Longest MLB Game: Innings And History

Hey baseball fans! Ever wondered about the absolute marathon of a game that holds the record for the most innings played in Major League Baseball? Well, you're in the right place. We're diving deep into the history books to uncover the details of this epic clash and explore some other notable long games. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer endurance and determination these players displayed!

The Record Holder: A Test of Endurance

The longest game in MLB history, measured by innings, took place on May 1, 1920, between the Brooklyn Robins (now the Los Angeles Dodgers) and the Boston Braves (now the Atlanta Braves). This historic matchup stretched for an incredible 26 innings! Yes, you read that right – 26 innings of baseball. To put that into perspective, a standard MLB game is just 9 innings. Imagine playing almost three full games back-to-back! The game ended in a 1-1 tie due to darkness, as there were no lights at Braves Field back then.

Think about the pitchers who had to keep throwing, the batters who kept stepping up to the plate, and the fielders who remained alert for hours on end. It was a true testament to their physical and mental fortitude. The box score tells a fascinating story of pitching changes, strategic decisions, and missed opportunities. Both starting pitchers, Leon Cadore for Brooklyn and Joe Oeschger for Boston, pitched complete games – all 26 innings! Cadore allowed nine hits and one run, while Oeschger allowed nine hits and one run as well. It's almost unbelievable that both pitchers maintained such consistency over such a long period.

The game started at 3:00 PM and ended at 6:50 PM, lasting nearly four hours. Although four hours might seem short by today's standards, keep in mind that baseball games in the early 20th century generally moved at a much quicker pace. The lack of pitching changes and offensive explosions helped keep the game time relatively contained, despite the extraordinary number of innings. While the game ended in a tie, it etched itself into baseball lore as a symbol of perseverance and the unpredictable nature of the sport.

Other Extra-Inning Epics

While the 26-inning game between the Brooklyn Robins and Boston Braves holds the record, several other MLB games have gone to extreme lengths. Let's take a look at some other notable extra-inning contests that pushed players to their limits.

The White Sox vs. Brewers Marathon (1984)

On May 8–9, 1984, the Chicago White Sox and the Milwaukee Brewers battled for an astonishing 25 innings. This game, played at Comiskey Park in Chicago, is the longest MLB game since the 1920 record-setter. It began on a Tuesday night and wasn't decided until early Wednesday morning. The White Sox eventually won 7-6, but not before both teams exhausted their benches and bullpens. Harold Baines ended the game with a home run off Chuck Porter.

The game was a back-and-forth affair with multiple lead changes and clutch hits. Both teams had opportunities to win in regulation, but neither could capitalize. As the game wore on, the tension in the stadium grew thicker, and the fans who remained were treated to a truly unforgettable experience. Pitchers who were supposed to make short relief appearances ended up throwing multiple innings, and position players had to be ready to step in wherever needed. The White Sox used nine pitchers, while the Brewers used eight.

The winning pitcher for the White Sox was LaMarr Hoyt, who pitched five innings of relief. The loss was charged to Chuck Porter, who gave up the game-winning home run. The game lasted a total of 8 hours and 6 minutes, making it one of the longest in terms of time as well. The sheer length of the game tested the physical and mental endurance of everyone involved, and it remains a legendary moment in baseball history.

The Dodgers vs. Cardinals Grinder (1967)

Another memorable extra-inning game occurred on August 20, 1967, between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals. This game went 23 innings and was a classic pitchers' duel. The Cardinals emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, but not without an incredible effort from both sides. Bob Gibson pitched all 23 innings for the Cardinals, allowing just nine hits and striking out 13. What an amazing performance!

The game was scoreless through the first 22 innings, with both Gibson and the Dodgers' starting pitcher, Don Sutton, dominating the opposing lineups. Sutton pitched 11 innings of his own, allowing just five hits and striking out eight. It was a masterclass in pitching, and it seemed like neither team would ever score. Finally, in the top of the 23rd inning, the Cardinals broke through with a run, thanks to a single by Lou Brock and an RBI double by Tim McCarver.

Gibson then closed out the game in the bottom of the 23rd, securing the win for the Cardinals. The game lasted 7 hours and 22 minutes and is remembered as one of the greatest pitching performances in baseball history. Gibson's 23-inning complete game is a testament to his skill, stamina, and determination, and it solidified his place as one of the all-time greats. This game is a must-mention when discussing long and memorable MLB games.

The Mets vs. Marlins Marathon (2013)

More recently, on August 24, 2013, the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins played a 20-inning game. The Marlins won 2-1, but the game was notable for its length and the unusual circumstances surrounding it. Both teams used a total of 19 pitchers, and several position players were forced into pitching roles due to the depleted bullpens. What a wild night!

The game was a low-scoring affair, with both teams struggling to generate offense. The Mets took an early lead in the first inning, but the Marlins tied the game in the fourth. From there, it was a battle of attrition, with both teams trading scoreless innings. As the game wore on, it became clear that someone would have to step up and deliver a clutch performance.

Finally, in the top of the 20th inning, the Marlins scored the go-ahead run on a single by Ed Lucas. The Mets were unable to respond in the bottom of the inning, and the Marlins secured the victory. The game lasted 6 hours and 21 minutes and was a testament to the resilience of both teams. While it may not have reached the same legendary status as some of the earlier extra-inning games, it was still a memorable contest that showcased the unpredictable nature of baseball.

Factors Contributing to Long Games

Several factors can contribute to MLB games going into extra innings and extending to extreme lengths. These include:

• Strong pitching: Dominant pitching performances can keep the score low and prevent either team from gaining a decisive advantage.
• Clutch defense: Excellent defensive plays can prevent runs from scoring and keep the game tied.
• Ineffective hitting with runners in scoring position: Teams that struggle to drive in runs with runners on base are more likely to play extra innings.
• Strategic managerial decisions: Managerial decisions, such as pitching changes and offensive substitutions, can impact the flow of the game and its duration.
• Weather conditions: Weather conditions, such as rain delays, can prolong games and add to the overall time played.

The Impact on Players and Teams

Participating in an extremely long game can have a significant impact on players and teams. The physical and mental toll of playing for an extended period can lead to:

• Fatigue: Players may experience fatigue, which can affect their performance in subsequent games.
• Injuries: The risk of injuries increases as players push their bodies to the limit.
• Depleted bullpens: Teams may exhaust their pitching staffs, leaving them short-handed for future games.
• Disrupted schedules: Long games can disrupt team schedules and travel plans.

Conclusion: A Testament to Baseball's Unpredictability

The longest MLB games, measured by innings, are a testament to the unpredictable nature of baseball. These marathon contests showcase the endurance, skill, and determination of the players involved. Whether it's the 26-inning record-setter from 1920 or more recent extra-inning affairs, these games become legendary moments in baseball history. So, the next time you settle in to watch a game, remember that you never know when you might witness a historic battle of attrition that stretches deep into the night!