Major League Baseball to play record number of Division Series games
The 2011 Major League Baseball Division Series will have 19 out of a possible 20 games played, marking the most games played in the opening round since its inception in 1995. In addition, three Division Series will play a decisive fifth game for just the second time in Division Series history, joining 2001. The previous record of 18 Division Series games played occurred in 2001 and 2003.
Major League Baseball has drawn 713,990 fans through 16 games during the 2011 Division Series, which is on pace to become the second-highest attended Division Series in history and the fourth to eclipse the 800,000 mark. The all-time Division Series attendance record of 884,897 fans was set in 2003, while the total of 800,000 was also topped in 2001 (846,112) and 2004 (842,571).
“Major League Baseball continues to build upon a remarkable regular season with four Division Series that have provided many unforgettable moments,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “The competitiveness of our sport has never been more evident than it is now and all of us at Baseball join the fans in their excitement as the dramatic opening round comes to a close.”
The American League Championship Series, to be covered by FOX Sports, will begin on Saturday, October 8th and a Game Seven, if necessary, is scheduled for Sunday, October 16th. The National League Championship Series, to be covered by TBS, will start on Sunday, October 9th and a Game Seven, if necessary, is scheduled for Monday, October 17th.
Game One of the 2011 World Series is scheduled for Wednesday, October 19th. Game Three of the 2011 Fall Classic will move to the city of the American League Champions on Saturday, October 22nd. A Game Seven of the World Series is scheduled for Thursday, October 27th. Friday, October 21st and Tuesday, October 25th are the scheduled off days during the World Series. In its 16th season as the official network broadcaster of Major League Baseball, FOX Sports will present exclusive live telecast coverage of the World Series.
