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Understanding when baseball season starts is a critical question for fans, players, and sports analysts alike. Whether you’re following Major League Baseball (MLB), college baseball, or youth leagues like Little League, knowing the key dates and schedules is essential. This comprehensive guide provides all the details about the 2025 baseball season, including professional, collegiate, and youth baseball start dates, schedules, and key events.
Professional Baseball (MLB) Season Start Date
When Does the MLB Season Start in 2025?
The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season officially begins on March 18, 2025, with an international Opening Day game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, Japan. This marks the sixth time MLB has hosted its season opener in Tokyo, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the first MLB Tokyo opener in 2000.
For most teams, Opening Day in North America is March 27, 2025, marking the earliest traditional Opening Day in MLB history (excluding international openers). All 30 teams will play, except for the Colorado Rockies and Tampa Bay Rays, whose games are rescheduled for March 28 due to necessary repairs at Tropicana Field.
Why Is MLB Starting Earlier in 2025?
This early start reflects MLB’s growing global strategy, aiming to expand its international presence while accommodating a compressed schedule that allows for an extended postseason. Additionally, by pushing up the schedule, MLB ensures fewer weather-related disruptions and maximizes engagement among fans worldwide.
Key MLB 2025 Season Dates:
- Spring Training Begins: Mid-February 2025
- Tokyo Opening Series: March 18-19, 2025
- MLB Opening Day (All 30 Teams): March 27, 2025
- Rivalry Weekend: May 16-18, 2025
- MLB All-Star Game: July 15, 2025 (Hosted by the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park)
- End of Regular Season: September 28, 2025
College Baseball (NCAA) Season Start Date
When Does College Baseball Start in 2025?
College baseball, primarily governed by NCAA Division I, begins on February 14, 2025, aligning with Valentine’s Day for the first time in five years.
Why Does College Baseball Start Earlier Than MLB?
College baseball starts early to accommodate its 132-day schedule, allowing teams to complete 56 regular-season games before postseason play. Additionally, many college teams play in warmer climates, making February starts more feasible.
Major 2025 College Baseball Events:
- Shriners Children’s College Showdown: February 14, 2025, at Globe Life Field, Texas
- Amegy Bank College Baseball Series: February 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas
- Men’s College World Series: Begins June 13, 2025
Little League Baseball Season Start Date
When Does Little League Baseball Start in 2025?
Little League baseball typically starts in March 2025, but exact dates vary by local leagues.
For example:
- Mira Mesa Little League (California): Spring season begins in March 2025, with registration opening in October 2024.
- San Carlos Little League: Practices start in early February 2025, with games beginning in March.
Why Do Little League Start Dates Vary?
Unlike professional and college baseball, Little League operates at a community level, with schedules dependent on local climate, school calendars, and field availability.
Key Little League Baseball 2025 Events:
- Little League World Series: August 13-24, 2025
- Intermediate (50/70) Baseball World Series: July 27-August 3, 2025, in Livermore, CA
Comparing 2025 Baseball Season Start Dates
| Level | Start Date | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MLB | March 18, 2025 (Tokyo) & March 27, 2025 (USA) | Tokyo opener; earliest traditional Opening Day |
| College (NCAA DI) | February 14, 2025 | Valentine’s Day start; 56-game season |
| Little League | March 2025 | Varies by league; community-based scheduling |
Frequently Asked Questions About Baseball Season Start Dates
What Month Does Baseball Season Start?
- MLB: March (March 18 internationally, March 27 for full league play)
- College Baseball: February
- Little League: March (varies by region)
How Long Is the Baseball Season?
- MLB: 162 games over approximately six months (March-September)
- College Baseball: 132-day schedule with 56 regular-season games
- Little League: Generally three to four months, depending on the local league
Who Is Playing on MLB Opening Day 2025?
- March 18, 2025: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, Japan
- March 27, 2025: All 30 teams (except Rockies and Rays, who play on March 28)
When Do Baseball Teams Report for Spring Training?
- MLB: Mid-February 2025
- College Baseball: Late January 2025
- Little League: Practices start in February-March 2025, depending on the league
Conclusion: Why Understanding Baseball Season Start Dates Matters
For baseball fans, knowing when the season starts is crucial for planning trips, buying tickets, and following their favorite teams. The 2025 baseball season features some historic changes, including an early MLB Opening Day, an international series in Tokyo, and a Valentine’s Day college baseball launch.
Whether you’re tracking MLB, college baseball, or Little League, this guide provides all the key information to stay ahead of the game. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on schedules, events, and baseball news throughout the 2025 season.
