How is a teams “Magic Number” calculated?
To calculate a team’s Magic Number, determine the number of games yet to be played, then add one, then subtract the number of games ahead in the loss column of the standings from the closest opponent. Follow so far? Good. Let’s say the Orioles have 50 games remaining to play and are 7 games ahead in the loss column of their closest opponent, the New York Yankees. Here’s the formula: Games remaining: 50 + 1 = 51. 51 – 7 = 44. The Orioles magic number to clinch the AL East is 44.
