World Series running late,will run even later next year

There used to be a sign at Downey's on South Street, supposedly, that read something like: "On this date 10 years ago, nothing happened."

Its simplicity made it mildly amusing.

We bring this up because in the long and mostly glorious history of the World Series, Oct. 29 is a date that stands out for not standing out. Until now.

If the Phillies and Rays can resume Game 5 tonight - and that is a very definite if - it will mark the first World Series game ever to take place on Oct. 29. The Phillies hold a 3-1 series advantage and will resume Game 5 tonight at 8:37 at Citizens Bank Park. The teams will pick up at the beginning of the bottom of the sixth inning with the score tied at 2-2.

The only World Series to extend beyond Oct. 28 was when the Diamondbacks finished off the Yankees in Game 7 on Nov. 4, 2001. The postseason that year began a week late because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Oct. 29 was a built-in travel day.

If the 2008 World Series goes seven games, the Phillies and Rays could end on Halloween, on Friday. Next year, though, could be worse.

Because the regular season starts on April 6, the playoffs won't begin until Tuesday, Oct. 6. Unless baseball unexpectedly changes its scheduling format, this would result in four of the seven World Series games taking place in November, with Game 7 slated for Thursday, Nov. 5. *

PROJECTED 2009 WORLD SERIES SCHEDULE

(Based on 2008 format)

Game 1: Wednesday, Oct. 28

Game 2: Thursday, Oct. 29

Game 3: Saturday, Oct. 31

Game 4: Sunday, Nov. 1

Game 5: Monday, Nov. 2

Game 6: Wednesday, Nov. 4

Game 7: Thursday, Nov. 5