What is Baseball?
Baseball is a popular sport in North America, enjoyed by both players and spectators alike. It is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams, typically consisting of nine players each. The teams take turns batting and fielding, with the goal of scoring more runs than the opposing team. The game is played on a field that is divided into four bases, and the players must run around the bases in order to score.
History of Baseball
Baseball originated in the United States in the early 19th century, and is thought to have been derived from an old English game known as rounders. The game grew in popularity throughout the 19th century, and by the early 20th century it had become a professional sport. The Major League Baseball (MLB) was founded in 1903 and is still the highest level of professional baseball in the world.
Why Do Baseball Games Start at Weird Times?
Baseball games tend to start at odd times, usually in the late afternoon or evening. This can be confusing for some people, as it may seem like an odd time to start a game. There are several reasons why baseball games start at odd times.
Avoiding Extreme Temperatures
One of the main reasons why baseball games start at odd times is to avoid extreme temperatures. In the summer months, when the temperature is often very hot, the games are typically scheduled in the late afternoon or evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. This helps to keep the players and fans comfortable during the game.
Avoiding Conflict With Other Sports
Another reason for the odd timing of baseball games is to avoid conflict with other sports. Baseball is often played at the same time as other sports, such as football or basketball. By scheduling games at different times, it allows fans to watch their favorite sport without having to miss out on any other sport.
Television Scheduling
The timing of baseball games is also often determined by television scheduling. Baseball games are often broadcast on television, and many people watch the games on TV. To maximize the number of viewers, the games are often scheduled at times when people are likely to be available to watch.
Player Availability
The availability of players is also a factor in determining when baseball games start. Many players are only available for certain times of day, or may have other commitments that make it difficult for them to play at certain times. By scheduling games at times when the players are available, teams can ensure that they have enough players to play each game.
Day vs Night Games
Another factor in determining when baseball games start is the difference between day games and night games. Day games tend to start earlier in the day, while night games typically start in the late afternoon or evening. This allows teams to play games in different times of the day, giving fans more options for when they want to watch the game.
The Benefits of Starting Baseball Games at Odd Times
Starting baseball games at odd times has several benefits. Here are some of the advantages of starting games at odd times:
- Maximizing Attendance – By scheduling games at different times, teams can maximize attendance by appealing to a wider range of fans. This can help to increase revenue for the team.
- Attracting More Viewers – Scheduling games at different times also helps to attract more viewers, as people from different time zones can watch the games. This can help to increase television ratings, which can lead to more advertising revenue for the team.
- Avoiding Conflict With Other Sports – As mentioned before, scheduling games at different times helps to avoid conflict with other sports. This ensures that fans don’t have to choose between watching their favorite sport and another sport.
- Maximizing Player Availability – As mentioned before, by scheduling games at times when players are available, teams can ensure that they have enough players to play each game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, baseball games start at odd times for several reasons, including avoiding extreme temperatures, avoiding conflict with other sports, television scheduling, and maximizing player availability. These odd times can have several benefits for teams, including maximizing attendance, attracting more viewers, and avoiding conflict with other sports.
FAQs
Why do baseball games start late?
Baseball games often start late in order to avoid extreme temperatures, avoid conflict with other sports, and maximize player availability.
What time do baseball games usually start?
Baseball games usually start in the late afternoon or evening.
Why do baseball games not start at the same time?
Baseball games do not start at the same time in order to maximize attendance, attract more viewers, and avoid conflict with other sports.
References
- Baseball Rules and Regulations. (n.d.). Retrieved from mlb.com/official-information/rules-regulations
- History of Baseball. (2020). Retrieved from baseball-almanac.com/history/baseball_history.shtml
- Why do Baseball Games Start at Weird Times? (n.d.). Retrieved from thoughtco.com/why-do-baseball-games-start-at-weird-times-3444244