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It’s nearly the middle of June and we’re still not sure when baseball will be played. Although it may not feel like it, there will be baseball this year—Rob Manfred basically confirmed it in an interview recently. If Manfred gets his way, and it looks like he will, the season will be roughly 50 games long. That sucks and there’s no way around that, but perhaps it could be fun because of some of the reasons I’ll list here.
Reason #1: Every game means a lot.
In any season every single game matters of course, but if there are only 50 games then every game is that much more important. You’ve probably heard this one hundred times now, but after 50 games last year the Nationals (the teams that won the World Series) were 19-31. That’s a top five draft pick in a 50 game season.
In a season where everything matters so much more, that could also mean emotions are much higher. More bat flips, yelling after strikeouts, and more having fun playing the game of baseball. It’s not what anyone is used to but oh well.
Reason #2: Fan interest could grow in a short season.
This one may seem weird, but I think fan interest would grow. Big time fans like myself, and probably you if you’re reading this, would watch no matter what, but a 50 game season where every game in important could draw in some people. If I wasn’t a baseball fan but was considering getting into it, a 50 game short season would be great to get me introduced to see if I enjoy it. Hopefully baseball didn’t lose too many fans while billionaires were trying to save some extra money these past couple months.
Reason #3: At least it’s something.
For the first time in many of our lives, it’s the middle of summer and we don’t have baseball to watch. 50 games in nowhere near what we usually get and they could easily do 80-90 but money is all owners truly care about. It’s not ideal, but I’ll take it.
The season will likely start in about a month, some time in the middle of July. It’ll be different but it’ll be fun. After months of no sports I think almost anything will be alright.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming season? Are you still holding on to hope that there will be more than 50 games? Will you pay attention to a 50 game season? Let me know in the comments below!