The Mariners' road struggles in the MLB postseason highlight a surprising trend: home-field advantage is an illusion. Despite the energy of home crowds, the data shows that road teams have historically dominated in the World Series, with a .433 winning percentage in the last 60 games. This goes against the common belief that home-field advantage is a significant factor in baseball. The article explores this paradox, citing examples like the 2023 Texas Rangers, who won their championship on the road, and the San Francisco Giants, who won in 2014, 2010, and 2012. It also mentions the Mariners' own history, where they struggled at home in the playoffs, despite a strong regular season. The piece concludes by questioning the impact of home crowds on players, suggesting that it's more about embracing the atmosphere and channeling it into performance rather than relying on it for success.
