The Marvelous Fall Frenzy of 2025 will indeed be that. Because Major League Baseball has again changed the playoff format this year. Because the competition for eyeballs/clicks/viewers/consumers/money is, like everything else – greater than ever. One quarter of the way through the 21st Century and everything is in hyper-drive. Which is, I think, not good for anyone’s overall health and well-being. Nevertheless, we are where we are. So let’s get into it.
The Bracket
The Wild Card series’ games’ begin today. Which is why I have to hurry up and get this done. Additionally, there is now no off day. Moreover, in the best of three series, all three games will be played at the higher seeds’ park. In other words – there will be games Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. With the first team to win two advancing to the next round; beginning Saturday, October 4th.
Round two, the Division Series, is the best of five, with two off days for travel. Games 1,2 & 5 in the park of the team with the higher seed.
Round three, the Championship Series, begins Sunday, October 12th; and is a best of seven. Again with the higher seeded team having the home field advantage.* In baseball, throughout its history, the home team wins 54% of the time.
The World Series begins Wednesday the 24th. The format is games 1,2,6, & 7 played at the field of the team having the best overall record.
My History
My history dates back all the way to 1956. My brother and I
lived for baseball, bonded over it. I’ve detailed that in previous posts. With that in mind, here are my picks.
My picks
The home team wins all Wild Card series. In round two in the American League – Seattle and New York advance, setting up home run giants Cal Raleigh (60) and Aaron Judge (53) to battle it out. Judge wins because he must. This might be his last chance to claim he’s the GOAT.
In the National League, it’s the Dodgers and Brewers going on. Wherein the Los Angeles Dodgers prevail. Of course! Setting up a World Series pitting the Dodgers against the Yankees. (This one’s for you, Jack!) The Yankees will be the home team.
And the winner is … the New York Yankees! Sorry bro.
What a Marvelous Fall Frenzy it will be.
- Home field advantage, in sports, is a real thing. Teams playing in front of their own fans, in their own city win more often than lose. I propose that this is because of the Territorial Imperative, more so than any other factor. In war and battle creatures tend to fight more fiercely when defending their home territory. Or hunting ground, if you will.