The Game That Went into the Record Books: A Look at MLB's Longest Game

On May 1, 1920, history was made at Braves Field in Boston, Massachusetts. Two rival teams, the Brooklyn Robins and the Boston Braves, embarked on a baseball game that would go down in history as the longest game in major league baseball history. The game lasted an incredible 26 innings, with neither team able to break the 1-1 tie until the very end.

The game started routinely enough in the early afternoon, with teams exchanging early runs. However, as the game wore on, both teams' defenses tightened up, and the game became a pitched battle of attrition between the two. Boston's pitcher, Leon Cadore, pitched a remarkable 26 innings, matching the opposing pitcher Joe Oeschger of the Brooklyn Robins pitch for pitch. The two players would go down in history as the pitchers who went the distance in the longest game ever played.

The game lasted an incredible eight hours and twenty-six minutes, using a total of three baseballs, and drawing a crowd of over 19,000 people. Some fans stayed in the park and watched the entire game, with others coming and going when they could. As the game wore on, the players became increasingly exhausted, and some even began to hallucinate. Brooklyn's right fielder, Clarence Mitchell, reportedly saw snakes on the field at one point.

In the 26th inning, the game was finally brought to a close. Boston's Fred Mitchell singled, and one of Brooklyn's outfielders made an error, allowing Mitchell to reach second base. He eventually made it to third base, and was then brought home with a sacrifice fly ball, giving Boston the 2-1 victory.

The game would go down in history as the longest game ever played, and its significance has not been lost on baseball fans, who continue to talk about it today. It is a testament to the endurance, skill, and passion of the players, and serves as a reminder of the timeless appeal of America's pastime.