starting times 9PM

[strato]

Ive seen references that the Braves in the 50's started there night games at 9PM, and other teams no earlier than 8 or 8:30 . I wonder why so late as compared to the 7PM standard start today. The games are longer today of course, but 9 seems pretty late to start a night out for a fan during the week

DREW

[EdTarbusz]

In that era a distinction was made between twi-light/twi-night games and night games. Night games were generally scheduled to be played after it got dark out.

[strato]

a point i had never considered

[apbaball]

Wow, that is late. I can't imagine attendance was very good.

How many games fell into that category? All the night games?

[Dave]

I don't think the Milwaukee Braves scheduled night games at 9PM. I have scorecard/programs from 1953-58 & 1960-65. Night games were scheduled no later than 8PM.

The Boston Braves-- I don't know. In the 1947 Braves Yearbook, Braves fans were instructed "For night games watch newspapers for starting time".

The 1952 St Louis Browns, according to their scorecard/program, started night games at 8:30.

[Joe Barrie]

I don't think the Milwaukee Braves scheduled night games at 9PM. I have scorecard/programs from 1953-58 & 1960-65. Night games were scheduled no later than 8PM.

The Boston Braves-- I don't know. In the 1947 Braves Yearbook, Braves fans were instructed "For night games watch newspapers for starting time".

The 1952 St Louis Browns, according to their scorecard/program, started night games at 8:30.

Starting times for night games did vary. Later times were because many got out of work later, and/or had dinner first. Of course, the games took much less time in those days, which accounts for the frequent afternoon starting times of 3:00 PM. The teams sometimes polled the fans about their preferences. Imagine!