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Why do Major League Baseball teams play 162 games while most other sports play far fewer? In this episode, we explore the history behind baseball's marathon season, why the sport is uniquely suited for such a demanding schedule, and how leagues around the world approach their seasons differently. From Japan and South Korea to Mexico and beyond, we'll compare game totals, playoff formats, and scheduling philosophies to help new fans understand why baseball's long season is both unusual and essential to the game.

New to baseball? Start with Beginner’s Dugout — the podcast that makes the game finally make sense.