January 28, 1901 - The American League moved from minor-league status to the majors, admitting the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia A’s and Boston Americans to join the existing Washington Nationals, Cleveland Blues, Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox. Three clubs (Indianapolis, Buffalo and Minneapolis) were cut from the A.L. The league played a 140-game schedule in 1901 and commenced a raid on National League talent. The White Sox had won the final Western League pennant, in 1900, and would finish first in the American League in 1901, with a record of 83-53-1. Both pennants ended the White Sox seasons, as there was no World Series in those years.

John McGraw refused to play the Americans in 1904. The first championship was in 1903.