Why MLB Postseason is Greatest Time of Year

 The playoffs of any major sport are exciting, but undoubtedly the MLB postseason is particularly so.  Though there are several reasons that this is the case, there are a few that stand out.   Generally, in baseball, the playoffs showcase the most elite teams in any given season.  Along with this, the best players are able to display their skills.  Therefore, the best overall teams are able to progress through the playoffs. In many other sports, the hottest squads advance, rather than the most talented ones the league has to offer.

 Although Major League Baseball has expanded its playoffs in recent years, they are still small enough to ensure that only the best teams will face one another.  Right now, all division winners in each league compete in the postseason, as well as, the two top non division winners in each league.  That’s how it should be, the best in baseball should only be permitted to compete for championships.  Unfortunately, the manner that other major sports carry out their playoffs stands in stark contrast to MLB.  The other leagues allow half their clubs to face off in a playoff format.  Therefore the performance in regular season play is diminished.  Just another reason why the MLB postseason is like no other.

Because of the current MLB setup, the greatest players and teams are allowed to exhibit their talent.  In the fall, the greatest athletes are on display competing for a world title.  In addition, due to the pace that baseball is played at, individual play can be highlighted and contemplated by those involved, as well as, observers and fans.  With other sports, analyzing play is much more difficult due to the high speed of competition.  Baseball is a thinking man’s game, something that can’t be said for other contests.

In the MLB postseason, every team that qualifies generally deserves to be there.  They have performed at a high level for most of the season, and  earned their playoff berth.  Very seldom do you see a team “back in” to the playoffs.  The fact is, that in the other professional leagues, many teams have done this very thing, and really haven’t performed at a level to warrant a playoff appearance.  To their detriment, the NBA, NHL, and NFL have all succumbed to embracing the financial benefits of having many teams participate in the postseason.  Without a doubt, this dilutes the importance of regular season play.  Because baseball has kept their playoff relatively minuscule, they have managed to avoid the same fate.  

Every sports enthusiast enjoys an exciting and riveting playoff season.  Though every professional league attempts to accomplish this task, perhaps nobody does it better than MLB.  It’s the best against the best.  Fans are given the time to digest how great the play is, due to pace.  Like no other sport, the top teams are the only clubs likely to win a championship.  Thankfully, MLB is the only entity to conduct its playoffs in the most proper way possible.  Hopefully, that never changes.

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