You might notice that baseball games usually don’t start at the top of the hour, like 7:00 or 8:00. And this is certain that you notice it starts at weird times like 7:05, 7:07, 8:09, etc.
But do you know why do baseball games start at weird times? Like you, many fans want to see the explanation.
Sometimes it might seem happening for any technical issues or delay. The facts you might not know are there are valid reasons behind it.
Okay, now the question is, what are the valid reasons? I will be going through all possible reasons that materialize for starting the baseball games at weird times.
Why Do Baseball Games Start at Odd Times?
There are many valid reasons why MLB games start at odd times. Among all the reasons, the most fundamental reason is the TV broadcast obligations. Aside from this, the other reasons are,
- Pregame rituals.
- Warming up of the players.
- Starting Lineup announcement.
- Special guest honoring, etc.
I will be discussing every reason why do baseball games start at weird times.
Additional Read: How to Practice Pitching Alone?
The Biggest Reason for Starting Delation Baseball Games: TV Program Broadcast
Many baseball fans and officials think the biggest reason why does baseball games start at odd times is the obligation of TV broadcasts.
You will see that the TV channels schedule the game at the top of the hour or half-hourly time aspects. But, when it is time to start at the scheduled time, the TV channels take several minutes to broadcast as many commercials as possible.
But why do they do such activities? You know everything is related to money. And the most effective time for the TV channels is the starting time of the games.
Most fans glue their eyes to the TV at that time. And TV companies take advantage of reaching out to as many viewers as possible.
So, the marketers of different companies set this time for broadcasting the commercial to enrich their business to the viewers. Even channels take millions of dollars for a 30-second advertisement, which makes huge money for the channel.
So, you might see an ad before the first pitch is pitched.
On the other side, one of the reasons why commentators often provide a brief introduction to the game is. This includes information about the teams, who will bat first, the game’s storyline, etc., so the audience may quickly become acclimated to the game.
Read More: What is an Ephus Pitch?
Why Do Baseball Games Start at Weird Times?: Pregame Activities
The second most important reason why the MLB start times are delayed is the pregame activities of the teams. As baseball is the pastime of America, the activities before the game starts are part of the long-year tradition.
There are different types of activities that take place before the baseball game starts. Check them out below.
National Anthem
Like other games, singing the national anthem is part and parcel of the pregame activities. Basically, professional singers sing the national anthem before the game starts.
In Canada, they play two national anthems.
Figure 03- Pregame Activities that force start baseball games at weird times.jpg
Warmups and Stretches Before Game
The game needs physical strength. MLB players basically do some light warmups on the baseball field before the game starts.
They may be jogging, short sprint, some pushups, etc. The baseball players might also do catch practices to free up their hands.
Aside from these, players do body stretches as the final physical activity.
Additional Read: What is Offense in Baseball?
Before facing the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman gets warmed up:
Peruvian First Pitch/Honoring the Guest
This is one of the most traditional activities by the home team. Generally, the home team honors a guest by requesting him to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the pitcher starts his pitching.
Generally, a former baseball player, President of the States military veterinarian, or a special fan of the team gets this special honor from the home team.
William Howard Taft, the former president of the USA from 1909 to 1913, first ever threw the ceremonial pitch for the Washinton Senators in 1910. It was the Opening day of the Washington Senators that year.
On the other hand, another one of the most popular Presidents of the USA, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, got the ceremonial pitching honor 8 times.
In addition to this, the home team celebrates the induction of a retiring team legend into the franchise’s Hall of Fame. However, this occurrence is not very common.
Additionally, the squad may occasionally observe minutes of quiet if someone associated with the team has died away.
Lineup Announcement
A public address announcer, sometimes known as a PA announcer, is responsible for making the line announcements for both teams before the start of the game. When he makes the lineup announcement, he will most likely disclose everything, including who is batting, who is on the coaching staff, and so on.
According to the regulations, the starting lineup for the away team is the one that is declared first.
On the other side, the last announcement is made for the home team, which pumps up the fans in attendance and the people visiting. It generates a great deal more enthusiasm, as well as the crowd.
By the way, the lineup announcement takes 5 to 6 minutes to be finished.
Allowing Fans to Come After Work
Another common reason that the game takes 7 to 8 minutes more to start is to allow the fans to come to the ballpark at a little due. Because fans generally come after office and that might come up to 5 to 6 pm.
The extra 7 to 8 minutes help the working professionals take hotdogs and soft drinks and find their seats. By the way, all fans don’t come at the same time. So, you shouldn’t expect more and more time for all fans who even might not come.
The Most Common MLB Start Times
The most frequent start time of MLB games is 1:35 pm, 6:05 pm, 7:08 pm, or 9:38 pm, etc. Though the USA has four different time zone, every time zone follows its own schedule.
On the other side, most games start at 1:05, 1:07, 1:10, etc., on the weekend. The Chicago Cubs are known across Major League Baseball for having the packed schedule of any club.
Because of long-standing customs. Despite the fact that many individuals would find the custom to be funny. The Chicago Cubs Ballpark was dark for a significant portion of the game.
Why Are MLB Games Starting Earlier 2022
I don’t know why people got the information. Actually, the 2022 season of MLB was to start on March 31, 2022, this year and ends on 2nd October. But, due to the 2021-22 MLB Lockout, the season began on April 07.
By the way, the 2022 MLB season will be ended October 5 this year. Along this, another question comes why does the World Series start so late?
The reason is the same due to the lockout.
By the way, the World Series this year will start on October 7, Friday. The Friday schedule is the first ever since the 1915 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do MLB Games Start on Time?
No, generally, baseball games do not start on time. Basically, baseball games take 5 to 8 minutes to start the first pitch for several reasons. Among them, TV broadcasting is the main reason.
Aside from this, honoring guests, announcing lineups, players warm up, and stretches are also important reasons.
2. What Time Do Baseball Games End?
The scheduled time of an MLB 9-inning game usually is 3 hours. Mostly the game ends by this time. But, sometimes, games go beyond the expected time.
Things happen that sometimes amaze people. On May 30, 2009, a collegiate baseball match between the Texas Longhorn Baseball team and the Boston College Eagles baseball club lasted 25 innings.
The game lasted for 7 hours and 3 minutes.
3. Why Do Baseball Games Start 7 Minutes After the Hour?
The extra 7 to 8 minutes are taken for the commercial companies. TV ads bring millions of dollars, even just for a 30-second ad. So, the TV company will not miss the chance, indeed.
Aside from this, several pregame activities are also taking place, including players’ warmup, line announcement, etc.
4. Why Do Some Baseball Games End Early?
A regular or official game (one that has been played for at least five innings, or four and a half innings if the home side is ahead) may be called early due to a number of different factors. The primary causes, though, are storms and rain of various kinds.
By the way, if a baseball game cannot be won to become official, the game will be halted and played over again once it has been replayed from the beginning.
Wrap Up
Why Do Baseball Games Start at Weird Times- should be clarified to you now. Though time dilation is not a required thing, it happens.
By the way, regarding baseball and commercial needs, time dilation becomes part and parcel of baseball games.
Combining many factors, the first 7 to 8 minutes are too much important for the authority, and TV channels. Mainly TV channels are here to make money, so they are expected to take the opportunity.
On the other hand, the other reasons that impact the starting time are also significant in many cases. So, you shouldn’t expect an on-time starting of baseball games.
The Post You Also May Like:
Wilson A2000 Softball Glove Series Review 2022 |Pro Stock and SuperSkin Leather
Baserunning in Baseball| Facts, Techniques, and Tips
Why Do Baseball Players Spit? Secrets Unveiled!
Cricket vs Baseball – Bat and Ball Games Comparison & Difference
Wilson a2K vs A2000 | Which One Is the Ideal Choice
Hello everyone. My name is Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player. I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego.
I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit.