What is the Fastest MLB Game?
Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball organization in the United States and Canada, consisting of 30 teams divided into two leagues, the National and American. The MLB is considered one of the most popular sports in North America, with millions of fans tuning in to games each season. One of the most exciting aspects of professional baseball is the speed of the game, with teams often competing to see who can finish the game the fastest. So, what was the fastest MLB game ever?
The Fastest MLB Game on Record
The fastest MLB game on record is the September 28, 1919 game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies, which lasted only 51 minutes. This game set the record for the fastest nine-inning game in MLB history, with the Phillies coming out on top 1-0. The game featured a no-hitter from Phillies pitcher, James “Hippo” Vaughn, and the only run was scored by Phillies outfielder, Possum Whitted, who hit a single in the bottom of the ninth.
The Players in the Fastest MLB Game
The game featured some of the best players of the era, including Giants first baseman, George “High Pockets” Kelly, and Phillies pitcher, James “Hippo” Vaughn. Vaughn was a two-time All-Star and a two-time World Series champion. He was also the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter in the National League. Kelly was a three-time All-Star and a two-time World Series champion, and he was also the first player to hit three home runs in a single game.
The Umpire in the Fastest MLB Game
The umpire for the fastest MLB game was Brick Owens, who was one of the most respected umpires of his era. Owens was known for his strict adherence to the rules, and he was also known for his quick decisions, which helped contribute to the fast pace of the game. Owens was an umpire for 25 years, and he umpired two World Series.
The Impact of the Fastest MLB Game
The fastest MLB game has had an impact on baseball, with the game being remembered as a testament to the speed of the game. It also serves as a reminder of the skill and talent of the players of that era, as well as the dedication of the umpire. The game was also an example of how quickly a game of baseball can be played, and it serves as an inspiration to players and fans alike.
The Fastest MLB Game in Recent Years
While the 1919 game is the fastest MLB game on record, there have been several games in recent years that have come close. On April 16, 2009, the Phillies and the Giants played a game that lasted only 54 minutes. The Phillies won the game 5-1, with Phillies starter, Joe Blanton, throwing the complete game. On April 23, 2019, the Phillies and the Mets played a game that lasted only 59 minutes, with the Phillies coming out on top 5-2.
The Fastest MLB Game in the Post-Season
The fastest MLB game in the post-season was played on October 5, 2005, between the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros. The game lasted only 2 hours and 3 minutes, and it was the shortest nine-inning game in MLB post-season history. The White Sox won the game 1-0, with White Sox starter, Mark Buehrle, throwing a complete game shutout.
The Fastest MLB Game by Innings
The fastest MLB game by innings is the June 25, 1943 game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds, which lasted only 3 innings. The game was called due to rain, and the Cardinals won the game 3-2. The game featured Cardinals pitcher, Mort Cooper, who threw a complete game, and Reds pitcher, Elmer Riddle, who threw two innings.
The Fastest MLB Game by Pitch Count
The fastest MLB game by pitch count is the May 4, 1997 game between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees, which lasted only 68 pitches. The Yankees won the game 4-2, with Yankees starter, David Cone, throwing a complete game.
The Fastest MLB Game by Strikes
The fastest MLB game by strikes is the June 28, 2018 game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks, which lasted only 27 strikes. The Dodgers won the game 6-2, with Dodgers starter, Walker Buehler, throwing a complete game.
Conclusion
The fastest MLB game on record is the September 28, 1919 game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies, which lasted only 51 minutes. While there have been several games in recent years that have come close, none have come close to breaking the record. The fastest MLB game has had an impact on baseball, with the game being remembered as a testament to the speed of the game and the skill of the players.