When Does Baseball Season Start and How Long Do Baseball Games Last?

When Does Baseball Season Start?

Baseball season usually kicks off in late March or early April. For 2025, expect Opening Day to be around March 27th to April 1st. That’s when all the teams start playing their regular-season games, and fans get super hyped! Spring Training (pre-season games) happens before that, starting in mid-February, where players warm up and teams figure out their lineups.

How Long Do Baseball Games Last?

Baseball games can be a bit of a time commitment. On average, they last about 3 hours, but it really depends on how the game goes. Some games can be shorter (like 2.5 hours) if the pitchers are dealing and the batters aren’t hitting much. Other games can drag on for 4+ hours if there are a lot of runs, pitching changes, or extra innings (which happen if the game is tied after 9 innings). So, grab some snacks and settle in!

2025 Baseball Season Highlights

Here are some key things to look forward to in 2025:

1. Opening Day (Late March/Early April)

• What’s the Hype?: Every team starts with a clean slate, and fans are full of hope. It’s a fresh start, and anything can happen!
• Matchup to Watch: Look for rivalries like Yankees vs. Red Sox or Dodgers vs. Giants—these games are always intense.

2. All-Star Game (Mid-July)

• What’s the Hype?: The best players from the American League and National League face off. It’s a fun, less serious game with lots of home runs and flashy plays.
• What to Watch For: Young stars making their All-Star debut and veteran players showing they’ve still got it.

3. Trade Deadline (Late July)

• What’s the Hype?: Teams make last-minute trades to boost their chances for the playoffs. It’s like a mid-season shake-up!
• What to Watch For: Big-name players switching teams and how it impacts the playoff race.

4. Playoffs (October)

• What’s the Hype?: The best teams battle it out in a series of games to win the World Series. The stakes are high, and every game feels like a must-watch.
• Matchup to Watch: Any underdog team making a surprise run (think 2023’s Arizona Diamondbacks).

5. World Series (Late October/Early November)

• What’s the Hype?: The championship series! Two teams play a best-of-7 series to determine the best in baseball.
• What to Watch For: Legendary performances, clutch hits, and maybe even a walk-off home run to win it all.

Key Storylines for 2025

• Young Stars Rising: Players like Julio Rodríguez (Mariners) and Gunnar Henderson (Orioles) are expected to keep getting better. Can they lead their teams to the playoffs?
• Veterans Chasing History: Guys like Mike Trout and Mookie Betts are still elite. Will they add another MVP or World Series title to their resumes?
• New Rules and Tech: MLB is always tweaking things. Will there be new rules (like the pitch clock in 2023) that change how the game is played?

When Does Baseball Season Start and How Long Do Baseball Games Last?

Baseball season in the United States generally kicks off in late March or early April, depending on the year. The season officially starts with Opening Day, which is one of the most exciting days of the year for baseball fans. This day is filled with anticipation, as every MLB team plays their first game of the season. For the 2025 MLB season, Opening Day is scheduled for March 28, 2025.

How Long Do Baseball Games Last?

The length of a baseball game can vary, but on average, most games last around 2.5 to 3 hours. However, there are factors that can affect the duration, such as extra innings (if the game is tied), delays due to weather, or how long the pitchers are taking between pitches.

In terms of the rules, a regular baseball game consists of nine innings, where each inning is divided into two halves: the top (where the visiting team bats) and the bottom (where the home team bats). A game ends when the home team has more runs than the visiting team after all nine innings, though if the game is tied after nine, extra innings are played to determine a winner.

In recent years, Major League Baseball has introduced some pace-of-play rules to make games move faster, such as the pitch clock (limiting the time between pitches) and restricting the number of mound visits. These rules are meant to keep the game moving without losing the essence of the sport.

2025 MLB Season: What’s Coming Up?

As for the 2025 season, there are tons of exciting matchups lined up! Below are some key games to look forward to, with details about the teams and star players who will be taking the field.

1. Opening Day: March 28, 2025
   • Teams: New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox
   • Star Players: Aaron Judge (Yankees), Rafael Devers (Red Sox)
   • Location: Yankee Stadium, New York
   • Time: 1:05 PM (Eastern Time)
   The Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry is one of the most historic in baseball, and Opening Day promises to be electric with these two teams facing off. Expect big things from Aaron Judge, who’s coming off another strong season.
2. April 3, 2025
   • Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants
   • Star Players: Mookie Betts (Dodgers), Logan Webb (Giants)
   • Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
   • Time: 7:10 PM (Pacific Time)
   The Dodgers and Giants always put on a great show, and with superstars like Mookie Betts and Logan Webb, this game will be one to watch.
3. April 7, 2025
   • Teams: Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals
   • Star Players: Seiya Suzuki (Cubs), Paul Goldschmidt (Cardinals)
   • Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago
   • Time: 1:20 PM (Central Time)
   This rivalry is known for its intense atmosphere, and with stars like Seiya Suzuki and Paul Goldschmidt leading the charge, it’s sure to be a thrilling game.
4. April 10, 2025
   • Teams: Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets
   • Star Players: Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves), Pete Alonso (Mets)
   • Location: Truist Park, Atlanta
   • Time: 7:20 PM (Eastern Time)
   The Braves and Mets are expected to be contenders in the National League this year. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Pete Alonso will both be key players to watch.
5. April 15, 2025
   • Teams: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays
   • Star Players: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays), Wander Franco (Rays)
   • Location: Rogers Centre, Toronto
   • Time: 7:07 PM (Eastern Time)
   This matchup features some of the best young talent in baseball, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Wander Franco, and both teams are looking to start the season strong.

In Summary

Baseball season in 2025 officially begins on March 28th with the New York Yankees taking on the Boston Red Sox. Games usually last between 2.5 to 3 hours, but the duration can vary depending on several factors. The 2025 season will feature exciting matchups with top teams like the Dodgers, Braves, and Blue Jays, as well as star players like Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Whether you’re watching your favorite team or enjoying a rivalry game, there will be plenty of action to look forward to!