Major League Baseball Regular Season Start Date
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the oldest professional sports league in the United States and Canada. The regular season start date is one of the most anticipated events in the sports world. Fans eagerly await the start of the regular season to see their favorite teams and players in action. The start date of the regular season has evolved over the years, and in this article, we will dive into the history of the MLB regular season start date and what fans can expect for the upcoming season.
History of the MLB Regular Season Start Date
The regular season start date has changed over the years due to various reasons. In the early years of baseball, the season typically started in April and ended in October. However, during World War II, the start of the season was delayed until late April due to travel restrictions. In the 1950s, the season start date was moved up to mid-April, and in the 1960s, it was moved up to early April.
In 1976, the season start date was pushed back to allow for more rest for pitchers. The season started on April 8th, which was later than usual. However, in 1990, the season start date was moved up again to early April. Since then, the season has typically started in the first week of April, with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic shortened 2020 season, which started on July 23rd.
What to Expect for the Upcoming Season
The start date for the 2021 MLB regular season is April 1st, 2021. The season will consist of 162 games, with each team playing 81 home games and 81 away games. The season is scheduled to end on October 3rd, and the playoffs will begin shortly after.
The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to impact the upcoming season, with safety protocols in place to protect players, coaches, and fans. The MLB has also made changes to the schedule to reduce travel and limit exposure to the virus. Teams will play against their divisional opponents more frequently, and interleague play will be limited.
Conclusion
The start date of the MLB regular season is a highly anticipated event for baseball fans. The history of the MLB regular season start date has evolved over the years, with changes made due to various factors such as travel restrictions and player safety. The 2021 MLB regular season is set to start on April 1st, with safety protocols in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Fans can look forward to watching their favorite teams and players in action throughout the season.