MLB Is Making History By Packing In Games This Season

The 2022 MLB season started a week later than previously scheduled because of the lockout and collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations.

In order for each MLB team to play 162 games, the league had to pack in games like never before.

These are the consequences of those lost negotiations days in December and January, and of MLB’s stubbornness during talks.

But here we are, with each club trying to play 162 games and willing to take advantage of doubleheaders: rest days are a luxury now.

There are 18 games scheduled for Tuesday: that means there are three doubleheaders.

“There are 18 games on the schedule today. 18 were played on May 8. IF all are played today, this will be the 1st season with multiple 18+-game days (excluding 2020 & 7-inning DHs) since 2004. Last time there were 2 such days in a calendar MONTH: July 1977 (10th & 24th),” Sarah Langs tweeted.

There are 18 games on the schedule today. 18 were played on May 8

IF all are played today, this will be the 1st season with multiple 18+-game days (excluding 2020 & 7-inning DHs) since 2004

Last time there were 2 such days in a calendar MONTH: July 1977 (10th & 24th)

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) May 17, 2022

Lost Time In The Offseason And Weather Have Been Unforgiving

In addition to the lost time during CBA negotiations, the weather has been unforgiving, as always.

Lots of games have had to be cancelled this season because of rain or inclement weather, further complicating make-up dates.

Players, however, prefer this to having a shortened calendar, because it would have meant a reduced pay.

Lots of players say they prefer to play nearly every day to keep themselves in a groove, anyway.

But there is no question that the 2022 calendar has been hard on players’ bodies and minds.

Playing baseball for a living is not as easy as it seems: it involves spending a whole day at the ballpark, having rounds of batting practice, stretching, and other exercises.

The 2022 will probably go down as one of the tightest calendars in the history of the league.