The 1935 major league baseball season began on April 16, 1935. The regular season ended on September 29, with the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers as the regular season champions of the National League and American League, respectively. The postseason began with Game 1 of the 32nd World Series on October 2 and ended with Game 6 on October 7. The Tigers defeated the Cubs, four games to two, capturing their first championship in franchise history. This was the third World Series between the two teams, and the first to see the Tigers win over the Cubs. Going into the season, the defending World Series champions were the St. Louis Cardinals from the 1934 season.
The 1935 schedule consisted of 154 games for all teams in the American League and National League, each of which had eight teams. Each team was scheduled to play 22 games against the other seven teams of their respective league. This continued the format put in place since the 1904 season (except for 1919) and would be used until 1961 in the American League and 1962 in the National League.
Opening Day took place on April 16 and saw twelve teams across both leagues play. The final day of the regular season was on September 29 and featured all sixteen teams, continuing the trend which began with the 1930 season. The World Series took place between October 2 and October 7.
The National League now allowed night games to take place, allowing teams to schedule up to seven night games. Any club scheduling more would be fined $15,000 (equivalent to $344,000 in 2024) and have its gate receipts confiscated.[1]
The National League adjusted their rules on waivers:
Waiver price increased from $4,000 to $6,000 (equivalent to $92,000 to $138,000 in 2024).[1]
Time limit on waivers reduced from five days to three.[1]
May 25 – Babe Ruth of the Boston Braves goes 4-for-4 with three home runs and six runs batted in. It is the last multi-homer game of Ruth's career, with the final home run being the first ball ever hit to clear the roof at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh.
October 7 – The Detroit Tigers defeat the Chicago Cubs, 4–3, in Game 6 of the World Series to win their first World Championship, four games to two. This was Detroit's first Series victory after failing to win four previous times.
November 26 – The National League takes over the bankrupt, last-place Boston Braves franchise after several failed attempts to buy the club. The league takes over only temporarily, until matters can be straightened out.