In a significant development for America’s favorite pastime, the duration of a standard nine-inning baseball game has seen a remarkable decline. According to recent data, the average game time has plummeted to 2 hours and 36 minutes, marking the lowest figure since 1984.
This notable decrease represents a four-minute reduction from last year’s average and a substantial 28-minute drop from 2022. The last time game times were this brief was in 1984, when the average duration was 2 hours and 35 minutes.
One key factor contributing to this trend is the recent adjustment to the pitch clock. Implemented ahead of the current season, the pitch clock was shortened by two seconds to 18 seconds when runners are on base, while remaining at 15 seconds with no runners.
Notably, game times had been steadily increasing over the years, surpassing the three-hour mark for the first time in 2016. The average game time reached an all-time high of 3 hours and 10 minutes in 2021. However, the introduction of innovative technologies, such as electronic pitch-calling devices, has helped to reverse this trend.
A review of monthly averages reveals a consistent pattern, with game times hovering around 2 hours and 36 minutes throughout the season. This stability is a welcome change from last year’s trend, which saw game times gradually increasing as the season progressed.
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