WHAT’S CHANGED SINCE 1945

INTEGRATION: Jackie Robinson became the first black player to reach the majors in 1947.

EXPANSION: There were 16 teams. Today it’s 30. GO WEST: There were no major league franchises west of St. Louis.

DIVISIONAL PLAY: There were no divisions, just eight teams in both the AL and NL.

PLAYOFFS PLUS: Extra teams and divisions resulted in expanded playoffs.

FREE AGENCY: Players were bound to the team until they were traded or released until Curt Flood tested baseball’s reserve clause in the 1970s.

DESIGNATED HITTER: The DH joined the AL lineup in 1973.

LIGHTS AT WRIGLEY: The Cubs were the last team in the majors to play only day games. That changed when lights were installed in 1988.