How Many Games Do MLB Teams Play in a Season? And Why Do They Sometimes Feel Like a Marathon?

The Major League Baseball (MLB) season is a grueling test of endurance, skill, and strategy. Each team plays a total of 162 games in a regular season, a number that has become synonymous with the sport itself. But why 162? And what does this marathon of a season mean for players, fans, and the game as a whole? Let’s dive into the intricacies of the MLB schedule, exploring its history, its impact, and the debates surrounding it.

The Origins of the 162-Game Season

The 162-game season wasn’t always the standard. In the early days of baseball, teams played far fewer games. For example, in 1904, the National League schedule consisted of just 154 games. This number remained the norm for several decades until 1961, when the American League expanded to include the Los Angeles Angels and the Washington Senators (now the Texas Rangers). To accommodate the additional teams and maintain a balanced schedule, the league increased the number of games to 162.

The National League followed suit in 1962, and since then, the 162-game season has been the standard for both leagues. This change was not without controversy, as some purists argued that the increased number of games would dilute the quality of play and place undue strain on players. However, the expanded schedule also brought more revenue, more opportunities for fans to watch their favorite teams, and a more comprehensive measure of a team’s true ability over the course of a season.

The Structure of the MLB Schedule

The 162-game season is divided into a series of series, typically three or four games against the same opponent. Teams play a mix of divisional, interleague, and intraleague games. Here’s a breakdown of how the schedule is structured:

Divisional Games: Each team plays 19 games against each of their four divisional rivals, totaling 76 games. These matchups are crucial, as they often determine the divisional standings and playoff berths.
Intraleague Games: Teams play six or seven games against each of the other 10 teams in their league (but outside their division), adding up to 66 games. These games help maintain a sense of league-wide competition and allow fans to see a variety of opponents.
Interleague Games: Each team plays 20 interleague games, facing opponents from the opposite league. These matchups are often highly anticipated, as they provide a rare opportunity to see teams that don’t normally compete against each other.

The schedule is designed to balance competition and fairness, ensuring that no team has an undue advantage or disadvantage based on their opponents. However, the sheer number of games means that the season is a test of endurance as much as skill.

The Physical and Mental Toll on Players

Playing 162 games in approximately 180 days is no small feat. The MLB season runs from late March or early April to late September or early October, with only a handful of off-days sprinkled throughout. This grueling schedule takes a significant toll on players, both physically and mentally.

Injuries: The risk of injury increases with the number of games played. Pitchers, in particular, are susceptible to arm fatigue and overuse injuries, which can sideline them for weeks or even months. Position players are not immune either, as the constant grind of running, sliding, and throwing can lead to muscle strains, sprains, and other ailments.
Fatigue: The mental and physical fatigue of a 162-game season can affect performance. Players must maintain peak condition throughout the season, which requires rigorous training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest. Even with these precautions, the cumulative effect of playing nearly every day can lead to slumps and decreased productivity.
Travel: The MLB schedule involves extensive travel, with teams crisscrossing the country to play in different cities. The time zone changes, long flights, and irregular sleep patterns can disrupt players’ routines and contribute to fatigue.

Despite these challenges, players and teams have developed strategies to cope with the demands of the season. Rotating lineups, scheduled rest days, and advanced sports science have all played a role in helping players stay healthy and perform at their best.

The Impact on Fans and the Game

The 162-game season has a profound impact on fans and the game itself. For fans, the long season provides ample opportunities to watch their favorite teams and players in action. It also creates a sense of continuity and routine, with games becoming a regular part of daily life during the summer months.

Engagement: The extended season keeps fans engaged for a longer period, fostering a deeper connection to the team and the sport. It also allows for more storylines to develop, from individual player performances to team rivalries and playoff races.
Revenue: More games mean more revenue for teams, through ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcasting rights. The financial benefits of a 162-game season are significant, helping to sustain the league and its teams.
Statistical Significance: The large number of games provides a more accurate measure of a team’s true ability. Over the course of 162 games, luck and random variation tend to even out, leaving the best teams at the top of the standings. This makes the playoffs a true test of the best teams in the league.

However, the length of the season is not without its critics. Some argue that the sheer number of games can lead to fan fatigue, with interest waning as the season drags on. Others believe that the season is too long, and that a shorter schedule would lead to more intense and meaningful games.

The Debate Over Season Length

The 162-game season has been a topic of debate among players, fans, and analysts. Some argue that the season is too long, leading to player burnout and diluted competition. Others believe that the current schedule is necessary to maintain the integrity of the game and provide a true test of a team’s ability.

Player Burnout: Critics of the 162-game season point to the physical and mental toll it takes on players. They argue that a shorter season would reduce the risk of injury and allow players to perform at a higher level throughout the year.
Fan Fatigue: Some fans feel that the season is too long, with interest waning as the summer progresses. A shorter season, they argue, would make each game more meaningful and keep fans engaged from start to finish.
Financial Considerations: On the other hand, proponents of the 162-game season argue that the financial benefits are too significant to ignore. More games mean more revenue, which is essential for the sustainability of the league and its teams.
Tradition: The 162-game season has become a hallmark of MLB, and many fans and players are reluctant to change it. The long season is seen as a test of endurance and skill, and shortening it would fundamentally alter the nature of the game.

Ultimately, the debate over season length is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. While some changes, such as reducing the number of games or expanding the playoffs, have been proposed, the 162-game season remains a cornerstone of MLB.

Conclusion

The 162-game MLB season is a unique and enduring aspect of the sport. It tests the endurance, skill, and resilience of players, while providing fans with a summer-long spectacle of competition and drama. While the length of the season is not without its challenges and controversies, it remains a defining feature of baseball, one that sets it apart from other major sports.

As the game continues to evolve, the 162-game season will likely remain a topic of discussion. Whether it’s through changes to the schedule, advancements in player health and performance, or shifts in fan engagement, the MLB season will continue to adapt and thrive. And for fans, players, and teams alike, the marathon of 162 games will always be a journey worth taking.

Q: Why do MLB teams play 162 games in a season?
A: The 162-game season was established in 1961 to accommodate league expansion and maintain a balanced schedule. It has since become the standard, providing a comprehensive measure of a team’s ability and generating significant revenue.

Q: How do players cope with the physical demands of a 162-game season?
A: Players use a combination of scheduled rest, advanced training techniques, and sports science to manage the physical and mental toll of the season. Teams also rotate lineups to keep players fresh.

Q: What are the benefits of a 162-game season for fans?
A: The extended season keeps fans engaged for a longer period, provides more opportunities to watch games, and allows for the development of compelling storylines and rivalries.

Q: Are there any proposals to change the length of the MLB season?
A: While there have been discussions about shortening the season or expanding the playoffs, no significant changes have been made. The 162-game season remains a cornerstone of MLB.