The 2013 MLB season has been plagued by cold, rain and even fog, forcing schedule makers to postpone 31 games so far – the second most cancellations by this point of the season since 2002. The 2011 campaign had 53 games shuffled due to crappy climates, with 32 PPDs as of June 12, according to John Schlegel of MLB.com.
There could be more postponements on tap this month, which has already had its share of delays and cancellations. Weather has been downright terrible in June and another rash of thunderstorms and rain is in the forecast over the next two days.
But rather than run for high ground, baseball bettors can find a way to make money off this stretch of soggy weather. If you’ve been stashing your bankroll away for a rainy day, we have six MLB stadiums that have produced value for totals bettors when the sun doesn’t shine.
Best bad weather over bets
Dodgers Stadium
That Albert Hammond was full of $hit man. The British singer once chimed “It Never Rains in Southern California”, but L.A. has seen its fair share of wet weather this spring. The Dodgers have produced a 13-5 over/under record when the forecast calls for clouds/rain. Their crosstown rivals, the Angels have also leaned toward the over in bad weather, with Angels Stadium boasting an 8-4 over/under when the skies grow dark.
Comerica Park
According to MLB.com, the Tigers have suffered through 24 postponements since 2002 – tied for eighth most in the majors. Detroit hasn’t let the cold spring climate cool off its bats, posting a 14-7 over/under count under a grey sky at Comerica Park. The Tigers are on the road this week but thunderstorms are in the extended forecast for trips to Minnesota and Baltimore.
Citizens Bank Park
The Phillies poor play isn’t the only thing keeping fans away from Citizens Bank Park. Philadelphia has had 28 postponed games since 2002 – sixth most – and has been chilled by fall-like weather to kick off the summer. The Phillies are 14-8 over/under at home when rain clouds are in the forecast. Total bettors have also gotten a life from the winds in Philly, with a 10-5 over/under record when winds get up over 10 mph.
Best bad weather under bets
PNC Park
If you think your weather’s been bad, just thank your lucky stars you’re not a Pirates season ticket holder. Pittsburgh has played 34 games at PNC Park and every single day has either been cloudy or raining, and Thursday’s home date with the Giants is no exception. The Bucs have gone 12-21-1 over/under in those games, compared to 18-13 over/under on the road where they hit .298 compared to .248 as hosts. The Pirates are expected to get hit with thundershowers Friday and may see more showers versus the Dodgers this weekend.
Kauffman Stadium
Kauffman Stadium was singled out for its bad weather by Schlegel, with a grounds keeper telling him, “You don't need the Farmers' Almanac. You can pretty much follow the Royals' schedule, and the rain chances increase when they come into town”. The Royals average 3.91 runs at home when the sun is shining but 3.36 when the forecast predicts clouds and rain, leading to an 8-13 over/under mark in those games.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Flash floods and even hail storms have terrorized most of Maryland this month, and there’s more to come this weekend. Baltimore is 7-12 over/under at home in bad weather this season and averaging just 3.95 runs in those games for compared to 6.00 under the sun. A soggy Camden Yards is also impacting visiting teams, who average 5.62 runs in nice weather compared to only 4.24 at Oriole Park.
