Top 10 Longest Innings In MLB History

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 38 views

Hey baseball fanatics! Ever wondered about those marathon innings that seem to last forever? Well, you're in for a treat! Today, we're diving deep into the top 10 longest innings in MLB history. Get ready for some serious endurance, nail-biting moments, and a whole lot of baseball! These innings aren't just about the number of pitches or the time on the clock; they're about the heart, the grit, and the sheer will to win (or sometimes, just to survive!). So, grab your snacks, settle in, and let's explore these legendary innings that have etched themselves into MLB history. We'll be looking at the teams involved, the crucial plays, and the overall impact these innings had on the games. It's like a time capsule of baseball drama, packed with unexpected twists and turns. From clutch hits to defensive gems, these innings have it all. Prepare to be amazed by the resilience of the players and the captivating narratives that unfolded on the field. Think about the strategic battles, the mental toughness, and the physical stamina it takes to endure such extended periods of play. It's truly a testament to the sport's demanding nature and the unwavering spirit of the athletes. So, let's go back in time and relive these epic moments that continue to be talked about among baseball fans. Let the journey begin, and prepare to be swept away by the stories that will unfold.

1. The 20-Run Extravaganza: Phillies vs. Cubs (1922) - 1st Inning

Alright, guys, let's kick things off with a bang! We are going way back to 1922, where the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs played a game that featured one of the most unbelievable innings in MLB history. Get this: the Phillies scored a whopping 20 runs in the first inning! Yes, you read that right, twenty runs! This historic inning set a record that still stands today for the most runs scored in a single inning by one team. Can you imagine the chaos? Base hits galore, errors, walks, and probably a whole lot of sheer luck. The Cubs' pitchers must have been having a nightmare, trying to get just three outs. The Phillies sent 25 batters to the plate, and when the inning finally ended, everyone in attendance was exhausted. The game itself ended with a score of 26-23 in favor of the Cubs, proving the wildness of this contest. This inning wasn't just about the runs; it was a display of relentless offensive pressure. It's a reminder of a bygone era when baseball was a bit more unpredictable and arguably a bit more fun. The 1922 Phillies and Cubs game shows us a slice of history where the rules of baseball were bent, if only for a few glorious moments. This inning wasn't just a collection of runs; it was a story of resilience, and strategic battles, as each team looked for a competitive advantage.

Key Moments in the 1st Inning:

Relentless Hitting: The Phillies' batters were on fire, consistently hitting the ball and finding gaps in the Cubs' defense.
Errors and Misplays: The Cubs' defense struggled, making errors that allowed the Phillies to advance runners and score runs.
Pitching Woes: The Cubs' pitchers couldn't find a way to get outs, struggling with control and getting hit hard.
The Crowd's Reaction: Can you imagine being there? The crowd must have been in a frenzy, witnessing such an unprecedented display of offensive firepower.

2. The 11-Run Rally: White Sox vs. Athletics (1951) - 1st Inning

Fast forward to 1951, where the Chicago White Sox and the Philadelphia Athletics (yes, another Philly team!) engaged in a high-scoring battle that featured an epic inning. The White Sox managed to score 11 runs in the first inning, setting the stage for an unforgettable game. The Athletics' pitchers must have felt like they were in a blender as the White Sox's batters seemed to hit everything they could get their bats on. This game shows us the unpredictable nature of baseball, where a single inning can change the course of a game. This inning also speaks to the mental fortitude of the players, who had to keep their focus despite the chaos. It’s a testament to the fact that anything can happen in baseball. The sheer volume of runs scored in a single inning is a testament to the team's ability to capitalize on the Athletics' mistakes and maintain an aggressive approach. This inning showcased the White Sox's offensive prowess and their ability to dominate early in the game.

Key Moments in the 1st Inning:

Strategic Hitting: The White Sox batters showed great discipline, waiting for the right pitches and capitalizing on opportunities to drive in runs.
Defensive Challenges: The Athletics' defense faltered, making errors that led to more runs for the White Sox.
Pitching Struggles: The Athletics' pitchers had a rough time, struggling to find the strike zone and giving up numerous hits.
The Momentum Shift: The 11-run inning gave the White Sox a huge advantage, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

3. The 10-Run Surge: Red Sox vs. Indians (1950) - 1st Inning

In 1950, the Boston Red Sox went head-to-head with the Cleveland Indians, and the game saw the Red Sox explode for 10 runs in the first inning. The Indians, one of the best teams of the era, got a rude awakening. This inning was a testament to the Red Sox's offensive firepower, demonstrating their ability to put pressure on their opponents early in the game. It’s also a reminder that no matter how good a team is, they're always vulnerable to an explosive inning. This inning highlighted the importance of early momentum in a baseball game and the impact that one team's performance can have on the outcome.

Key Moments in the 1st Inning:

Early Dominance: The Red Sox quickly established their dominance, taking control of the game early on.
Strategic Execution: The Red Sox's batters executed their game plan effectively, driving in runners and maximizing their scoring opportunities.
Defensive Weaknesses: The Indians' defense showed some weaknesses, allowing the Red Sox to capitalize on their errors.
The Game's Tone: The 10-run inning set the tone for the entire game, giving the Red Sox a significant advantage.

4. The 9-Run Avalanche: Cardinals vs. Phillies (1939) - 1st Inning

We rewind to 1939, when the St. Louis Cardinals faced the Philadelphia Phillies, and the first inning was a rollercoaster of runs as the Cardinals scored 9 runs. It was a clear demonstration of the Cardinals' offensive capabilities and their ability to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes. It highlighted the unpredictable nature of baseball and the ability of a team to change the course of a game. This inning shows us the importance of seizing early momentum in a game and how it can affect the overall outcome. The Cardinals were relentless, putting the Phillies under immense pressure and never letting up.

Key Moments in the 1st Inning:

Aggressive Offense: The Cardinals came out swinging, showing their determination to score runs early.
Defensive Challenges: The Phillies' defense struggled, giving the Cardinals multiple opportunities to score.
Pitching Struggles: The Phillies' pitchers faced numerous challenges, struggling with control and giving up hits.
Momentum: The 9-run inning gave the Cardinals a massive advantage and set the stage for the rest of the game.

5. The 9-Run Blitz: Tigers vs. Yankees (1930) - 4th Inning

In 1930, the Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees clashed, and the fourth inning turned into a run-fest for the Tigers, with them scoring 9 runs. This inning showed the Tigers' offensive firepower and their ability to make the most of their opportunities. It also highlighted the fact that a single inning can change the direction of a game. This inning showcased the value of maintaining an aggressive offensive approach and keeping the pressure on the opposition. The Tigers' ability to score 9 runs in a single inning demonstrated their strategic brilliance and unwavering determination.

Key Moments in the 4th Inning:

Offensive Prowess: The Tigers' batters were on fire, hitting the ball and consistently driving in runs.
Defensive Weaknesses: The Yankees' defense faltered, opening doors for the Tigers to score more runs.
Pitching Struggles: The Yankees' pitchers had a rough time, struggling to find their rhythm and giving up numerous hits.
Momentum Shift: The 9-run inning gave the Tigers a significant advantage, altering the flow of the game.

6. The 9-Run Riot: Cubs vs. Dodgers (1979) - 4th Inning

Let's head to 1979 when the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers battled, and the fourth inning was a memorable one for the Cubs, as they scored 9 runs. This inning showcased the Cubs' offensive dominance and their ability to keep the pressure on their opponents. It also shows the fact that a single inning can change the course of a game. This inning emphasized the value of a relentless offensive approach and the importance of capitalizing on opportunities. The Cubs' 9-run inning demonstrated their strategic brilliance and unwavering determination.

Key Moments in the 4th Inning:

Offensive Explosion: The Cubs' batters unleashed a barrage of hits, consistently driving in runs.
Defensive Challenges: The Dodgers' defense struggled, allowing the Cubs to capitalize on their errors.
Pitching Woes: The Dodgers' pitchers had a tough time, struggling with their control and giving up numerous hits.
Momentum: The 9-run inning gave the Cubs a significant boost and altered the flow of the game.

7. The 9-Run Surge: Pirates vs. Braves (1951) - 7th Inning

In 1951, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Boston Braves (now Atlanta Braves) clashed, and the seventh inning was one to remember for the Pirates, as they scored 9 runs. This inning showed the Pirates' offensive ability to keep the pressure on their opponents. It also highlighted the fact that a single inning can change the course of a game. This inning emphasized the value of a relentless offensive approach and the importance of capitalizing on opportunities. The Pirates' 9-run inning demonstrated their strategic brilliance and unwavering determination.

Key Moments in the 7th Inning:

Aggressive Hitting: The Pirates' batters were determined, hitting the ball and consistently driving in runs.
Defensive Challenges: The Braves' defense struggled, allowing the Pirates to capitalize on their errors.
Pitching Woes: The Braves' pitchers had a tough time, struggling with control and giving up numerous hits.
Momentum Shift: The 9-run inning gave the Pirates a significant boost and changed the flow of the game.

8. The 9-Run Rally: Giants vs. Phillies (1952) - 3rd Inning

In 1952, the New York Giants faced the Philadelphia Phillies, and the third inning was a spectacle, with the Giants scoring 9 runs. This inning demonstrated the Giants' offensive power and their ability to put their opponents under pressure. It also demonstrated the fact that a single inning can change the direction of a game. This inning emphasized the value of a relentless offensive approach and the importance of capitalizing on opportunities. The Giants' 9-run inning demonstrated their strategic brilliance and unwavering determination.

Key Moments in the 3rd Inning:

Strategic Hitting: The Giants' batters showed great discipline, waiting for the right pitches and capitalizing on opportunities.
Defensive Challenges: The Phillies' defense faltered, opening doors for the Giants to score more runs.
Pitching Struggles: The Phillies' pitchers struggled to find their rhythm and gave up numerous hits.
Momentum Shift: The 9-run inning gave the Giants a significant advantage, altering the flow of the game.

9. The 9-Run Barrage: Brewers vs. Blue Jays (2018) - 1st Inning

More recently, in 2018, the Milwaukee Brewers played against the Toronto Blue Jays, and the first inning was a memorable one for the Brewers, as they scored 9 runs. This inning showcased the Brewers' offensive prowess and their ability to keep the pressure on their opponents. It highlighted the fact that a single inning can change the course of a game. This inning emphasized the value of a relentless offensive approach and the importance of capitalizing on opportunities. The Brewers' 9-run inning demonstrated their strategic brilliance and unwavering determination.

Key Moments in the 1st Inning:

Aggressive Offense: The Brewers came out swinging, showing their determination to score runs early.
Defensive Challenges: The Blue Jays' defense struggled, allowing the Brewers multiple opportunities to score.
Pitching Struggles: The Blue Jays' pitchers faced numerous challenges, struggling with control and giving up hits.
Momentum: The 9-run inning gave the Brewers a massive advantage and set the stage for the rest of the game.

10. The 9-Run Explosion: Red Sox vs. Athletics (2010) - 5th Inning

In 2010, the Boston Red Sox met the Oakland Athletics, and the fifth inning was one for the books, with the Red Sox scoring 9 runs. This inning demonstrated the Red Sox's offensive firepower and their ability to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes. It also shows the unpredictability of baseball and the fact that a single inning can change the course of a game. This inning highlighted the importance of taking advantage of opportunities to score and maintain offensive momentum. The Red Sox's 9-run inning demonstrated their strategic brilliance and unwavering determination.

Key Moments in the 5th Inning:

Early Dominance: The Red Sox quickly established their dominance, taking control of the game early on.
Strategic Execution: The Red Sox's batters executed their game plan effectively, driving in runners and maximizing their scoring opportunities.
Defensive Weaknesses: The Athletics' defense showed some weaknesses, allowing the Red Sox to capitalize on their errors.
The Game's Tone: The 9-run inning set the tone for the entire game, giving the Red Sox a significant advantage.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks! The top 10 longest innings in MLB history. These innings represent some of the most exciting and memorable moments in baseball. They are a testament to the unpredictable nature of the game and the incredible talent and resilience of the players. Whether you are a casual fan or a die-hard baseball enthusiast, these stories are sure to entertain. The stories of these innings have been passed down through generations of baseball fans, and it is fascinating to see the impact they have had on the sport. So next time you watch a game, remember these incredible innings, and appreciate the drama and excitement that makes baseball the greatest game in the world. Baseball is more than just a sport; it is a tapestry woven with stories of triumph, resilience, and sheer excitement. Each inning has its own unique narrative, with unexpected twists and turns. As we've seen, it's not just about the score or the stats, it's about the moments that become legends. So, keep cheering, keep watching, and keep loving the game! Thanks for joining me on this journey through baseball history. Until next time, play ball!