If you're asked, "How long is the baseball season?", there isn't a straightforward answer. The duration of a baseball season can vary, depending on whether we're talking about Major League Baseball, Little League, or even high school baseball. This blog post will primarily focus on the length of the Major League Baseball season, but we'll also provide a bit of perspective on what to expect for youth baseball seasons.
The Short Answer: Here is the length of each baseball season without getting into the details...
- Major League Baseball: 162-game regular season
- High School Baseball: Regular season ranges from 25 to 40 games
- Little League: Minimum requirement of 12 games in the regular season
How Long is Major League Baseball Season?
As the pinnacle of competitive baseball, the MLB season is regularly judged for its insanely long season schedule. It stretches over half a year and is a thrilling ride for baseball teams and fans alike.
Spring Training
Spring Training is the preseason of the MLB which usually begins in late February and spans ~30 Spring Training games. Following Spring Training the MLB has its Opening Day of the regular season in late March or early April. This regular season dribbles along a 162-game schedule and runs for about six months, concluding by the end of September.
The Regular Season
Each baseball team in the MLB, from the Washington Nationals to the Chicago White Sox, plays a pre-set 116 games within their league - the National League or the American League. The remaining 46 games are league-independent games known as "interleague games." The 162-game schedule is designed to be a test of endurance for teams and players, as it demands consistent performance over a long period.
The Postseason
Once the regular season wraps up, the cream-of-the-crop baseball teams move on to the postseason games or playoffs. These are a series of games held in October, leading up to The World Series. The World Series typically ends by late October or early November, marking the end of the MLB season.
History of the MLB Season's Length
The 162-game schedule was not always the standard for the MLB. The league expanded from 154 games to 162 in 1961 for the American League and in 1962 for the National League. This was in preparation for league expansion as the MLB would grow from 16 to 28 teams by 1993.
Youth Baseball Seasons
Now that we have a deep understanding of the MLB schedule, let's shift our focus to the seasons that mold our future stars: Little League Baseball and High School Baseball.
Length of the Little League Baseball Season
Starting with Little League, this level of youth baseball usually commences in the spring, around April, and runs through June. A typical Little League season consists of no less than 12 games, but depending on the size and structure of your local league, it can vary. Teams must play at least two games a week and never more than two games in a single day.
Teams that excel in the regular season will have a couple extra weeks for playoffs. Beyond playoffs, the players that excel during the regular season will be invited to participate in all-stars. This can add another month, at the least, to their season. These all-star games provide an exciting opportunity for young baseball players to showcase their talent against other top players in their age group.
Length of the High School Baseball Season
Moving on to High School Baseball, the season's length again can depend on different factors such as the school's location (due to weather) and the size of the local High School league. Schools in warmer climates may start their seasons as early as February, while schools in colder areas might not kick off until April. On average, a high school baseball team will play between 25 to 40 regular season games.
Similar to Little League, high school teams who excel have the chance to compete in playoffs. A successful run in the playoffs can add several weeks to their baseball season, extending it even further into the summer. These games not only test the endurance of the players but also their tenacity and resilience - building blocks for any future MLB player.
Differences Between Youth Baseball Season and the MLB Season
You might wonder, as we've moved from Major League Baseball to Little League and High School Baseball, why these seasons vary so drastically in length. The answer lies in the objectives and capacities of the different groups involved.
Why the MLB Season is So Long
For Major League Baseball, with athletes whose job is to play baseball and the business aspect being crucial, the league aims to maximize its impact. With 30 teams across the United States playing 162 regular season games, the MLB offers a vast volume of baseball content. It is a chessboard where strategies change every single game, from matchups with division rivals to managing player stamina during extra innings and double-headers. The calendar length ensures that the teams can perform in their home cities enough times to keep local baseball fans engaged and provides ample opportunity for revenue generation.
Why Youth Baseball Seasons Do Not have as Many Games
On the other hand, youth baseball leagues focus primarily on fostering skills, sportsmanship, and a love for the sport among the children. Here, the objective is learning and developing, making it less about the number of games and more about quality. Youth baseball (excluding travel ball) offers an adequately paced baseball season that provides an environment conducive to growth and learning without overwhelming the young players.
Baseball is All About Resilience
However, in both levels of play, endurance, consistency, and perseverance are key. This commonality amongst the varying baseball season lengths serves as a testament to the heart of baseball – resilience, and the will to dedicate yourself to personal improvement without losing love for the game.
Around the Horn: How BRUCE BOLT Can Help
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From youth athletes making their way through the Little League season to pros battling it out on the field over months of regular season and postseason games, everyone needs equipment they can rely on. BRUCE BOLT is known for its innovative and durable baseball gear, making it the reliable partner for your journey through the baseball season, no matter how long it is.
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