[1998 Yankees]

Originally Posted by Le Grande Orange

Now work it out on the basis of total games per season. Since 1998, for example, there are 2,430 games per season; this is nearly twice the amount games played in a season during the 16-team MLB days (1,232). In other words, one season today contains as many games as did two seasons in the 1950s or 1930s. From 1977-92, there were 2,106 games scheduled per season; that's 1.71 times more games than in the 16-team MLB seasons.

EDIT: Here's a quick example of the difference. From 1980-2009, and excluding the 1981 and 1994 strike seasons, there were 63,252 scheduled MLB games. Those 28 seasons are the numerical equivalent of 51 seasons of the 16-team MLB size in terms of games scheduled.

Originally Posted by Le Grande Orange

And, as my quick-and-dirty scheduled game analysis shows, the argument is flawed. You can't analyze the occurrence of perfect games using calendar years, one has to use games played. And more games played equals more chances for a perfect game to occur.

Good points, LGO. This does explain things to some extent. But, whatever, I was just reporting the point of view, not necessarily supporting it. A perfect game is definitely special. NO DOUBT about it. Just divide 20 by these numbers.