162game

162game is a term used to refer to a standard Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season. Each team plays 162 games during this period, which typically runs from late March or early April through late September. This format has been the standard for MLB regular season play since 1961 for American League teams and 1962 for National League teams, with minor adjustments over the decades.

The 162-game schedule is designed to create a comprehensive and statistically significant sample size to determine which teams are most successful over a prolonged period. It allows for considerable variation in performance due to factors like player injuries, team chemistry, and strength of schedule, while still aiming to identify the strongest contenders for the postseason.

The schedule is divided into divisional play, interleague play, and games against teams within their own league but outside their division. Teams play their divisional opponents most frequently, a structure intended to foster intense rivalries and determine division champions. The outcome of the 162-game season directly determines which teams qualify for the MLB playoffs, where the ultimate champion is crowned. The length and structure of the season are considered a fundamental aspect of the sport's tradition and strategic depth.