When Does Baseball Begin? 2025 Season Start Dates

By Sarah Miller · February 22, 2042

Baseball begins in late February or early March with Spring Training, followed by the official MLB regular season starting in late March or early April each year. The exact start date varies slightly annually based on scheduling, holidays, and international events.

When Does Baseball Season Start?

The professional baseball calendar in Major League Baseball (MLB) follows a predictable annual cycle. Fans can expect the first games of the year during Spring Training, typically beginning in mid-to-late February. These exhibition games mark the unofficial start of the baseball season. The official regular season usually kicks off in late March or early April, often around Opening Day, which traditionally falls shortly after Easter or on a Thursday in late March.

Key Dates in the MLB Calendar

Spring Training: Begins mid-February; players report to training camps in Florida and Arizona.
Regular Season Start: Late March to early April; first official games are played.
All-Star Game: Mid-July; marks the halfway point of the season.
Postseason: Begins early October; includes Wild Card, Division Series, League Championship, and World Series.
World Series: Typically held in late October to early November.

Spring Training: The Unofficial Start

Before the official season begins, MLB teams participate in Spring Training to prepare players for the upcoming campaign. This phase is critical for player conditioning, strategy development, and roster decisions.

Why Spring Training Matters

Allows new players and rookies to integrate into teams.
Provides managers with opportunities to test lineups and pitching rotations.
Offers fans early access to live games in warm-weather locations like Florida (Grapefruit League) and Arizona (Cactus League).
Serves as a marketing and community engagement tool for franchises.

MLB Regular Season Schedule Overview

The MLB regular season consists of 162 games per team, spanning approximately six months. Games begin almost immediately after Spring Training concludes.

Year	First Spring Training Game	Opening Day (Regular Season)	World Series End Date	Total Games
2025	February 21	March 27*	November 2	162
2024	February 23	March 28	October 30	162
2023	February 24	March 30	November 1	162
2022	February 26	April 7	November 5	162
2021	February 28	April 1	November 2	162

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a consistent pattern: Spring Training starts in mid-to-late February, while the regular season typically begins in late March. The 2022 delay to April 7 was due to labor negotiations. Since then, MLB has returned to earlier openers, including international games in South Korea and Japan influencing 2025’s March 27 start.

Factors That Influence the Start Date

Several variables affect when the baseball season officially begins each year.

Common Influencing Factors

International Openers: Games in Tokyo, Seoul, or London can shift Opening Day earlier.
TV Broadcast Scheduling: Networks like ESPN and Fox prefer weekend or prime-time starts.
Weather Conditions: Cold climates may lead to more southern-based opening series.
Labor Agreements: Collective bargaining disputes, like in 2022, can delay the season.
Olympic Years: Though baseball's inclusion is intermittent, it can affect minor league and player availability timing.

Minor League and College Baseball Start Dates

While MLB dominates headlines, other levels of baseball have different schedules.

Minor League Baseball (MiLB): Starts in early April, shortly after MLB.
NCAA College Baseball: Begins in mid-February, with the College World Series in June.
High School Baseball: Varies by state but generally runs from February to May.
International Leagues: Japan’s NPB starts in late March; Korea’s KBO begins in late March; both often precede MLB.

Frequently Asked Questions About When Baseball Begins

When does the 2025 MLB season start?

The 2025 MLB regular season begins on March 27, 2025, with two games between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs in South Korea. Domestic games start on March 28. Spring Training games begin on February 21.

Why does baseball season start in spring?

Baseball starts in spring because it is an outdoor sport requiring mild weather. Starting in spring allows teams to avoid winter conditions in northern cities and aligns with historical agricultural calendars when leisure time increased post-planting season.

How long is the MLB season?

The MLB regular season is 162 games per team, lasting about six months from late March to late September. Including playoffs, the full season can extend into early November.

Do all teams start on the same day?

No, not all teams play on Opening Day. While most teams begin on the official Opening Day, some have their first game scheduled a day or two later due to travel, weather, or special international series.

What time does baseball season end?

The MLB regular season ends in late September or early October. The postseason follows and concludes with the World Series, which typically ends by early November.

Conclusion

Baseball begins its annual return to fans with Spring Training in February, leading to the official MLB Opening Day in late March or early April. The 2025 season will notably start on March 27 with historic games in Seoul, reflecting the sport’s global expansion. Whether you're tracking the majors, minors, or college leagues, understanding the schedule helps fans plan viewing, travel, and engagement throughout the summer months.