History doesn’t win baseball games, but it shapes how teams are viewed by bettors and fans alike. In Major League Baseball, legacy franchises such as the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, and Atlanta Braves carry decades of tradition, expectations, and pressure into each new season. 

In 2025, these teams are not just living off reputation—they’re actively shaping the playoff picture. Understanding how their storied pasts intertwine with current performance offers unique value when evaluating betting opportunities. This season, legacy meets momentum in ways that matter both emotionally and numerically to fans and bettors.

Yankees: Chasing Glory in the Spotlight

No team carries the weight of expectation like the New York Yankees. With 27 World Series titles, they set the bar for legacy. Yet in recent years, they've fallen short of that benchmark, prompting offseason recalibrations. In 2025, they've returned with a deeper rotation, bolstered by breakout performances and improved defensive metrics.

Betting markets often price the Yankees higher due to public perception. That makes value harder to find unless you're timing your wagers around strategic series or lineup matchups. Their improved bullpen and aggressive base running have closed tight games, but inconsistencies at the plate linger against elite pitchers. That gap between reputation and execution must be weighed when evaluating their odds.

The pinstripes draw massive attention, but bettors need to look beyond the logo. Historical dominance fuels high expectations, which can inflate spreads and run lines. If you're betting the Yankees this year, success lies in isolating games where public enthusiasm hasn't pushed the line beyond its true worth.

Cardinals: Identity Through Instability

The St. Louis Cardinals define National League consistency. With 11 championships and a proud developmental pipeline, they’re a team that always seems to "find a way." But the 2020s haven’t been smooth. Injuries, managerial shifts, and roster turnover eroded their reliability. This MLB season, however, they’ve rebounded with a young core and smarter rotation usage.

St. Louis isn’t overwhelming opponents with power. They’re winning with situational hitting, cleaner fielding, and a re-energized fan base. As a result, they're sneaking under the radar in betting circles. Their lines often reflect mid-tier status, despite outperforming opponents with better records.

This makes the Cardinals particularly appealing in underdog spots and series matchups against high-profile teams. Their run differential tells a more promising story than their overall win total. In betting, that kind of quiet upside is rare in a franchise so steeped in legacy. They don’t always win big, but they tend to keep games close—making the run line a compelling angle.

Braves: Built to Dominate—Again

Unlike the Yankees or Cardinals, the Atlanta Braves are enjoying a legacy peak, not rebuilding toward one. Since the late 2010s, they've operated like a well-oiled machine—blending scouting excellence with financial discipline and elite player development. That formula hasn't changed. Their 2025 roster is arguably better than their 2021 championship squad, with more depth and higher ceilings.

Bookmakers have caught on. The Braves are frequently installed as favorites, even on the road or against other division leaders. They offer fewer obvious value spots, but their consistency makes them a strong anchor for parlays or live bets.

To navigate their pricing, it helps to stay current on MLB insights and news, especially regarding pitcher matchups, travel schedules, and lineup rotations. Atlanta’s edge often lies in the margins—data that isn’t always reflected in surface-level stats but becomes clear when tracking the league closely. 

Their young stars play with veteran poise, and their bullpen hasn’t regressed despite heavy use. That combination creates a high floor for bettors who want reliability over risk.

Legacy’s Role in the Betting Market

Historical success doesn't determine outcomes, but it shapes narratives—and narratives shape markets. Teams like the Yankees and Braves often come with premium pricing, while the Cardinals may be undervalued despite strong fundamentals. Understanding these dynamics is crucial when assessing a line’s true worth.

Public betting tends to favor known quantities. When teams with legendary pasts perform well, that attention intensifies. The downside? Overbetting. The upside? Knowing how to spot inflated odds and take the opposite side, or finding profitable props and totals instead.

Reputable online sportsbooks like FanDuel often reflect this public sentiment quickly, especially during high-profile matchups. Being able to interpret when odds shift due to betting volume rather than actual team form can give you an edge. Legacy teams in marquee games often draw casual money, pushing lines toward unsustainable levels. 

The savvy bettor knows this and waits for live betting opportunities when momentum shifts or key players exit unexpectedly. Legacy can cloud judgment—unless you’re reading between the lines.

When History and Momentum Align

There are moments when legacy and performance lock into place. The Braves in 2025 feel like one of those cases. The Yankees, while not flawless, are trending upward in tight, winnable games. And the Cardinals, flying under radar, are quietly beating projections. In those pockets, bettors find value that blends emotional confidence with statistical backing.

It’s rare for all three franchises to be competitive in the same season. That makes this year particularly compelling. From a wagering standpoint, this opens the door to futures bets, division winner markets, and series predictions that hinge on resilience and institutional success.

Legacy teams know how to navigate pressure. They've done it for generations. That experience often translates into sharper in-game decisions, fewer collapses, and steadier postseason pushes. These qualities don’t always show up in the box score, but they matter to bettors who factor in psychology and leadership.

What It Means for the 2025 Season

As the calendar rolls deeper into summer, these teams will shape not only the standings but also the betting conversation. You don’t need to be a die-hard fan of the Yankees, Cardinals, or Braves to appreciate what they represent. They boast full trophy cases, but it’s their present trajectory that makes them worth watching now.

For bettors, the edge comes from respecting legacy without becoming blinded by it. Track pitching matchups, monitor rest days, and weigh form over fame. That balance is where long-term success lies. The legends still have something to prove—and for once, they just might have the roster to do it.

It is with great pleasure that we are bringing back the Notinhalloffame MLB Regular Cup, and let us explain how this works:

For every regular-season game, we anointed the best five players with descending points, 5-4-3-2-1. 

We know the following:

• The top players for the MLB NIHOF Cup are not always the best in the league, as injuries keep players out of games, and a premium on staying healthy can help pile up points. It also does not hurt to be a top player on an average or mediocre team, as they can amass Cup points more easily than elite players on loaded squads.
• In Baseball, it is more common than in Basketball and Hockey for a player to accrue points with a single Home Run in a game, which favors position players. Starting Pitchers have a hard time with approximately 30-35 Starts and throwing fewer innings than previous generations. This is also true for closers not made for this process.
• Please remember that this is NOT necessarily who we think were the best players this year and does not reflect overall consistency. Treat this the way we did: as a fun process and more of a compilation of temporary statistical domination.

Here is the current top ten after games concluded on May 5.

1. Pete Alonso, New York Mets: 67 Cup Points in 36 Games. (#1 Last Week).   2.4 bWAR, 26 Runs, 45 Hits, 9 Home Runs, 33 Runs Batted In, .349/.469/.674 Slash Line, 1.144 OPS & 225 OPS+.

2. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees: 59 Cup Points in 29 Games. (#3 Last Week).  3.0 bWAR, 32 Runs, 55 Hits, 11 Home Runs, 33 Runs Batted In, .414/.503/.759 Slash Line, 1.263 OPS & 257 OPS+.

3. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets: 48 Cup Points in 28 Games. (#4 Last Week).   0.8 bWAR, 23 Runs, 41 Hits, 7 Home Runs, 22 Runs Batted In, .289/.358/.472 Slash Line, .830 OPS & 137 OPS+.

4. Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres: 46 Cup Points in 33 Games. (#2 Last Week).   2.3 bWAR, 26 Runs, 40 Hits, 8 Home Runs, 18 Runs Batted In, .317/.387/.556 Slash Line, .943 OPS & 161 OPS+.

5. (TIE) Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks: 45 Cup Points in 28 Games. (#4 Last Week).   1.4 bWAR, 35 Runs, 43 Hits, 10 Home Runs, 27 Runs Batted In, .287/.352/.593 Slash Line, .945 OPS & 159 OPS+.

5. (TIE) Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals:  45 Cup Points in 36 Games.  (Not in the Top Ten Last Week).  2.2 bWAR, 22 Runs, 43 Hits, 4 Home Runs, 18 Runs Batted In, .314/.389/.504 Slash Line, .892 OPS & 152 OPS+.

7. (TIE) Tyler Soderstrom, The Athletics: 39 Cup Points in 36 Games.  (#6 last week).  1.1 bWAR, 23 Runs, 38 Hits, 9 Home Runs, 25 Runs Batted In, .279/.344/.515 Slash Line, .940 OPS & 164 OPS+.

7. (TIE) Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves: 39 Cup Points in 36 Games.  (Not in the Top Ten last week).  1.3 bWAR, 15 Runs, 41 Hits, 8 Home Runs, 25 Runs Batted In, .291/.333/.504 Slash Line, .837 OPS & 131 OPS+.

7. (TIE) Wilyer Abreu, Boston Red Sox: 39 Cup Points in 34 Games. (Not in the Top Ten Last Week).  1.7 bWAR, 20 Runs, 31 Hits, 7 Home Runs, 22 Runs Batted In, .279/.394/.523 Slash Line, .916 OPS & 156 OPS+.

7. (TIE) Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers:  39 Cup Points in 33 Games.  (Not in the Top Ten Last Week).  1.7 bWAR, 37 Runs, 38 Hits, 9 Home Runs, 13 Runs Batted In, .292/.399/.585 Slash Line, .983 OPS & 177 OPS+.

Arizona’s Josh Naylor, Detroit’s Spencer Torkelson, Los Angeles (NL)’s Teoscar Hernandez & St. Louis’s Lars Nootbar fell off the top ten.

Of note, 733 baseball players have obtained at least 1 point, up from 690 last week.

We have big news from the NASCAR Hall of Fame: They have announced the 2026 Class finalists.

They are in three categories: the Modern Era, Pioneer Era (designed for those whose career began more than 60 years ago), and the Landmark Award.  The committee will meet next month. 

The Modern Era Ballot Nominees (of which two people will be chosen) are:

Greg Biffle.  Biffle won the 2002 NASCAR Busch Series Championship, the 2000 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship, and he captured 56 sanctioned NASCAR races.

Neil Bonnett.  Bonnett won 18 races in the NASCAR Cup Series, had 156 Top Ten finishes, and was named one of NASCAR’s 50 and 75 Greatest Drivers. 

Tim Brewer.  Brewer is a two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Crew Chief.

Jeff Burton.  Burton owns 21 wins on the NASCAR Cup Series (including the 1994 Southern 500 and 1999 & 2001 Coca-Cola) and was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers.

Kurt Busch.  Busch won the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series, the 2017 Daytona 500, and the 2010 Coca-Cola.  He has 34 NASCAR victories, 339 Top Ten finishes, and was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers.

Randy Dorton.  Dorton built engines that won over nine championships across NASCAR.

Harry Gant.  Gant won 18 NASCAR Cup Series races, most notably the 1984 and 1991 Southern 500.  He also has 208 Top Tens, and was named one of NASCAR’s 50 and 75 Greatest Drivers.

Harry Hyde.  Hyde was the Crew Chief of the 1970 NASCAR Cup Series.

Randy LaJoie.  LaJoie won the Xfinity Series Championship twice and also won the 1985 North Series Championship.  He has 15 Wins and 118 Top Ten Finishes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Jack Sprague.  Sprague is a three-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion (1997, 1999 & 2001), with 28 overall wins and 192 Top Ten Finishes in the Craftsman Truck Series.

The Pioneer Ballot Nominees (of which one person will be chosen) are:

Jake Elder.  Elder was a three-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion as a Crew Chief.

Ray Hendrick.  Nicknamed “Mr. Modified”, Hendrick won over 700 races in NASCAR Modified and the Late Model Series, and is also part of NASCAR’s 50 and 75 Greatest Drivers.

Banjo Matthews.  Matthews had more than 250 NASCAR Cup Series wins from cars he built.

Larry Phillips.  Phillips made history as the first five-time NASCAR weekly series champion and is also part of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers.

Bob Welborn.  Named to NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers, Welborn won the last three NASCAR Convertible Series Championships (1956-58).

The Landmark Award Nominees (of which one person will be chosen) are:

Alvin Hawkins.  Hawkins was NASCAR’s first flagman and established NASCAR at Bowman Gray Stadium.

Lesa France Kennedy:  Kennedy is one of the most influential women in NASCAR history.

Dr. Joseph Mattioloi.  Mattioli is the founder of the Pocono Raceway.

Les Richter. Richter, who was also inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, helped grow the sport on the West Coast, specifically in California.

Humpy Wheeler.  Wheeler was the former President and General Manager of the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

We here at notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame Class nominees.

1977 SEMI-FINAL RESULTS:

Thank you for all of your participation in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project. If you are unaware of what that is, we acted like the PFHOF had its first class in January 1946.

We have completed the years up to 1976.

For “1977,” a Preliminary Vote with nearly 100 players whose playing career ended by 1970. We are also following the structure in that players have 20 years of eligibility, and if they do not make it into the Hall, they are relegated to the Senior Pool.

Each voter was asked to select 25 names from the preliminary list, and the top 25 vote-getters were named Semi-Finalists.

A week later, the voters were asked to pick 15 names from the 25 Semi-Finalists, and next week, they will pick five from the remaining 15. We will continue this process weekly until we catch up to the current year.

33 Votes took place, with the top fifteen advancing.

This is for the “Modern Era”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals: 

This is for the “Senior Era”

*Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals:

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors Era”

*Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals:

We will post the Class of 1977 Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project next Saturday.

Thank you to all who contributed. If you want to be part of this project, please let us know!