162 games in a baseball season - since when?

[kevals]

I recently got in a mild disagreement about how long we have had 162 games in a baseball season, I am pretty sure it’s been since the early 60’s to accomodate more teams. What I would like to know is how many games were played originally and since when have they played 162? I do need (unfortuantely) cite’s or sources, or just Cecil’s word would suffice. I know I may have answered my own question but I am hoping for more definitive proof than my limited knowledge and have been unable to find it myself. Thanks

[bordelond]

It started in 1961. Cites forthcoming.

[bordelond]

American League 1960

American League 1961

Add up wins & losses of an individual team – you’ll derive the number of games played by each team.

[Jonathan_Chance]

Yep, with expansion came extra games.

And the breaking of Ruth’s home run record.

[BobT]

The National League went to 162 in 1962. The addition of two teams required a longer schedule. (18 games X 9 opponents).

Previously it was (22 games X 7 opponents)

There were abbreviated seasons in:

1918: 125-130 games (World War I)
1919: 140 games (thought World War I would still be going on)
1972: 152-155 games (strike)
1981: 105-110 games (strike)
1994: about 115 games (strike)
1995: 144 games (strike)

[Mullinator]

According to this page the change was indeed a response to expansion, specifically for the Los Angeles Angels and Washington Senators in the AL in 1961 and the New york Mets and Houston Colt .45’s in 1962.

A year of expansion in baseball, 1961 saw the traditional 154-game schedule extended to 162 games for the first time. Facing the very real possibility that Roger or Mickey - or both - may break the most impressive record set by the most revered of all baseball legends, Commissioner Ford Frick makes a controversial announcement: any record broken in more that 154 games will have an asterisk next to it and will be put in a separate category.

[kevals]

Well, thanks everyone, I will now be able to prove to my brother who had argued that there weren’t so many games played before, he was complaining that they play in the cold and that it all stems from the greed fo the owners wanting more games and thus more revenue.
Thanks for the clarification, and rest assured, a small bit of ignorance will be wiped away by your efforts today.

[fiddlesticks]

*Originally posted by BobT *
**
1918: 125-130 games (World War I)
1919: 140 games (thought World War I would still be going on)
**

The 1919 season was shortened because the 1918 season was a real financial disaster for baseball. Worried the trend would continue, and hoping to cut their losses, the shortened season was an excuse for the owners to cut player salaries. The Black Sox aside, the '19 season was a blockbuster and the season returned to 154 games the following year.