How Many Games Does the MLB Play? And Why Do They Even Count?

How Many Games Does the MLB Play? And Why Do They Even Count?

The Major League Baseball (MLB) season is a marathon, not a sprint. With 162 games per team, it’s one of the longest regular seasons in professional sports. But why 162? Why not 150, or 200, or even 42? The number seems arbitrary, yet it’s deeply ingrained in the fabric of baseball culture. Let’s dive into the history, logic, and occasional absurdity behind this iconic number.

The Origins of 162 Games

The 162-game schedule wasn’t always the standard. In the early days of baseball, teams played far fewer games. For example, in 1904, the New York Giants played just 154 games. The shift to 162 games came in 1961 when the American League expanded from 8 to 10 teams. The National League followed suit in 1962. The additional games allowed for a more balanced schedule, ensuring that teams played each other a fair number of times.

But why 162? Mathematically, it’s a product of 18 (the number of games played against each divisional opponent) multiplied by 9 (the number of teams in a division at the time). This structure ensured that every team had an equal opportunity to prove themselves against their rivals. It also provided enough data to separate the truly great teams from the merely good ones.

The Logic Behind the Length

A 162-game season serves several purposes:

  1. Statistical Significance: Baseball is a game of numbers. The more games played, the more accurate the statistics become. A .300 hitter over 162 games is more reliable than one over 50 games.

  2. Revenue Generation: More games mean more ticket sales, concessions, and TV deals. For owners, it’s a financial no-brainer.

  3. Endurance Test: Baseball is as much about mental and physical endurance as it is about skill. A long season weeds out teams that can’t maintain consistency.

  4. Fan Engagement: With games almost every day, fans are constantly engaged. It’s a six-month-long drama with countless storylines.

The Absurdity of 162 Games

While the 162-game schedule has its merits, it’s not without its quirks:

  1. Injuries and Fatigue: Players often joke that the season is a grind. By September, even the fittest athletes are running on fumes.

  2. Meaningless Games: By the end of the season, teams that are out of playoff contention often play games that feel like glorified exhibitions.

  3. Weather Woes: Early-season games in cold cities like Chicago or Boston can be brutal for players and fans alike.

  4. The “What If” Factor: What if the season were shorter? Would we see more upsets? Would the playoffs be more unpredictable?

The Case for a Shorter Season

Some argue that a shorter season would make each game more meaningful. Imagine a 100-game season where every win or loss carries greater weight. It could also reduce player fatigue and injuries, potentially extending careers. However, purists argue that the 162-game season is part of what makes baseball unique. It’s a test of endurance, strategy, and resilience.

The Case for a Longer Season

On the flip side, some fans dream of an even longer season. What if MLB played 200 games? Would we see more records broken? Would the best teams rise even higher? While this idea is intriguing, it’s unlikely to happen. Players’ unions would likely oppose it, and the physical toll would be immense.

The Playoff Factor

The 162-game season is just the beginning. Once the regular season ends, the playoffs begin, adding another layer of excitement. The long season ensures that only the best teams make it to the postseason, but it also means that a single bad stretch can derail an entire year.

Conclusion

The 162-game MLB season is a tradition that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. It’s a perfect blend of history, logic, and a little bit of absurdity. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that it’s a defining feature of America’s pastime.

Q: Why doesn’t MLB have a shorter season like the NFL?
A: Baseball is a game of consistency and endurance. A shorter season wouldn’t provide enough data to accurately determine the best teams.

Q: How do players stay healthy during such a long season?
A: Teams rely on deep rosters, rest days, and advanced training techniques to keep players in peak condition.

Q: Has there ever been a push to change the number of games?
A: Occasionally, but the 162-game schedule is so ingrained in the sport that any change would face significant resistance.

Q: Do all teams play the same number of games?
A: Yes, every team plays 162 games, though the opponents and schedule vary.