>How many teams play in the world series?

Two, and this year one of them will be the SOX. A truly remarkable achievement, never before managed in baseball and only twice in Nth American pro sports (ice hockey). Even as an outsider, seeing the Red Sox come from behind to win four in a row against the bloated plutocrats and force their way into the World Series was immensely gratifying. A proud day for the non-rhotic among us.