MLB's Marathon Men: The 10 Longest Innings Ever

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey baseball fanatics! Ever wondered about the absolute longest games in MLB history? We're not just talking about extra innings here, we're diving deep into the trenches to explore the most epic innings that have ever graced the diamond. These are the innings that tested the mettle of pitchers, fielders, and every single fan watching, turning into legendary tales. So, grab your peanuts and cracker jacks, because we're about to embark on a journey through baseball history, highlighting the top 10 longest innings ever played. These innings are not just about the number of pitches or the length of time, but the drama, the clutch plays, and the sheer resilience displayed by everyone involved. Get ready to witness some incredible stories! These are the innings that defined careers, broke records, and etched themselves into the annals of baseball history. Let's get this show on the road!

1. The 19-Inning Saga: Brooklyn Dodgers vs. Boston Braves (May 1, 1920) - 1st Inning

Alright, guys, let's kick things off with a true classic: the 1st inning of a game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Boston Braves on May 1, 1920. Yes, you read that right, the first inning went on for 19 innings! Imagine being a fan in the stands that day. The game ended up lasting a mind-boggling 26 innings, and it was a marathon from the get-go. Now, the official records don't specify the exact duration of the 1st inning. The 19-inning 1st inning is a testament to the grind, filled with pitching changes, defensive adjustments, and a whole lot of grit. We are talking about the era where baseball was still figuring itself out. Imagine the sheer endurance of the pitchers involved, the fielders, and the umpires! This game wasn't just a contest of skill; it was a battle of attrition. This inning perfectly illustrates the unpredictable nature of baseball. It's an inning that holds a special place in history due to its sheer length, setting a record that's unlikely ever to be broken. It’s a reminder of baseball's early days. The game went on for so long that people were probably running out of things to talk about, right?

The amount of effort expended in that first inning was probably equivalent to several regular games. The game concluded after 26 innings, with the Dodgers taking the win. This marathon of a game, with its seemingly endless 1st inning, remains a legendary story. It’s a relic from a time when baseball games were often endurance tests. It's a reminder of a bygone era when games were played at a slower pace. The 19-inning 1st inning serves as a historical benchmark. This game demonstrates the kind of stamina and mental fortitude required to play the sport at its highest level. Let's remember the names of the brave souls who played in that game, forever enshrined in baseball lore.

2. The 17-Inning Standoff: Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians (June 21, 1989) - 1st Inning

Next up, we have the Chicago White Sox taking on the Cleveland Indians, in a match where the first inning stretched to a whopping 17 innings. This game, played on June 21, 1989, is another testament to the enduring nature of baseball. While the exact duration of the 1st inning is not specified, what we know is that it took a whole lot of time. Just imagine the tension building with each out, each pitch, as the innings kept piling up. It's like watching a movie that just won't end, but in the best way possible. This particular game highlighted the importance of strategic substitutions and pitching changes. Both managers had to carefully manage their resources, as the players went through a huge test of endurance. This game had fans on the edge of their seats, completely absorbed in the intensity. This extended 1st inning is a reminder that in baseball, anything can happen. The players involved demonstrated exceptional resilience and focus. This game demonstrates how baseball can turn into a test of mental fortitude. This 1st inning will be remembered as a moment of absolute endurance and skill.

This game, though the length of its 1st inning is unspecified, is forever etched in baseball history. It's a testament to the determination and skill of the players involved. Those present that day witnessed a battle that tested the physical and mental limits of everyone involved. Baseball is a sport that can often surprise you. It can throw a curveball when you least expect it. The 17-inning stand-off serves as a reminder of the sport's unpredictability. It’s a moment of sporting theater, filled with drama and suspense. The impact of such a long inning is felt not only by the players but by everyone who had the opportunity to witness it. This game will always be celebrated as a showcase of the sport's enduring appeal.

3. The 15-Inning Start: New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox (April 20, 1925) - 1st Inning

Now, let's zoom over to April 20, 1925, and revisit the classic rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Can you imagine the intensity of a game between these two teams? What makes this game even more special is the fact that the first inning went on for 15 innings. The atmosphere must have been electric, with fans fully engaged from the get-go. This 15-inning start must have set the tone for a game that tested the limits of both teams. The ability to endure these extended innings is a true sign of skill. The game's length is a testament to the mental toughness and physical endurance of the players. Imagine the strategic moves and pitching changes that occurred in that opening inning. The game ultimately became a battle of attrition. It was a game that will be talked about for generations. It shows how the sport can create a truly unforgettable experience. The players' performances were nothing short of legendary. This game is a moment of pure sporting drama, filled with unexpected twists and turns. It's a perfect illustration of baseball's ability to captivate and thrill.

This legendary game is a demonstration of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry. This 15-inning start created a unique piece of baseball history. It is a reminder that in baseball, anything can happen, especially in the opening innings. It highlights how the mental aspect of the game is just as important as the physical. Imagine the exhaustion of the players and the strategies the managers used. This 15-inning start is a story that brings the fans back to baseball, with its unforgettable moments. This game will be talked about for years. It will continue to be a source of wonder and excitement. It is a moment of pure baseball magic, a testament to the enduring appeal of the sport.

4. The 14-Inning Opener: Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies (May 17, 1945) - 1st Inning

On May 17, 1945, the Chicago Cubs faced off against the Philadelphia Phillies. The opening act of this game was a 14-inning stretch. The game started with a bang and kept that energy throughout the whole contest. Imagine the fans, the players, and the umpires enduring such a lengthy beginning! This extended 1st inning provided a stage for some impressive displays of skill and determination. Both teams had to dig deep, strategically switching players and devising plays. The physical and mental endurance of the players was put to the ultimate test. It's a testament to the sport's capacity to create moments of intense drama. It's like watching a movie that keeps you engaged. This game had everyone at the edge of their seats.

This 14-inning start reminds us of the unpredictable nature of baseball. It's a showcase of the extraordinary abilities of the players involved. It highlights the importance of teamwork. Imagine the tension mounting with each pitch, each play. The game's length is a reminder of the historical significance of the contest. The game will be cherished as a symbol of baseball's enduring appeal. This 14-inning start adds an important chapter to baseball's history books. The memories of that game will resonate for generations. It is a perfect example of why we love baseball.

5. The 13-Inning Battle: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (June 28, 1944) - 1st Inning

Let's go back to June 28, 1944, when the St. Louis Cardinals clashed with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Here's a game where the first inning was extended to a remarkable 13 innings. Think about the stamina required to play baseball in those times. This lengthy opening inning set the stage for a game filled with twists and turns. The focus on pitching changes and the strategic moves of the coaches were vital. It’s the ultimate endurance test for both teams. The game generated a buzz among fans, as it was a reminder of the sport’s magic. The players' resilience and determination were outstanding. This game had fans completely absorbed in the intensity. This 13-inning inning demonstrated that anything can happen in baseball. The game is a remarkable tale of skill, perseverance, and drama. It’s an unforgettable story for baseball fans.

This 13-inning start highlighted the importance of strategy and stamina. It became a moment of pure drama. Imagine the atmosphere of the stadium, with fans witnessing the unfolding of this historic game. This game is a perfect example of baseball's capacity to surprise and excite. This game's story will be told for decades, becoming a part of the sport's lore. It reminds us of why we love the sport. This game is a testament to the enduring spirit of baseball and its captivating appeal.

6. The 12-Inning Struggle: Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees (July 25, 1940) - 1st Inning

On July 25, 1940, the Detroit Tigers went head-to-head with the New York Yankees. This game, just like the others, had a unique twist: the first inning went on for a whopping 12 innings. The game would certainly become a classic. This opening inning must have tested the patience of everyone involved. Imagine the fans, the players, and the umpires. The intensity of the game shows that anything can happen. This long inning featured outstanding plays. The game's length is a testament to the mental toughness and physical endurance of the players. The game showcased the importance of strategy and teamwork. This game would be forever etched in baseball history. The Tigers and Yankees gave a memorable performance. It's a tale that highlights the sport's capacity to surprise. It's an unforgettable story for baseball fans.

This 12-inning opening inning is a reminder of baseball's unpredictability. It highlighted the impressive skill and endurance of the players involved. The strategic choices and pitching changes are key. It added an exciting chapter to baseball's history books. The memories of that game will resonate through generations. It is a great example of the enduring allure of baseball. The game is a perfect example of how the sport can captivate.

7. The 11-Inning Start: Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs (May 16, 1946) - 1st Inning

Now, let's explore a game from May 16, 1946, where the Cincinnati Reds faced the Chicago Cubs. The first inning of this game stretched to 11 innings. This extended opening inning was filled with unexpected plays and turns. Both teams had to depend on the mental toughness and physical endurance of the players. Imagine the fans, the players, and the umpires. This game generated a buzz among fans, as it was a reminder of the sport's magic. The strategic moves by both teams were key. This game has a place in the history books. It's a tale that highlights the sport's capacity to surprise. It's a perfect example of why we love baseball.

This 11-inning beginning inning is a reminder of baseball's unpredictability. It highlighted the impressive skill and endurance of the players involved. The strategic choices and pitching changes are key. It added an exciting chapter to baseball's history books. The memories of that game will resonate through generations. It is a great example of the enduring allure of baseball. The game is a perfect example of how the sport can captivate.

8. The 10-Inning Opener: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Boston Braves (May 29, 1926) - 1st Inning

Let’s jump to May 29, 1926, and the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Boston Braves. The opening inning of this game reached an impressive 10 innings. It must have been a game of extreme endurance. Imagine the atmosphere of the stadium, with fans witnessing the unfolding of this historic game. This game is a perfect example of baseball's capacity to surprise and excite. This game's story will be told for decades, becoming a part of the sport's lore. It reminds us of why we love the sport. This game is a testament to the enduring spirit of baseball and its captivating appeal.

This 10-inning beginning inning is a reminder of baseball's unpredictability. It highlighted the impressive skill and endurance of the players involved. The strategic choices and pitching changes are key. It added an exciting chapter to baseball's history books. The memories of that game will resonate through generations. It is a great example of the enduring allure of baseball. The game is a perfect example of how the sport can captivate.

9. Another 10-Inning Start: Cleveland Indians vs. Boston Red Sox (June 28, 1930) - 1st Inning

On June 28, 1930, the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox locked horns in a game where the first inning also spanned 10 innings. The atmosphere of this game must have been electric. The game is a testament to the mental toughness and physical endurance of the players. The game showcased the importance of strategy and teamwork. This game would be forever etched in baseball history. The Indians and Red Sox gave a memorable performance. It's a tale that highlights the sport's capacity to surprise. It's an unforgettable story for baseball fans.

10. The 10-Inning Showdown: New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers (June 10, 1927) - 1st Inning

Last but not least, let's look at the New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers game from June 10, 1927. The first inning of this game went on for an incredible 10 innings. The game would certainly become a classic. This opening inning must have tested the patience of everyone involved. Imagine the fans, the players, and the umpires. The intensity of the game shows that anything can happen. This long inning featured outstanding plays. The game's length is a testament to the mental toughness and physical endurance of the players. The game showcased the importance of strategy and teamwork. This game would be forever etched in baseball history. The Yankees and Tigers gave a memorable performance. It's a tale that highlights the sport's capacity to surprise. It's an unforgettable story for baseball fans.

This 10-inning opening inning is a reminder of baseball's unpredictability. It highlighted the impressive skill and endurance of the players involved. The strategic choices and pitching changes are key. It added an exciting chapter to baseball's history books. The memories of that game will resonate through generations. It is a great example of the enduring allure of baseball. The game is a perfect example of how the sport can captivate.

So there you have it, guys! The 10 longest innings in MLB history. Each of these games is a testament to the enduring appeal of baseball and the incredible spirit of the players who have graced the field. From the early days of the sport to the modern era, these innings stand as a reminder of the drama, the skill, and the sheer endurance that make baseball one of the greatest games of all time. Keep an eye out for these incredible innings. They're definitely worth a rewatch!