How Many Games Do MLB Teams Play in a Season? And Why Do They Even Need to Count?

Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the most storied and tradition-rich sports leagues in the world. A key aspect of its structure is the length of its season, which has evolved over time to become the marathon it is today. But how many games do MLB teams actually play in a season? And why does this number matter so much? Let’s dive into the details, explore the history, and uncover the significance of this seemingly simple question.

The Magic Number: 162 Games

Since 1961, MLB teams have played a 162-game regular season. This number applies to both the American League (AL) and the National League (NL), with each team facing a mix of divisional, interleague, and non-divisional opponents. But why 162? The answer lies in a combination of tradition, logistics, and the pursuit of fairness.

The Evolution of the MLB Season

The MLB season hasn’t always been 162 games long. In the early days of professional baseball, seasons were much shorter. For example, in 1904, teams played only 154 games. This number remained standard until 1961, when the AL expanded to 10 teams and the league decided to increase the number of games to accommodate the growing competition. The NL followed suit in 1962, solidifying 162 as the new norm.

The Logic Behind 162 Games

A 162-game season is designed to balance several factors:

Fairness: With so many games, teams have ample opportunity to prove their consistency and skill over time. A shorter season might leave too much to chance.
Revenue: More games mean more ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcasting deals, which are crucial for the financial health of the league and its teams.
Fan Engagement: Baseball is a sport built on daily rituals. A long season keeps fans engaged for months, creating a sense of continuity and community.

The Challenges of a 162-Game Season

While 162 games may seem like the perfect number, it’s not without its challenges. Players, coaches, and even fans often grapple with the physical and mental toll of such a lengthy season.

Player Fatigue

Playing 162 games in roughly 180 days is no small feat. Players must endure grueling travel schedules, injuries, and the mental strain of performing at a high level day in and day out. This has led to debates about whether the season is too long and whether player health is being adequately prioritized.

The Impact on Strategy

The length of the season also affects how teams approach the game. Managers must carefully manage their pitching rotations, bullpen usage, and player rest to ensure their team remains competitive throughout the marathon. This often leads to creative strategies, such as platooning players or using openers instead of traditional starting pitchers.

The Postseason: Where Every Game Counts

After the 162-game grind, the top teams advance to the postseason, where the stakes are higher and every game takes on added significance. The postseason structure includes the Wild Card Game, Division Series, Championship Series, and ultimately the World Series. While the regular season rewards consistency, the postseason is all about clutch performances and timely heroics.

The Role of the Regular Season

The 162-game season serves as a proving ground, separating the contenders from the pretenders. It also determines seeding for the postseason, with division winners and wild card teams earning their spots based on their regular-season records. This adds another layer of importance to every game, as even a single win or loss can have playoff implications.

Why Not More or Fewer Games?

The question of whether 162 games is the ideal number has been debated for years. Some argue for a shorter season to reduce player fatigue and increase the intensity of each game. Others suggest expanding the season to create more revenue opportunities and give fans even more baseball to enjoy.

The Case for Fewer Games

Advocates for a shorter season point to the physical toll on players and the potential for higher-quality games. With fewer games, each contest would carry more weight, and players might be able to perform at a higher level throughout the season.

The Case for More Games

On the other hand, expanding the season could provide more opportunities for teams to separate themselves in the standings and create additional revenue streams. However, this would likely require significant changes to the league’s schedule and structure.

Conclusion: The Beauty of the 162-Game Marathon

The 162-game MLB season is a testament to the endurance, skill, and passion of everyone involved in the sport. It’s a marathon that tests teams in every possible way, from their depth and resilience to their ability to adapt and overcome challenges. While the number of games may seem arbitrary to some, it’s a carefully calculated balance of tradition, fairness, and practicality that has stood the test of time.

So, the next time someone asks, “How many games do MLB teams play in a season?” you can confidently answer, “162,” and appreciate the rich history and significance behind that number.

Why did MLB switch from 154 to 162 games? The switch occurred in 1961 when the American League expanded to 10 teams, and the league sought to balance the schedule and accommodate the growing competition.
Do all MLB teams play the same number of games? Yes, all 30 MLB teams play 162 games during the regular season, though their schedules may vary based on divisional and interleague matchups.
Has there ever been a shorter or longer MLB season? Yes, prior to 1961, teams played 154 games. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the season was shortened to 60 games due to health and safety concerns.
How does the 162-game season compare to other sports? MLB’s 162-game season is significantly longer than the NBA’s 82 games and the NHL’s 82 games, but shorter than the NFL’s 17-game season in terms of total days.
What happens if a game is canceled during the season? Canceled games are typically rescheduled as doubleheaders or played on mutual off-days to ensure all teams complete their 162-game schedule.