Pitchers have always taken their turn at bat in the national league. Only the American league has a "designated hitter".
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No. The American League joined the National league in 1901 to form Major League Baseball
1920. The name was changed to National Football League in 1922.
Professional baseball in the USA has a continuous history from 1876, when the National League was founded, until today. A National Association existed from 1871 to 1875, but there is controversy on whether this was an actual league or not.
The designated hitter cannot be used for any other player but the pitcher. Use of the DH is optional. The manager must designate a DH prior to the start of the game; failure to do so forfeits the right to use the DH, and the pitcher must then take his turn at bat.
At the start of the 2012 MLB Season there are 30 teams, 16 in the national league and 14 in the american league. Starting 2013, both leagues will have 15 teams each with the Houston Astros being moved to the American League West division as required by Bud Selig.