“World” Series?

I’m an American.  Raised in the U.S., there are many things I’ve grown to love, accept, and understand.

Everything except baseball.  I sleep through most of the games.  Sorry.

A number of my European friends accuse me of being an ignorant, arrogant American, despite my mixed culture.  I’ve retaliated many times, but one point got to me.

“L, why do Americans call their baseball championship games “World” Series? Don’t you think it’s a bit weird that an American club wins the game every year?  You don’t think that’s a bit arrogant?”

I couldn’t argue.  I fumbled on my words, saying that Japan plays in it too.  He retorted, “Yeah, in the Little League.  If you want something really World, try the World Cup.”

So, are we Americans arrogant for naming the championship of an American favorite pastime “World Series”?