MLB’s game 163 is no more. That’s sad but also completely understandable. For starters, teams already play 162 freaking times each season. There shouldn’t be a need for more games after that to determine which sides advance to the postseason. But it was also unlike anything else in the sport in a good way.
The 163rd game was the ultimate high-stakes contest. In a sport of increments, it was a rare time when fans got to watch an all-or-nothing scenario. This was the baseball equivalent of seeing one of your middle school teachers getting drunk. It was awesome but also difficult to put what was happening into context.
Anyway, there have been 12 instances of game 163 being played. Nine have come since 1995 which is due to the fact there were more chances for teams to finish the regular season tied for a postseason spot. Remember, only four sides made the playoffs prior to 1995. That doubled with the move to six divisions and the advent of the wildcard.
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If we are being honest, game 163 itself was a mixed bag with some duds and some exciting moments. Most notable is the fact teams weren’t always sending out their best pitcher since there was no time for rest. The regular season concluded and the tiebreaker began. That made it impossible to lineup your ace to start.
Especially considering the teams that ended up playing in game 163 were scratching and clawing just to get there. By the time sudden death rolled around, these were punch drunk clubs simply going out the throw haymakers in the final round.
It was entertaining to watch. However, game 163 was an unnecessary tiebreaker. Look, there are plenty of reasons to pile on Rob Manfred and MLB owners. Getting rid of this isn’t one of them. Teams can easily settle things during the slog that is the regular season.
Using head-to-head records followed by intradivision records to determine what happens when teams finished the year with the same win-loss total is completely reasonable. If anything, it should entice mediocre ballclubs to try a little harder during April and May, although this may be wishful thinking.
Ultimately, game 163 was a massively exciting contest that was also superfluous, expanded playoffs or not. It will be missed and yet no one should be demanding it to return.
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