Major League Baseball is one of the most popular sports in America. It is a professional baseball league composed of 30 teams, divided into two leagues: the National League and the American League. Each team plays 162 games in a season, which is the most in any professional sports league in the world. It is a grueling schedule that tests the endurance and durability of the players. So, how many MLB players have played 162 games?
What is a 162-game Season?
A 162-game season is the longest regular season in professional sports. It consists of 162 games for each team, which are played over a period of six months. It is divided into two halves, with each team playing 81 games. The season is divided into two halves so that teams can have a break in the middle to rest and make roster changes. The first half of the season ends on the last Sunday of July, and the second half ends on the last Sunday of September. After the conclusion of the regular season, the teams with the best records in each league advance to the playoffs.
MLB’s History of 162-Game Seasons
MLB has been playing 162-game seasons since 1961, when it expanded to 20 teams. Since then, there have been numerous changes to the structure of the season, such as the introduction of the wildcard teams in 1995, the introduction of interleague play in 1997, and the introduction of the one-game wildcard playoff in 2012. Despite these changes, the 162-game season has remained the same.
How Many MLB Players Have Played 162 Games?
In the history of MLB, there have been only a handful of players who have played all 162 games in a single season. From 1961 to 2019, there have been only six players who have achieved this feat: Pete Rose (1973), George Brett (1980), Cal Ripken Jr. (1983 and 1991), Wade Boggs (1985), Kirby Puckett (1986) and Ichiro Suzuki (2004).
Notable MLB Players Who Have Played 162 Games
Pete Rose was the first MLB player to achieve the feat of playing all 162 games in a season, when he did it in 1973. He also holds the record for most games played in a season, with a total of 215, including the postseason. In 1980, George Brett became the second player to play all 162 games, and he was named the American League MVP that year. Cal Ripken Jr. is the most famous player to have achieved this feat, as he played all 162 games in both the 1983 and 1991 seasons, and was named the American League MVP in both years.
Players Who Have Played in Every Regular Season Game
Aside from the six players mentioned above, there have been a handful of other players who have played in every regular season game over the course of a single season. In 2000, Ken Griffey Jr. played in all 162 games and was named the American League MVP that year. Other notable players to have achieved this feat include Nomar Garciaparra (2003), Jimmy Rollins (2007), Dustin Pedroia (2011), and Mike Trout (2019).
The Benefits of Playing 162 Games
Playing all 162 games in a season has its advantages. It gives the player a chance to show their durability and endurance, as well as their ability to stay healthy and consistent throughout the season. Players who have achieved this feat have had successful careers and have been rewarded with MVP awards and All-Star selections.
The Challenges of Playing 162 Games
Playing all 162 games in a season is not an easy task. It requires a tremendous amount of dedication, discipline, and hard work. It is a physically and mentally demanding task, and players must be prepared for the grind of the regular season. Additionally, players must be able to stay healthy and injury free throughout the season.
Conclusion
Only a select few MLB players have been able to play all 162 games in a season. It is an incredible feat that requires immense dedication, discipline, and hard work. For those players who have accomplished this feat, they have been rewarded with MVP awards and All-Star selections. It is a testament to their dedication and resilience, and it will be interesting to see if any other players can achieve this feat in the future.