Longest MLB Game Ever: 25 Innings, 8 Hours

By Sarah Miller · December 14, 2052

The longest Major League Baseball (MLB) game in history lasted 25 innings and spanned two days, played between the Chicago White Sox and the Milwaukee Brewers on May 8–9, 1984. The marathon contest took a total of 8 hours and 6 minutes to complete.

Overview of the Longest MLB Game

The record for the longest Major League Baseball game by innings occurred during a regular-season matchup between the Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers. Played at Comiskey Park in Chicago, the game began on May 8, 1984, and was suspended after 17 innings due to a league curfew. It resumed the following day, ultimately ending in the 25th inning with a final score of 7–6 in favor of the White Sox.

Key Facts About the Game

Duration: 8 hours and 6 minutes (over two days)
Innings: 25
Venue: Comiskey Park, Chicago
Date: May 8–9, 1984
Final Score: Chicago White Sox 7, Milwaukee Brewers 6
Winning Run: Scored on a sacrifice fly by Harold Baines

Historical Context and Significance

This game is not only the longest by innings in MLB history but also one of the most physically demanding contests ever played. At the time, there were no pitch clocks or extra-innings tiebreaker rules, allowing games to continue until a winner was decided. The 1984 game pushed players and managers to their limits, testing endurance, strategy, and resilience.

Why Did the Game Last So Long?

Several factors contributed to the game's extraordinary length:

No extra-inning runner rule: Unlike modern MLB rules introduced in 2020, runners did not start on second base in extra innings.
Strategic pitching changes: Managers used multiple relievers, extending game time.
Curfew suspension: The game was paused overnight due to a scheduled concert at the stadium.
Competitive balance: Both teams had strong bullpens, preventing a quick resolution.

Game Detail	Information
Date	May 8–9, 1984
Teams	Chicago White Sox vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Location	Comiskey Park, Chicago, IL
Innings	25
Total Time	8 hours, 6 minutes
Attendance	23,841 (Day 1), ~4,000 (Day 2)
Winning Pitcher	Ed Walsh
Losing Pitcher	Chuck Porter
Notable Player	Don Larsen (pitched 7 shutout innings in relief)

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights the extreme nature of this historic game. With 25 innings and over eight hours of play, it remains unmatched in MLB history. Notably, pitcher Don Larsen—best known for his perfect game in the 1956 World Series—delivered seven consecutive scoreless innings in relief at age 45, showcasing remarkable endurance.

Comparison with Other Long Games

While the 1984 White Sox-Brewers game holds the record for most innings, other MLB games have been notable for duration or dramatic circumstances.

Other Notable Long MLB Games

1967: Houston vs. New York Mets – 23 innings, 7 hours: Longest game by time before 1984.
2018 World Series Game 3: Dodgers vs. Red Sox – 18 innings, 7 hours 20 minutes: Longest postseason game in MLB history.
1981 Pawtucket vs. Rochester (Triple-A): 33 innings: Longest professional baseball game ever, influencing MLB rule changes.

Impact on Modern MLB Rules

The 1984 marathon indirectly influenced later MLB decisions regarding game length and player safety. Although no immediate rule changes followed, the physical toll demonstrated the need for adjustments in scheduling and extra-inning formats.

Modern Rule Changes Affecting Game Length

Extra-innings runner rule (2020): Places a runner on second base to start each extra inning, increasing scoring chances.
Pitch clock (2023): Limits time between pitches, reducing game duration overall.
Scheduling flexibility: Teams now avoid back-to-back day games after long contests.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Longest MLB Game

What was the longest MLB game by innings?

The longest MLB game by innings was the 25-inning contest between the Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers on May 8–9, 1984. It remains the record holder for the most innings played in a single game in Major League Baseball history.

How long did the longest MLB game take to complete?

The full game lasted 8 hours and 6 minutes, spread across two days. It was suspended after 17 innings on May 8 due to a stadium curfew and resumed on May 9, finishing in the 25th inning.

Who won the longest MLB game in history?

The Chicago White Sox won the 25-inning game against the Milwaukee Brewers with a final score of 7–6. Harold Baines hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 25th inning to drive in the winning run.

Has any MLB game lasted longer than 25 innings?

No official MLB game has exceeded 25 innings. The 1984 White Sox-Brewers game is the longest by innings. However, the 2018 World Series Game 3 between the Dodgers and Red Sox lasted 7 hours and 20 minutes over 18 innings, making it the longest postseason game by time.

Did players sleep during the suspended game?

Yes, many players went home or slept at the stadium hotel after the game was suspended at 1 a.m. on May 9. Some returned the next afternoon refreshed, while others had to endure fatigue from limited rest.