THOUGHTS FROM A SEPTUGENARIAN. Being that MLB is into playoff mode let's deal with how the post season format has radically changed during my 70+ years on the 3rd rock from the sun.

Let me take you back to 1964. I was 11 and had just suffered through arguably the worst collapse in MLB history. The Philadelphia Phillies with a 6.5 game lead with 12 to play. preceded to lose 10 in a row and missed the World Series by one game. That tore the heart out of Phils fan like myself and the "Phold of '64" began with a loss to the Cincinnati Reds on a Chico Ruiz steal of home. Can't make that up and for those interested the St. Louis Cardinals captured the title over the New York Yankees in 7 games.

Back then only the top team in each 10 team league made The October Classic. Today, the American and National Leagues have expanded to 15 teams each divided into three 5 team divisions. The top two clubs are given byes and the other division leader plus the three with the best record compete in the best of three Wild Card round. Then the survivors play a best of 5 in the Divisional Series followed by the best of 5 League Championship finally leading to the best of 7 World Series.

Is this system better than the two team scenario of 1964? Frankly. I don't know. All I do know is that in 1964 all you had to do was win 4 games. 60 years later to emerge victorious in The Fall Classic you have to win between 10 and a dozen contests. Evolved from a sprint to a marathon for sure.

Book it Dano!

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