MLB Opening Day: Everything you need to know about the first day of baseball season

Ainsley Earhardt, Jillian Mele and Janice Dean put their skills to the test with the help of the N.Y. Sluggers Baseball Academy.

Spring is almost here and for baseball fans around the country, it's the most wonderful time of the year. The 30 MLB teams are gearing up for a season that is kicking off with a unique start. For the first time since 1968, every single team will play their first game on the same day.

Opening day 2023 is set for Thursday, March 30, 2023. Baseball fans can expect 15 exciting games around the U.S.

This year, the number of games each team will play, and their opponents have changed, making for a more balanced MLB schedule. The change in schedules also gives each team's season more variety. For the first time in history, each of the 30 teams will play each other at least once during a single season.

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In 2023, each team will be playing a total of 52 divisional games. This number is down from 76 games in previous years. 

Opening Day 2023 is on March 30. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

While some teams experience more sad Opening Day sales than others, on Feb. 23, the Mariners announced a sold out game at home for March 30, 2023 against the Cleveland Guardians.

Adjustments to the schedules are not the only regular season changes fans should be aware of. After testing in the minor leagues and discussion among a joint committee, athletes this year should expect larger bases, defensive shift limits, a pitch timer rule and more. However, players are not happy with the new rules.

"Players live the game - day in and day out. On-field rules and regulations impact their preparation, performance and, ultimately, the integrity of the game itself,"