Let's talk about a fascinating shift in Major League Baseball (MLB) that has me intrigued. The topic at hand is the early start times for night games, and how this simple change is making a big impact.
The Evolution of Night Games
Night baseball has a rich history, dating back to the 1940s. Initially, teams started their night games as late as 8:30 p.m. local time. This was partly due to the inferior lighting systems of the era and the desire to cater to fans who wanted to enjoy a meal before the game. Back then, games were shorter, and the majority of fans relied on public transport, so late finishes weren't a major concern.
Over time, as lighting technology improved and fan preferences evolved, start times gradually moved earlier. By the 1960s, 8 p.m. was the norm, and in the 1970s and 1980s, we saw a further shift to 7:30 p.m. and then 7 p.m., respectively. This evolution is a testament to MLB's ability to adapt to changing fan expectations and technological advancements.
The Rise of the 6:40 p.m. Start
Fast forward to today, and we're witnessing a significant trend: many MLB teams are opting for a 6:40 p.m. start time for their night games. This shift is driven by a combination of factors, including fan feedback, the impact of pitch timers on game duration, and the desire to make games more family-friendly.
A detailed article by Mike Mazzeo in Sports Business Journal highlights this trend, with teams like the Phillies reporting an overwhelmingly positive response from season-ticket holders. The article includes insightful charts that showcase the increasing number of night games starting before 7 p.m. local time, with a significant jump from 42% in 2021 to 76% in 2023.
The Benefits of Earlier Start Times
What makes this shift particularly fascinating is the potential it has to enhance the fan experience. By starting games earlier, teams are catering to fans who want to get home earlier, especially those with long commutes or early work schedules. This is a subtle but powerful way to show that MLB understands and respects its fans' time.
Additionally, the earlier start times, coupled with the use of pitch timers, are helping to address a common criticism of baseball: the length of games. By knocking off approximately 35 minutes from the average game time, MLB is making its product more accessible and appealing to a wider audience, including families with young children.
A Recommendation for the Cubs
Given the positive feedback and the clear benefits, I believe it's time for the Chicago Cubs to fully embrace this trend. While they've already made some adjustments, with the majority of their night games starting in the 6 p.m. hour, I'd encourage them to take it a step further and make 6:40 p.m. the standard start time for all their night games, except for those mandated by national TV.
This move would align the Cubs with the industry trend and provide an even better experience for their fans, especially those with long commutes or early mornings. It's a small change with a potentially big impact, and it's one that I think the Cubs should seriously consider implementing.
Final Thoughts
The evolution of night game start times in MLB is a great example of how the league is listening to its fans and adapting to their needs. It's a subtle yet powerful strategy that enhances the fan experience and keeps baseball relevant and accessible in a fast-paced world. I, for one, am excited to see how this trend develops and the potential positive impact it could have on the sport.
