Rain delays are a common part of baseball, especially during the spring and summer months when thunderstorms and heavy rain can quickly interrupt a game. Major League Baseball (MLB) has established clear rules to ensure fairness, player safety, and a consistent approach across all ballparks. Here’s a complete guide to how rain delays work, when games are suspended, and what happens if play cannot resume.
1. Who Decides on a Rain Delay?
- Before the Game Starts: The home team’s manager (or stadium officials) controls whether a game starts on time or is delayed due to weather.
- After the Game Begins: Once the first pitch is thrown, the umpire crew chief has sole authority to halt play, initiate a delay, or call the game.
2. What Happens During a Rain Delay?
When a rain delay is called:
- Players leave the field.
- Grounds crew covers the infield with a tarp to protect it from damage.
- Fans may remain in the stands unless dangerous weather (e.g., lightning) requires evacuation.
- The delay can last minutes or hours depending on conditions.
3. Minimum Requirements for an Official Game
MLB rules require:
- Nine innings in a standard game.
- Official Game Status:
- If the home team is winning, the game becomes official after 4½ innings.
- If the visiting team is winning, the game must reach 5 full innings.
- If a game is official when the rain ends it, the final score stands.
4. Suspended vs. Canceled Games
- Suspended Game: If weather stops a game that is not yet official, it is paused and resumed at a later date from the exact point it stopped.
- Canceled Game: If no innings are played at all due to weather, the game is rescheduled in its entirety.
- Postseason Exception: In the playoffs, all games must be completed, no matter how many innings have been played when the delay occurs.
5. Time Limits and League Policies
MLB games do not have a maximum rain delay time. However:
- Umpires will typically wait until weather radar or forecasts suggest the storm will not pass within a reasonable time before calling the game.
- Some minor leagues may have stricter curfews or time limits.
6. Special Situations
- Doubleheaders: If weather cancels one game of a doubleheader, it may be rescheduled as part of a split or traditional doubleheader on another date.
- Lightning Protocol: For player and fan safety, play is suspended immediately if lightning is detected nearby.
Key Takeaway
Baseball rain delay rules are designed to balance safety, fairness, and the integrity of the game. The most important points are:
- The home team controls delays before the first pitch; umpires control them after.
- Games become official after 4½ or 5 innings.
- If incomplete, games can be suspended and resumed later.
- Postseason games must always be completed, regardless of delay length.
