If you’re a die-hard baseball fan, you might have noticed that each Major League Baseball game starts at an odd hour. For example, the MLB playoff games, scheduled on October 11, 2021, started at 1:07 p.m., 7:07 p.m., and 9:37 p.m.
But why do baseball games start at odd times? Is there something behind that? I will try to decode these questions here.
Because of pregame festivities and telecasting contracts, baseball games start at strange hours. Pregame activities in baseball stadiums often begin at the top of the hour.
Additionally, television broadcasts five to ten minutes before the first pitch to introduce the game and have a commercial break.
That’s why unlike other sports, baseball games begin at odd hours. It usually begins at five minutes past the hour, like at 6:05 or 7:05. Even a random starting time for a baseball game, like 7:07, 8:08, or something similar, is common.
So, if you’re still confused about the strange match timings, keep us with us as we cover all the same details.
Why do baseball games start at odd times? (The Answer)
There are usually two key reasons why baseball games begin at odd times. Firstly, they allow time for pregame rituals like playing the national anthem and the ceremonial first pitch. They also set aside time for the game’s introductions and a commercial break.
Moreover, each team has its pregame rituals and television broadcast rules.
Now, let’s elaborate on the reasons properly and step out of our dilemmas.
Pregame Activities
Right from the national anthem to the recognition of players, pregame Baseball celebrations includes everything. There must be two distinct anthems performed at Toronto games to talk about national anthems.
Next comes a ceremonial first pitch typically thrown by a supporter or notable community member to acknowledge their social influence. Besides, introductions of the players are also a part of the pregame activities. It typically takes place on the sight screen and can last a few minutes.
Last but not least, fan or Player Recognition which includes accomplishments, honoring a former player, or a fan or family from the neighborhood, are also conducted during this period.
Baseball teams can kick off pregame activities at the top of the hour to start the game at odd start times like 7:05 or 7:08.
Commercial Break
With a start time of 6:08, the match can start at 6:00, give a brief overview of the game, and take a full commercial break before the opening pitch.
This is because the first few minutes of a game typically have the highest viewership. Also, the delayed start may allow the show to include a commercial break while viewers are still watching.
Television Broadcasts
Odd start timings, like 6:08, are advantageous for television broadcasts. Baseball games frequently start at strange times due to television. Alternatively, or to be more specific, television cash. The networks use the additional seven to eight minutes to pack in as many shows and advertising as possible.
Further, this time is used by the colour commentators and announcers to give a brief overview of the game. They provide viewers with information about the players and their stakes.
After-Work Crowd
To accommodate the after-work crowd eager to get to the stadium, baseball games may start at odd hours like 7:05 or 7:08. In contrast to football, baseball includes many weeknight games on its 162-game schedule.
This calls for a significant portion of the audience to leave work early to make it to the game on time. Especially for those who are unaware of the weird timings and consider the game starting normally. They will have a few more minutes to arrive at the game and find their seats before the first pitch.
Why do baseball games start so late?
Baseball games are known to start late due to several pregame activities, which include singing the national anthem, introducing players, announcing special events and recognizing enthusiasts. Television broadcasts and commercial breaks that are telecasted before the first pitch are greatly time-consuming.
Further, the match is delayed purposely to let the after-Work crowd attend and enjoy the event. All these causes are reasonable and make perfect sense when judged properly.
What time should you arrive at a baseball game?
The timing of your arrival greatly depends on the MLB’s stadium. To watch a baseball game right from the beginning, you should arrive at least 1hrs 30 minutes before the first pitch. Moreover, you can even step in at 5:00 p.m. for a match at 7:00 p. m. If you want to witness the catch batting practises as well.
How long is a baseball game?
Although there’s no definite time limit in a baseball game, a nine-inning MLB regular season game usually lasts for three hours on average. Well, the same has been continued for the past 10 seasons also. Exceptionally, In 2015, the average duration lasted less than three hours.
How late can a baseball game go?
Well, a baseball game can go as late unless and until someone wins. Moreover, with the obvious offenders of contemporary marathon games, which include the introduction of the game, more advertisements between innings, and pitching changes in the middle of innings, the match runs for elongated hours.
However, in normal cases, you can expect a baseball game to go for at least 3hrs.
Why do baseball games take longer?
The increase in hours is caused by several non-game-related variables, mostly due to longer radio and television advertising breaks. However, factors affecting what happens during the game include players waiting longer between pitches and at-bats and pitchers waiting longer between pitches.
Moreover, most fans are working individuals who must report to work after a night game; major league officials are especially concerned about games that last longer than three hours.
The game’s tempo also slows down when batters leave the batter’s box, and pitchers take more time getting ready to throw.
What’s the earliest you can get in a baseball game?
A pair of gates are open for entry two hours before the game. However, until the other gates open one and a half hours before the start of a game, fans accessing those gates must wait in the left field pavilion area.
Fans can enter the stadium two hours before match time through any gate. However, to watch the batting practice, you should reach the stadium 2 hrs before the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a baseball game last, on average?
On average, a baseball game with 9 innings lasts around 3 hours. Every three innings, it typically takes one hour, give or take. Depending on the number of innings, some games might last up to four hours, while others can end much sooner, i. e. 2 hours.
Numerous pitching changes, extended commercial interruptions between innings, and pitchers are taking an eternity to throw a pitch increase the time.
However, the absence of a clock in the sport is one of its most appealing features. And hence, it takes whatsoever long it takes.
What time do baseball games start in Japan?
On weekdays in Japan, baseball games start at 6 o’clock.
However, no Major League Baseball game starts at that precise hour. Only 21 of 967 games get underway at the stroke of thirty.
Why do Toronto Blue Jays games start at 7 07?
The Toronto Blue Jays begin at 7 p.m., allowing the teams to sing their national anthems. Because both nations’ national anthems will be sung before the game, it is 07:07.
Well, this is a query that is often left unanswered. The fact that the game’s dates and times are simple to recall is the major factor.
However, the physiology here is quite complicated. To start with the fundamentals, we will notice that this time is incredibly simple to memorise because of the repetition. Also, to make it special and more balanced, the Blue Jays added a semi-advisory to the game.
According to Ted Rogers Jays, Some and most of the networks prefer this time as they come across additional advertising.
Conclusion:
Known to all, Baseball games often begin at unusual hours, but few people are aware of the whys.
As we notice, it has a lot to do with tradition, but money and advertising revenue for the league and networks are the key drivers. Although some people might find these strange starting times unpleasant, it is obvious that most parties engaged in a baseball game benefit from them.
In addition, having the initial pitch at the show’s beginning would prevent many viewers from seeing it. These extra minutes can help working spectators arrive at the game before it begins.
Baseball is played on weekdays and weekends, unlike football; therefore, these extra minutes can be beneficial.
