Top 10 Longest Baseball Games Ever Played

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 42 views

Hey there, baseball fanatics! Ever wondered which games tested the limits of endurance, pushing players and fans alike to the brink? Well, buckle up because we're diving into the top 10 longest baseball games in history. These aren't your typical nine-inning affairs; we're talking about marathon matchups that stretched into the wee hours, creating legendary tales of perseverance and sheer willpower. So, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and let's explore these epic contests that redefined what it means to play ball!

1. The Pawtucket Red Sox vs. Rochester Red Wings (1981) - 33 Innings

Okay, guys, let’s kick things off with the granddaddy of them all: the infamous Pawtucket Red Sox versus Rochester Red Wings game in 1981. This is not just the longest baseball game; it’s a legend etched in the annals of baseball history. Played at McCoy Stadium, this clash began on April 18 and extended, incredibly, into April 19, before being suspended and finally concluded on June 23. Can you imagine the anticipation?

The game started as a regular minor league contest, but soon it became clear that this would be anything but ordinary. Neither team could break the tie, inning after inning. Pitchers battled, hitters struggled, and the score remained stubbornly locked. As the hours ticked by, the crowd dwindled, but a dedicated core of fans remained, witnessing history in the making. The players, fueled by adrenaline and sheer determination, continued to battle, long after midnight had passed.

By the time the game was suspended in the early morning hours of April 19, it had already reached the 32nd inning. The score was tied 2-2, and everyone was exhausted. The decision was made to suspend the game due to the curfew and the players' physical condition. The remaining inning was played on June 23, when play resumed in front of a packed stadium. Wade Boggs, then a rising star for Pawtucket, and Cal Ripken Jr., playing for Rochester, were among the participants in this epic showdown. When play finally resumed, it took only one additional inning for Pawtucket to score the winning run, ending the marathon at 33 innings. The final score: 3-2 in favor of Pawtucket. This game remains a testament to the endurance and competitive spirit of baseball players, and a legendary moment in the sport's history. It set a record that may never be broken.

2. San Francisco Giants vs. New York Mets (2018) - 18 Innings

Moving on, we have the San Francisco Giants versus New York Mets game from 2018, clocking in at a mere (compared to the leader) 18 innings. This game was a nail-biter from start to finish. Both teams showcased incredible pitching and defense, keeping the score low and the tension high. It was a classic pitchers' duel, with both starters and relievers delivering outstanding performances. The game took place at Citi Field in New York, and the atmosphere was electric as fans stayed late into the night, hoping to see their team emerge victorious.

Throughout the game, opportunities to score were few and far between. Both teams had runners in scoring position at various points, but clutch hits were elusive. The bullpens were heavily taxed, as both managers made strategic pitching changes to keep their teams in the game. As the innings piled up, the fatigue became evident, but the players dug deep, fueled by the desire to win. The defense was particularly impressive, with players making diving catches, acrobatic plays, and clutch throws to keep the game tied.

The game finally came to an end in the 18th inning, when the Giants managed to push across a run, securing a hard-fought victory. The final score was 2-1 in favor of the Giants. It was a game that tested the limits of both teams, showcasing their resilience and determination. While it may not have reached the incredible length of the Pawtucket-Rochester game, it was still an epic contest that will be remembered for its intensity and drama. This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball and the excitement that can be generated when two evenly matched teams battle it out on the diamond.

3. Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Boston Red Sox (2018) - 18 Innings

Next up is another 18-inning marathon, this time between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox in 2018. This game was a part of the World Series, adding even more significance to the already intense matchup. The stakes were high, and both teams were determined to gain an edge in the series. The game took place at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, and the atmosphere was electric, with fans on the edge of their seats from the first pitch to the last.

The game was characterized by outstanding pitching, clutch defense, and missed opportunities. Both teams had chances to score early, but timely plays and solid pitching kept the game scoreless for several innings. As the game progressed, the tension mounted, and the crowd became more vocal. The bullpens were heavily involved, with both managers making strategic moves to keep their teams in contention. The players battled through fatigue and pressure, knowing that every play could be the difference between victory and defeat.

In the end, the Dodgers managed to secure a 3-2 victory, but it was a hard-fought battle that tested the limits of both teams. The game lasted well into the early morning hours, leaving fans and players exhausted but exhilarated. It was a memorable moment in World Series history, showcasing the drama and excitement that make baseball such a captivating sport. This game will be remembered for its intensity, the high stakes, and the incredible performances of the players on both sides.

4. St. Louis Cardinals vs. New York Mets (2010) - 20 Innings

Now, let’s jump to a 20-inning clash between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets in 2010. This game was a war of attrition, with both teams refusing to give in. The game was played at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, and the atmosphere was tense as fans watched their teams battle through extra innings. The pitching was outstanding on both sides, with starters and relievers alike delivering stellar performances. The defense was also sharp, with players making critical plays to keep the game tied.

The game was characterized by missed opportunities and clutch pitching. Both teams had runners in scoring position multiple times, but they were unable to capitalize. The bullpens were heavily taxed, as both managers made strategic pitching changes to try to gain an advantage. The players battled through fatigue and frustration, knowing that one swing of the bat could end the game.

Finally, after 20 grueling innings, the Cardinals managed to push across a run, securing a 2-1 victory. The game was a testament to the resilience and determination of both teams. It was a memorable moment for Cardinals fans, who celebrated the hard-fought win. This game remains a classic example of the drama and excitement that can unfold in a long, drawn-out baseball game.

5. Houston Astros vs. Florida Marlins (2001) - 21 Innings

Let's talk about the Houston Astros versus Florida Marlins game from 2001, which stretched over 21 innings. This game was a true test of endurance, with both teams pushing their players to the limit. The game took place at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, and the atmosphere was intense as fans watched the marathon unfold. The pitching was solid on both sides, with starters and relievers alike keeping the game close. The defense was also sharp, with players making crucial plays to prevent runs from scoring.

Throughout the game, both teams had opportunities to score, but they were unable to break through. The bullpens were heavily utilized, as both managers made strategic pitching changes to try to gain an edge. The players battled through fatigue and frustration, knowing that one mistake could cost their team the game. As the innings piled up, the tension mounted, and the crowd became more vocal.

In the end, the Marlins managed to secure a 7-6 victory, but it was a hard-fought battle that tested the limits of both teams. The game lasted well into the night, leaving fans and players exhausted but exhilarated. It was a memorable moment in baseball history, showcasing the drama and excitement that make the sport so captivating. This game will be remembered for its length, the high stakes, and the incredible performances of the players on both sides.

6. Chicago White Sox vs. Milwaukee Brewers (1984) - 25 Innings

We can't forget the Chicago White Sox versus Milwaukee Brewers game from 1984, lasting a whopping 25 innings. This game was a slugfest, with both teams trading blows throughout the marathon. The game was played over two days, with the first 17 innings taking place on May 8 and the final 8 innings being completed on May 9. The atmosphere was electric, as fans packed the stadium to witness the historic event.

The game was characterized by offensive fireworks, with both teams scoring multiple runs. The pitching was not as dominant as in some of the other long games on this list, but the hitters were on fire. The defense was also solid, with players making key plays to prevent runs from scoring. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams taking the lead at various points.

In the end, the White Sox emerged victorious with a 7-6 win, but it was a hard-fought battle that tested the limits of both teams. The game lasted well into the night, leaving fans and players exhausted but exhilarated. It was a memorable moment in baseball history, showcasing the drama and excitement that make the sport so captivating. This game will be remembered for its length, the high-scoring affair, and the incredible performances of the players on both sides.

7. Philadelphia Athletics vs. Boston Americans (1906) - 13 Innings

Let's take a trip back in time to 1906, where the Philadelphia Athletics and Boston Americans battled for 13 innings. While it might seem short compared to some of the other games on this list, it was a marathon for its time. The game was a pitchers' duel, with both starters delivering outstanding performances. The defense was also sharp, with players making key plays to keep the game scoreless for much of the contest.

The game was characterized by missed opportunities and clutch pitching. Both teams had runners in scoring position at various points, but they were unable to capitalize. The bullpens were not as heavily involved as in modern baseball, but the starters still had to battle through fatigue and pressure. The players knew that one mistake could cost their team the game, and the tension was palpable.

In the end, the Athletics managed to secure a 4-1 victory, but it was a hard-fought battle that tested the limits of both teams. The game was a testament to the skill and determination of the players, and it remains a memorable moment in baseball history. This game will be remembered for its length, the outstanding pitching performances, and the classic style of baseball that was played at the time.

8. Brooklyn Dodgers vs. Boston Braves (1920) - 26 Innings

Here is another historic matchup between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Boston Braves in 1920, stretching an incredible 26 innings! This game was a true test of endurance, with both teams pushing their players to the brink. The game was played at Braves Field in Boston, and the atmosphere was intense as fans watched the marathon unfold. The pitching was outstanding on both sides, with starters and relievers alike keeping the game close. The defense was also sharp, with players making crucial plays to prevent runs from scoring.

In the end, the game was declared a tie after 26 innings, with the score remaining 1-1. It was a fitting end to a contest that showcased the resilience and determination of both teams. The game lasted well into the night, leaving fans and players exhausted but exhilarated. It was a memorable moment in baseball history, highlighting the drama and excitement that make the sport so captivating. This game will be remembered for its length, the outstanding pitching performances, and the classic style of baseball that was played at the time.

9. Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers (2005) - 17 Innings

Next, we have the Chicago White Sox versus Detroit Tigers game from 2005, which lasted 17 innings. This game was a hard-fought battle, with both teams showcasing their resilience and determination. The game was played at Comerica Park in Detroit, and the atmosphere was electric as fans stayed late into the night to watch the marathon unfold. The pitching was solid on both sides, with starters and relievers alike keeping the game close. The defense was also sharp, with players making crucial plays to prevent runs from scoring.

In the end, the White Sox managed to secure a 7-4 victory, but it was a hard-fought battle that tested the limits of both teams. The game lasted well into the early morning hours, leaving fans and players exhausted but exhilarated. It was a memorable moment in baseball history, showcasing the drama and excitement that make the sport so captivating. This game will be remembered for its length, the solid pitching performances, and the resilience of both teams.

10. Cleveland Indians vs. Toronto Blue Jays (2013) - 16 Innings

Last but not least, we have the Cleveland Indians versus Toronto Blue Jays game from 2013, clocking in at 16 innings. This game was a pitchers' duel, with both starters delivering outstanding performances. The defense was also sharp, with players making key plays to keep the game close. The game was played at Progressive Field in Cleveland, and the atmosphere was tense as fans watched the marathon unfold. The pitching was outstanding on both sides, with starters and relievers alike keeping the game close.

The game was characterized by missed opportunities and clutch pitching. Both teams had runners in scoring position at various points, but they were unable to capitalize. The bullpens were heavily utilized, as both managers made strategic pitching changes to try to gain an edge. The players battled through fatigue and frustration, knowing that one mistake could cost their team the game, and the tension was palpable.

In the end, the Blue Jays managed to secure a 4-2 victory, but it was a hard-fought battle that tested the limits of both teams. The game was a testament to the skill and determination of the players, and it remains a memorable moment in baseball history. This game will be remembered for its length, the outstanding pitching performances, and the classic style of baseball that was played at the time.