Why Do Baseball Teams Play the Same Team in a Row?

The Pros and Cons of Consecutive Games: Exploring the Tradition of Playing the Same Baseball Team in a Row
Written by Mark Bailey
Last updated on

Baseball teams often play the same team in a row, known as a “series,” to reduce travel stress and costs, maximize regional rivalries and fan interest, and allow for a consistent schedule where teams can play multiple games in one location over several days. This series format is a traditional aspect of baseball’s scheduling.

KEY
POINTS
  • Baseball has a long history of playing consecutive games against the same opponent, which dates back to the early days of the game.
  • Playing consecutive games against the same opponent allows teams to develop improved strategies, save time and money on travel, and increase fan engagement and rivalry.
  • However, playing consecutive games against the same opponent can lead to monotony, fatigue, injuries, disruption of team routines, and potential unfair advantages for certain teams.
  • Statistical analysis shows that teams are more likely to win games when playing against an opponent for multiple consecutive games.

Historical perspective

Baseball is a sport steeped in history, and the practice of playing a series of consecutive games against the same opponent has roots that stretch back to the early days of the game. 

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, baseball was still in its infancy, and many teams struggled to draw large crowds to their games. In an effort to generate more interest and increase ticket sales, teams began scheduling games against their opponents on consecutive days, effectively creating a series. Furthermore, as teams would often travel long distances to play games back then, staying in one location and playing multiple games against the same opponent was more efficient than constantly traveling from one city to the next. 

As the popularity of baseball grew and the sport expanded to new regions, the practice of playing consecutive games against the same team became more widespread. Teams have found that this format allowed for better game planning and strategy as they could adjust their approach based on what they learned from previous games. Fans also appreciated the increased rivalry and engagement that came with playing the same team multiple times in a row. The tradition of playing consecutive games against the same opponent persisted, and it remains a hallmark of the sport to this day.

Over time, the format of playing consecutive games against the same team evolved to better accommodate the needs of teams and fans. In the early 1900s, Major League Baseball introduced the concept of “doubleheaders,” where two games would be played back-to-back on the same day. This allowed teams to complete a series against a single opponent more quickly and efficiently while also giving fans the opportunity to see more games in one visit.

In the 1960s, the league expanded further and divided into two separate divisions in each league. This meant that teams would play more games within their division and against the same opponents, which increased the frequency of consecutive games against the same team. The introduction of interleague play in the 1990s also added to the number of consecutive games, as teams from different leagues would often play multiple games in a row against each other.

The structure of baseball seasons

The baseball season is a grueling six-month marathon that tests the endurance and skill of each team. The regular season typically runs from late March or early April until late September or early October, with each team playing a total of 162 games.

The season is divided into two leagues, the American League (AL) and the National League (NL), with each league having three divisions. The AL consists of the East, Central, and West divisions, while the NL has the East, Central, and West divisions as well. The divisional structure allows for a more balanced schedule, with teams playing more games against their divisional rivals.

During the regular season, each team plays a total of 19 games against each of its four divisional opponents, for a total of 76 games. The remaining 86 games are played against non-divisional opponents, with the number of games played against each team varying from year to year.

The schedule for the regular season is created by the league’s scheduling committee, with input from each team. The schedule is designed to ensure that each team plays a balanced schedule with an equal number of games against each opponent. However, the number of games played against each opponent varies based on the team’s division and the league’s schedule.

Teams typically play a series of two to four games against the same opponent, with a day off between each series. This allows the players to rest and recuperate before the next series begins. The length of each series and the number of games played against each opponent can vary throughout the season, creating a dynamic and exciting schedule that keeps fans engaged and invested in their favorite teams.

The benefits of playing the same team in a row

There are many benefits to playing consecutive games against the same opponent in baseball. 

One of the most significant advantages is that it allows teams to develop improved strategies and game plans specifically tailored to their opponents. By playing multiple games in a row against the same team, players and coaches can identify patterns and weaknesses in their opponent’s gameplay and adjust their own tactics accordingly. This leads to more intense and competitive games as each team tries to gain an advantage over the other.

Another significant advantage of playing consecutive games against the same opponent is the reduced travel time and costs. By staying in one location for several days, teams can save time and money that would otherwise be spent traveling to different cities. This allows players to rest and recover between games, leading to better performance on the field.

In addition to the logistical advantages, playing consecutive games against the same opponent also increases fan engagement and rivalry. Fans enjoy the intensity and drama of closely contested games between divisional rivals, and the buildup of tension and excitement over a multi-game series can be electrifying. This heightened sense of rivalry can also create a sense of community and identity among fans, making them feel more invested in the success of their team.

There are many examples of successful teams that have benefited from the practice of playing consecutive games against the same opponent. The New York Yankees, for example, have historically been dominant in their division, partly due to their ability to develop effective strategies and game plans over multi-game series. Similarly, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been one of the most successful teams in recent years, partly due to their ability to build momentum over the course of a series of games.

The disadvantages of playing the same team in a row

While playing consecutive games against the same opponent has many advantages, this practice also has several disadvantages. One of the most significant drawbacks is the lack of variety in opponents. Playing the same team multiple times in a row can become monotonous for both players and fans, leading to a loss of interest and engagement throughout a series.

Another potential disadvantage of playing consecutive games against the same opponent is the increased risk of fatigue and injuries. Playing multiple games in a row can be physically taxing, especially for pitchers who may be called upon to pitch in multiple games during a series. This increased workload can lead to injuries and decreased performance over time, which can have a negative impact on the team’s success. This is also particularly problematic for teams that are already struggling with injuries or a lack of depth in their roster.

In addition to the physical demands, playing consecutive games against the same opponent can also disrupt team routines and rhythms. Teams are creatures of habit, and the constant repetition of playing the same team can lead to a sense of complacency or stagnation. This can lead to a decline in performance and a loss of momentum over time.

Another potential disadvantage of playing consecutive games against the same opponent is the possibility of unfair advantages for certain teams. If a team is scheduled to play a weaker opponent multiple times in a row, they may gain an unfair advantage over their competitors and capitalize on their opponent’s weaknesses, even if they would not have been able to do so against different opponents. 

Finally, playing consecutive games against the same opponent can have a negative impact on the league standings. If a team consistently wins or loses against the same opponent, it can skew the standings and make it more difficult for other teams to catch up or maintain their positions in the rankings. This can create a sense of unfairness and frustration among fans and players alike.

There are many examples of unsuccessful teams that have suffered from the practice of playing consecutive games against the same opponent. The Chicago Cubs, for example, have historically struggled to maintain consistency over the course of multi-game series, leading to a reputation for being a “streaky” team. In addition, the Pittsburgh Pirates struggled during the 2019 season, in part due to their inability to build momentum over multi-game series. Similarly, the Baltimore Orioles have consistently struggled in recent years, in part due to their inability to develop effective strategies and game plans over the course of a series of games.

How the practice affects the outcome of the games

The practice of playing consecutive games against the same opponent has a significant impact on the outcome of games in baseball. Statistical analysis shows that teams are more likely to win games in which they are playing the same opponent for multiple consecutive games, suggesting that the benefits of increased familiarity and strategic planning outweigh the drawbacks of fatigue and a lack of variety.

One study found that teams win about 54% of games when playing against an opponent for the first time in a season but that this win percentage increases to 57% when playing consecutive games against the same opponent. Similarly, another study found that teams were more likely to win games when playing on the road in a multi-game series against the same opponent, suggesting that the benefits of familiarity and strategic planning are even more pronounced in these situations.

In addition to these statistical findings, there is also anecdotal evidence to suggest that playing consecutive games against the same opponent can impact team performance. Many players and coaches have spoken about the importance of developing game plans and strategies specifically tailored to their opponents and how this can lead to more effective gameplay on the field.

However, there are also some limitations to the benefits of playing consecutive games against the same opponent. While it can be an advantage in the short term, the lack of variety in opponents can lead to a loss of creativity and motivation among players throughout a long season. Additionally, as previously mentioned, the potential for fatigue and injuries must also be considered.

When comparing team performances in consecutive versus non-consecutive games, it is clear that both approaches have advantages and disadvantages. Playing consecutive games against the same opponent can lead to increased familiarity and strategic planning but also fatigue and a lack of variety in opponents. Non-consecutive games, on the other hand, allow for more variety in opponents and potentially reduce the risk of fatigue and injuries, but they also require teams to constantly adjust their game plans and strategies.

The future of playing the same team in a row

As baseball continues to evolve, so does the practice of playing consecutive games against the same opponent. In recent years, there have been several trends in baseball scheduling that suggest a move away from this traditional format towards a more varied approach.

One of the most significant trends in baseball scheduling is the increased emphasis on interleague play. In recent years, interleague play has become a regular feature of the baseball season, with teams playing a set number of games against teams from the opposing league. This increased emphasis on interleague play has reduced the number of consecutive games that teams play against the same opponent and increased the variety of opponents that teams face during the regular season.

Another trend in baseball scheduling is the increased use of off-days and travel days. In order to reduce the risk of injuries and fatigue, teams are now given more off-days and travel days during the regular season. This has reduced the number of consecutive games that teams play against the same opponent and a more varied schedule overall.

Possible changes to the current practice of playing consecutive games against the same opponent could include a reduction in the number of games played in a series or a move towards a more balanced schedule that emphasizes variety in opponents. Some have also suggested the use of a rotating schedule that would ensure that teams face all of their opponents an equal number of times rather than relying on a set schedule that favors divisional play.

FAQ

How many times do MLB teams play each other in a row?

The answer to this question varies depending on a variety of factors, including the team’s division and the league’s scheduling format. Typically, teams play a series of two to four games against the same opponent in a row, with the number of games played depending on the team’s division and the league’s schedule. For example, teams in the American League East typically play 19 games against each of their divisional opponents, with the majority of those games coming in a series of two to four games against the same team in a row.

Conclusion

In conclusion, playing consecutive games against the same opponent is a long-standing tradition in baseball that has both advantages and disadvantages. While there is a lack of variety in opponents and the potential for fatigue and injuries, the benefits of improved team strategy and game planning, reduced travel time and costs, and increased fan engagement and rivalry outweigh these drawbacks. Statistical analysis has shown that playing consecutive games against the same opponent can have a positive impact on the outcome of games, but it is important to consider the potential limitations and drawbacks of this practice. 

As the sport continues to evolve, there may be changes to the current practice, but the fundamental reasons behind playing the same team in a row will likely remain the same: to gain a competitive advantage and foster a sense of rivalry and community among fans.