiple-choice options make these challenges approachable while still requiring genuine baseball knowledge.
For groups with mixed experience, alternate between easier and more difficult questions instead of moving through every question in order.
Keep the Baseball Trivia Going
Finished all 80 MLB trivia questions? Try another round without looking at the multiple-choice options. Remembering an answer without four choices is often more difficult than recognizing the correct one.
You can also organize a themed rematch using only baseball legends, historic World Series games, or questions about MLB rules and statistics. These smaller categories work well for quick quizzes during breaks between innings.
For another challenge, switch to trivia about American football, basketball, hockey, or other sports. Mixing different leagues gives everyone a chance to show what they know, especially when each participant follows a different favorite sport.