Why do Baseball Games Start at Unusual Times: An Explanation

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Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the United States, with millions of fans tuning in to watch games every year. However, one thing that many fans have likely noticed is that baseball games often start at odd times. Instead of starting on the hour, games might begin at 7:05, 7:08, 4:10, 12:35 for example. This can be confusing for fans who are used to other sports that start on the hour. Why do baseball games start at unusual times?

One reason baseball games start at unusual start times is to accommodate for the pregame festivities. Those normally start on the hour or half hour.

The National Anthem is sung and honored before every baseball game. Plus there is normally a guest honorary first pitch. Both of those along with pregame Manager and Umpire meetings normally take 5-10 minutes. So say a game is listed to start at 4:05, well the National Anthem may start at 4:00, then first pitch, then manager and umpire meetings. Combined that all might take 5 minutes, and now the real first pitch of the actual baseball game will be thrown right around 4:05.

Why Baseball Games Start at Unusual Times

The Tradition of Baseball Start Times

Baseball games have been played during the day for most of the sport’s history. However, as baseball became more popular, teams began to experiment with night games in order to attract more fans. The first official night game was played in 1935, and since then, night games have become a regular part of the baseball schedule.

Marketing and Television Broadcasting

One reason why baseball games start at odd times is to accommodate television broadcasting schedules. Television networks pay a lot of money to broadcast games, and they want to ensure that the games are scheduled at times when people are most likely to watch. This often means that games are scheduled during prime time, which can result in start times that seem unusual.

Weather Considerations

Another reason why baseball games may start at odd times is due to weather considerations. If a game is scheduled during the day and there is a high chance of rain or extreme heat, the game may be moved to a later time in order to avoid any weather-related issues. This can result in start times that seem unusual, but it is done to ensure the safety and comfort of the players and fans.

In summary, baseball games start at odd times for a variety of reasons, including tradition, marketing and television broadcasting, and weather considerations. While these start times may seem unusual, they are necessary in order to ensure that the games are played safely and that fans are able to watch them at convenient times.

The Ceremony Before the Game

Before the start of every baseball game, there is a ceremony that takes place to honor America’s pastime. The ceremony is an important part of the game and has several sub-sections that make it unique and special.

The National Anthem

One of the most important parts of the ceremony is the singing of the national anthem. The national anthem is sung to honor the country and those who have fought for it. It is a tradition that has been around for many years and is a way to show respect and honor to the nation.

 

Ceremonial First Pitch

Another important part of the ceremony is the ceremonial first pitch. This is where a special guest, usually a celebrity or a member of the community, is invited to throw the first pitch of the game. It is a way to honor the guest and to start the game off in a special way.

Player Introductions

After the national anthem and the first pitch, the players are introduced to the crowd. This is done to get the crowd excited and to show support for the home team. The players are announced one by one and run out onto the field to take their positions.

Starting Lineups

Finally, the starting lineups are announced. The starting lineup is the group of players who will be starting the game for each team. This is an important part of the ceremony because it sets the tone for the game and lets the fans know who will be playing.

The ceremony before the game is an important part of baseball and is a way to honor the traditions of the game. It is a way to show respect for the country, the players, and the fans. Without the ceremony, the game would not be the same.

Pregame Activities

One of the reasons why baseball games start at weird times is due to pregame activities that occur before the first pitch. These activities are part of the tradition of baseball and are enjoyed by fans, players, and coaches alike.

Warmups

Before the game starts, players warm up by throwing and stretching. This is an essential part of the game as it helps players prepare their bodies for the game ahead. Pitchers, in particular, have a strict warm-up routine to ensure they are ready to pitch at their highest level.

Commercial Breaks

Another reason why baseball games start at odd times is due to commercial breaks. Baseball games have a lot of downtime, and commercial breaks are a way for networks to make money. These breaks usually occur between innings or during pitching changes.

Overall, pregame activities like warmups and commercial breaks are essential parts of baseball games. They help players prepare for the game and provide a break for fans to grab snacks and drinks. While they may contribute to odd start times, they are an integral part of the game and are enjoyed by fans and players alike.

Gameplay and Time Considerations

Baseball is a game that depends on time and strategy. The duration of the game is not predetermined, and it can vary depending on the plays and the teams’ performance. Therefore, the start time of baseball games has always been a matter of consideration and discussion.

Commentators and Broadcasts

The start time of baseball games has a significant impact on the broadcasters and commentators. The broadcasters have to consider the prime-time slots for their networks, which are usually between 7 pm to 10 pm. Therefore, the games are scheduled to start around this time to ensure maximum viewership. This is why most games start at odd times like 7:05 or 7:08 pm, rather than the conventional 7:00 pm.

Commercial Breaks and Money

Another significant factor that influences the start time of baseball games is the commercial breaks. The games are scheduled to start at odd times to ensure that the commercial breaks do not overlap with the innings. This way, the broadcasters can maximize their advertising revenue. Additionally, the odd start times also allow for more time for pre-game and in-game advertisements.

Playoff and World Series Scheduling

The start time of baseball games during the playoffs and the World Series is also a matter of consideration. The games are scheduled to start at odd times to ensure that the East Coast and West Coast viewers can watch the games in prime time. This way, the MLB can maximize its viewership and revenue.

In conclusion, the start time of baseball games is influenced by various factors like broadcasters, advertisers, and playoffs scheduling. The odd start times are a result of these considerations and have become a part of the tradition of the game.

Conclusion

Baseball games have been starting at odd times for many years, and there are several reasons why this tradition continues. One of the main reasons is television broadcasting, as networks want to air games during prime time hours when more viewers are available to watch. Additionally, starting games at odd times can help accommodate fans who are trying to attend games after work or school.

While some fans may find the odd start times inconvenient, it is important to remember that they are a part of baseball’s history and culture. They add to the unique atmosphere of the game and help create a sense of excitement and anticipation among fans.

Overall, the reasons for odd start times are varied and complex, but they ultimately serve to benefit the sport and its fans. Whether you are watching a game on TV or attending one in person, the start time is just a small part of the overall experience of enjoying America’s favorite pastime.