What is a pennant in baseball?

In baseball, a pennant is a flag that is awarded to the team that wins the pennant race, which is a competition to determine the team that will represent its league in the World Series. The term "pennant" originated from the practice of teams hoisting a small triangular flag (similar to a pennant) to signify their victory.

There are two leagues in Major League Baseball (MLB), the American League and the National League, and each league has its own pennant. The team that finishes the regular season with the best record in their respective league is awarded the pennant.

Winning the pennant is a significant achievement in baseball, as it signifies that the team has earned the right to compete for the ultimate prize in the sport, the World Series championship. Teams that win the pennant often celebrate by raising the pennant flag at their home ballpark and wearing pennant patches on their uniforms.

Some of the most historic pennant races in MLB history have come down to the wire, with teams battling for the top spot in their league until the final days of the regular season. The excitement and drama of a pennant race can captivate fans and add to the allure of the sport.