What Is The Longest Baseball Game?
Baseball is known for its long games. But just how long can a baseball game last? The longest game in Major League Baseball history stands at a whopping 25 innings, and it took 8 hours and 6 minutes to finish. This epic game between the Boston Red Sox and the Brooklyn Robins was played on May 1, 1920.
The Game’s Format
This historic game was played using the International League’s rule of the time, which included the following:
- 9 innings – This was the standard length of a game. Each team had 3 outs per inning.
- Extra innings – If the game was still tied after 9 innings, the game would continue until a winner was determined.
- No inning limit – There was no limit to the number of innings that could be played.
The Teams
The game took place between the Boston Red Sox and the Brooklyn Robins. The Red Sox were led by player-manager Hugh Duffy and included star players such as Babe Ruth. The Brooklyn Robins were led by player-manager Wilbert Robinson and included star players such as Zack Wheat.
The Game Itself
The game began on the afternoon of May 1, 1920 and lasted until the early morning of May 2. It was a back-and-forth battle with neither team able to gain an advantage. The Red Sox held a 3-2 lead after 9 innings, but the Robins managed to tie the game in the 10th inning. The game continued until the 25th inning, when the Red Sox finally broke the tie with a run. The Red Sox won the game 4-3.
The Players
The players on both teams had to endure a grueling 8 hours and 6 minutes. The Red Sox starting pitcher, Joe Bush, lasted 10 innings and was relieved by Hugh Bedient in the 11th inning. The Robins starting pitcher, Leon Cadore, lasted 21 innings and was relieved by Burleigh Grimes in the 22nd inning.
The Umpire
The umpire for the game was a man named J.G. Taylor. He had to stay on the field for the entire 8 hours and 6 minutes, and he only took two breaks—one in the 19th inning and one in the 23rd inning. It was said that by the end of the game, Taylor was so exhausted that he had to be carried off the field.
The Aftermath
The game has gone down in history as one of the most remarkable games ever played. Both teams were exhausted after the long game and had to cancel practice the following day. The Red Sox ended up winning the series 2-1.
The Records
The game set several records, including:
- Longest game – 25 innings
- Longest time – 8 hours and 6 minutes
- Most innings pitched – 21 innings (Leon Cadore)
- Most batters faced – 188 (Leon Cadore)
Conclusion
The longest game in Major League Baseball history took place on May 1, 1920 between the Boston Red Sox and the Brooklyn Robins. The game lasted 25 innings and took 8 hours and 6 minutes to complete. Both teams were exhausted after the epic battle and the Red Sox ended up winning the game 4-3. The game set several records, including the longest game and the most innings pitched. It is a testament to the players and umpires involved that they were able to endure such a grueling game.