Baseball is a game that is known for its unpredictability and long play times. While games usually last for around three hours, there have been some games that have gone on for much longer. In this article, we will explore the longest game in MLB history and what made it so special.
The Game
The longest game in MLB history occurred on May 1st and 2nd, 1920, between the Brooklyn Robins (now the Los Angeles Dodgers) and the Boston Braves (now the Atlanta Braves). The game took place at Braves Field in Boston and lasted a total of 26 innings.
The game started at 3 pm and was tied 1-1 by the end of the ninth inning. Both teams were unable to score in the 10th inning, and the game continued on without any runs until the 21st inning.
The Delay
At 4:00 am, after 23 innings, the game was delayed due to darkness. The game resumed the next day, and both teams continued to play without scoring any runs until the 26th inning.
The Winning Run
In the bottom of the 26th inning, Boston Braves outfielder Joe Oeschger hit a double off Brooklyn Robins pitcher Leon Cadore. This allowed Boston's Les Mann to score the winning run, ending the game with a final score of 2-1.
Records Broken
The game set several records that still stand to this day. It was the longest game in MLB history, lasting a total of 8 hours and 22 minutes. The game also had the most strikeouts, with a total of 31, and the most at-bats, with a total of 123.
The Players
The players on both teams were exhausted after the game. Brooklyn pitcher Leon Cadore pitched the entire game, throwing a total of 207 pitches. Boston pitcher Joe Oeschger also pitched the entire game, throwing a total of 316 pitches.
Despite the long game, both teams had to play again the next day. The Boston Braves were scheduled to play a doubleheader, but the second game was cancelled due to the length of the previous game.
Conclusion
The longest game in MLB history remains a memorable event in baseball history. It was a game of endurance and stamina, with both teams refusing to give up. The players on both teams played their hearts out, and their efforts will always be remembered.