The Great Baseball Time Shift: Why Earlier Starts Are a Game-Changer
Baseball, a sport steeped in tradition, is quietly undergoing a revolution—one that doesn’t involve rule changes or player contracts, but something far simpler: start times. Personally, I think this shift is one of the most underrated yet impactful trends in the MLB right now. It’s not just about moving the first pitch from 7:05 p.m. to 6:40 p.m.; it’s about reimagining how fans experience the game. And if you ask me, the Cubs should be all in on this.
The Clock Strikes 6:40: A New Normal?
What makes this particularly fascinating is how quickly teams are embracing earlier start times. From the Phillies to the White Sox, franchises are ditching the decades-old 7 p.m. standard in favor of 6:40 p.m. or even 6:10 p.m. Why? Because fans are loving it. John Weber, the Phillies’ senior vice president of ticket operations, put it bluntly: “I’ve never had more positive feedback on anything.” That’s saying something in an era where fan engagement is everything.
But here’s the kicker: this isn’t just about convenience. It’s about aligning the game with modern lifestyles. In my opinion, baseball has always been a bit of a time commitment—three hours or more for a single game. But with the pitch timer shaving off 35 minutes and earlier starts adding another 25, we’re looking at a game that fits neatly into a family’s evening. What this really suggests is that baseball is finally catching up to the pace of the 21st century.
The Cubs’ Dilemma: Tradition vs. Progress
Now, let’s talk about the Cubs. Wrigley Field is a temple of tradition, but even the Friendly Confines aren’t immune to change. The team has already moved some games to 6:40 p.m., but they’re still split between that and 7:05 p.m. Here’s where I stand: they should go all in. Why? Because the benefits are too big to ignore.
One thing that immediately stands out is the family-friendly angle. Cubs Executive Vice President David Cromwell mentioned their school-night special, bundling tickets with hot dogs and drinks. It’s a smart move, but I’d argue it’s not just about school nights. Summer evenings matter too. Getting kids home earlier, even in July, is a win for parents. And let’s not forget the fans with long commutes, like Gene Schafer, who told me those extra minutes at home make a huge difference.
What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about convenience—it’s about accessibility. Baseball has always been a working-class sport, but in today’s world, where work-life balance is a constant struggle, earlier games make the sport more inclusive. If you take a step back and think about it, this could be a key to revitalizing fan interest in a sport that’s often criticized for being too slow.
The Broader Implications: A League-Wide Shift
This trend raises a deeper question: What does this mean for the future of baseball? The data from Sports Business Journal is eye-opening. In 2021, only 42% of night games started before 7 p.m. By 2026, that number jumped to 76%. That’s not just a shift—it’s a seismic change.
From my perspective, this is part of a larger movement in sports to prioritize fan experience. The pitch timer was the first step, but earlier start times are the next logical evolution. It’s not just about getting fans home earlier; it’s about making the game more compatible with modern life. And let’s be honest, baseball needs this. In a world where attention spans are shrinking, anything that makes the game more accessible is a win.
The Hidden Psychology: Why We Love Earlier Starts
A detail that I find especially interesting is the psychological impact of earlier games. There’s something inherently more relaxed about a 6:40 p.m. start. It feels less like a late-night commitment and more like an evening activity. It’s the difference between rushing through dinner and actually enjoying it.
This also ties into the cultural shift toward work-life balance. People are increasingly prioritizing time over money, and baseball is finally catching on. Earlier games aren’t just about avoiding traffic—they’re about reclaiming time. And in a world where time is the ultimate luxury, that’s a powerful message.
The Cubs’ Next Move: A No-Brainer
So, should the Cubs move all their night games to 6:40 p.m.? Absolutely. It’s a trend that’s already proven its worth, and the Cubs have nothing to lose. Sure, there are national TV mandates to consider, but for the games they control, it’s a no-brainer.
What this really suggests is that baseball is finally listening to its fans. And that, in my opinion, is the most important takeaway. The sport may be steeped in tradition, but it’s not stuck in the past. Earlier start times are a small change with a big impact, and I can’t wait to see how it transforms the fan experience—especially on the North Side of Chicago.
Final Thought: If baseball wants to stay relevant, it needs to keep evolving. Earlier start times are just the beginning. The question is, what’s next? Personally, I’m excited to find out.
