Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the world. It is a game that has been played for over a century and has a rich history filled with records and achievements that have stood the test of time. One such record is the longest MLB game time, which is the subject of this article. We will discuss the longest MLB game ever played, the reasons for the lengthy game, and some interesting facts about it.
The Longest MLB Game
The longest MLB game in history was played on May 1, 1920, between the Boston Braves and the Brooklyn Robins. The game lasted for 26 innings and took 8 hours and 22 minutes to complete. The final score was 1-1, with both teams scoring their only runs in the 1st inning. The game was played at Braves Field in Boston and was called due to darkness at 6:50 pm.
Reasons for the Lengthy Game
There were several reasons why this game took so long to complete. One of the main reasons was the lack of a curfew rule at the time. This meant that the game could go on indefinitely until a winner was declared. Another reason was the use of a new ball for every pitch, which slowed down the pace of the game. The players also took longer breaks between innings to rest and recover, which added to the length of the game.
Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about the longest MLB game ever played:
- The game was played without lights, as they were not yet available at the time.
- The starting pitchers for both teams, Leon Cadore and Joe Oeschger, each pitched the entire 26 innings.
- The game set several records, including the most innings played in a single game, the most strikeouts by both teams in a game (48), and the most putouts by both teams in a game (246).
- Despite the length of the game, both teams only used two pitchers each.
Conclusion
The longest MLB game time is a record that has stood for over a century and is unlikely to be broken anytime soon. It was a game that tested the endurance and skill of the players and set several records that still stand today. Baseball fans will always remember this game as one of the most memorable in MLB history.