Reimagining Baseball: A Statistician’s Vision for a Better Season

Baseball has a long and rich history. However, it’s time to think about how the game can change for the better. The current 162-game season is outdated. We can improve player health, scheduling, and fan enjoyment by rethinking this format. This blog post will share a statistician’s ideas on how to create a better season for everyone involved in Major League Baseball.

The Current Landscape of Major League Baseball’s Long Season

Why does Major League Baseball’s regular season stretch out to 162 games? Unlike other major sports, baseball’s season is an outlier in its length. Here’s a breakdown of how many games other popular sports feature in their regular seasons:

In contrast, baseball’s 162-game schedule remains a relic of history. This format was adopted in 1961 for the American League. It was adopted in 1962 for the National League. It was originally designed to accommodate an expanded number of teams. Prior to this, from 1920 to 1960, the season was 154 games long. Each league had eight teams. They played each other 22 times.

The Series Format: Enhancing Competition and Clarity

Today’s baseball season is structured around series between teams, typically consisting of three games. Occasionally, teams play two or four-game series. These can result in tied series and lead to unnecessary debates about who truly won. During the 2023 MLB regular season, 124 out of 240 total series ended in a tie. This accounts for 52% of all series. To streamline the process and reduce ambiguity, a fixed three-game series should be the norm throughout the season.

A Balanced Schedule for Fairer Competition

Currently, with 30 teams divided equally between the American and National Leagues, the schedule could be more balanced. Eliminating the divisions could address concerns about scheduling fairness. Each team playing every other team an equal number of times would guarantee this. Instead of facing the challenge of uneven division schedules, a unified approach could create a more fair competition.

Proposing a New Format for a Better Season Experience

I propose reducing the season to 126 games. This would involve each team playing every other team in their league nine times, or three series of three games. This format not only eliminates the possibility of tied series but also provides several benefits:

1. Player Health: Fewer games mean more rest, which could lead to fewer injuries and a healthier roster for the playoffs.
2. Flexibility: More days off provide room to reschedule games affected by weather or other disruptions.
3. Fair Competition: Removing divisions ensures that every team faces a similar schedule, avoiding the discrepancies that come with divisional matchups.

With 126 games, each team would play 42 three-game series. The standings would include total wins and losses. They would also show the series won-loss record. This adds a new layer of detail to the statistics. For instance, a team with an 84-42 record might have won most of its series 2-1.

Impact on the Postseason: A Better Season Finish

Imagine if the World Series wrapped up before Halloween, avoiding the clash with NFL games. No more frantic channel flipping between the World Series and football on crisp autumn Sundays! Instead, baseball could reclaim its summer spot, and fans wouldn’t have to awkwardly pretend they’re not checking scores during tailgates. The World Series could shine in its traditional summer spotlight, without the football frenzy overshadowing it.

Of course, this is all hypothetical. MLB would need to consider the benefits of a shorter season. They must weigh these against the current scheduling. This schedule overlaps with football and maximizes TV slots. It’s tempting to envision baseball’s grand finale without competing with NFL coverage. However, balancing both sports’ calendars remains a significant challenge.

The Financial Reality: Challenges to a Better Season

While this revised schedule offers many benefits, it is unlikely to be adopted. The current 162-game season remains entrenched in the fabric of Major League Baseball primarily due to its financial implications. More games mean more ticket sales, more opportunities for television broadcasts, and greater overall revenue.

A reduction to 126 games would cut into these revenue streams significantly. For teams, stadiums, and broadcasters, the 162-game schedule maximizes profit potential. These economic considerations often outweigh the advantages of a shorter, more balanced season.

Conclusion: Balancing Statistics and Financial Realities for a Better Season

From a statistical standpoint, a 126-game season presents a compelling case for enhancing fairness, player health, and scheduling efficiency. The proposed changes could lead to a more balanced and fair competition, with clearer series outcomes and reduced player injuries. However, the financial incentives tied to the 162-game format are significant and likely insurmountable.

The statistical improvements are clear. However, the economic realities of Major League Baseball mean that the current 162-game season is unlikely to change. The pursuit of profitability often trumps the pursuit of ideal statistical balance. As a statistician, it’s intriguing to consider how these adjustments could refine the game. Yet, the financial dynamics of the sport will continue to dictate its structure.