In baseball, a “magic number” refers to the number of wins by a team or losses by its nearest rival that will clinch a playoff berth or division title. For instance, if the White Sox have a magic number of five and are tied with the Guardians, any combination of five White Sox wins or Guardians losses will guarantee Chicago a spot in the playoffs.
For teams and fans alike, the magic number serves as a highly anticipated milestone. It signifies the increasing likelihood of postseason success, heightening excitement and anticipation within the organization and its fanbase. Notably, the concept of a magic number has its roots in the 1969 Major League Baseball season when the New York Mets coined the term as they surged towards an improbable World Series title.
