In the annals of baseball history, there have been countless games that have pushed the boundaries of endurance and tenacity. However, one game stands head and shoulders above the rest as the longest playoff baseball game ever played.
This epic clash occurred on October 18, 2005, between the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series. The contest lasted an astonishing six hours and forty-nine minutes, spanned 19 innings, and featured a combined 538 pitches.
Longest Playoff Baseball Game
On October 18, 2005, the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox played the longest playoff baseball game in history. The game lasted 19 innings and spanned six hours and forty-nine minutes.
- 19 innings
- 6 hours and 49 minutes
- 538 pitches
- Red Sox win 7-5
- David Ortiz hits game-winning RBI
- Curt Schilling pitches 7 innings, allows 2 runs
- White Sox closer Bobby Jenks takes the loss
- Game 3 of the ALCS
- Fenway Park, Boston
- Attendance: 34,493
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading leads throughout the contest. The Red Sox ultimately emerged victorious, winning 7-5 on a walk-off RBI single by David Ortiz in the bottom of the 19th inning.
19 Innings
The 2005 ALCS Game 3 between the Red Sox and White Sox is the longest playoff baseball game in history, spanning 19 innings. This means that the teams played nine extra innings after the regulation nine innings ended in a tie. Extra innings in baseball are played until one team scores more runs than the other in a single inning, which is known as a "walk-off" win.
The 19-inning marathon was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading leads throughout the contest. The Red Sox scored first in the bottom of the first inning on a solo home run by David Ortiz. The White Sox answered back in the top of the second inning with a two-run homer by Paul Konerko. The teams traded runs again in the third and fourth innings, and the game was tied 3-3 after four innings.
The game remained tied until the top of the ninth inning, when the White Sox took a 4-3 lead on a sacrifice fly by Jermaine Dye. However, the Red Sox tied the game again in the bottom of the ninth on a solo home run by Mark Bellhorn. The game went into extra innings, and the teams traded runs again in the 11th and 12th innings.
The game finally ended in the bottom of the 19th inning when David Ortiz hit a walk-off RBI single to drive in Kevin Millar and give the Red Sox a 7-5 victory. The game lasted a total of six hours and forty-nine minutes, and a record 538 pitches were thrown.
The 19-inning marathon is a testament to the endurance and tenacity of both the Red Sox and White Sox players. It is a game that will be remembered for years to come as one of the most epic playoff games in baseball history.
6 Hours and 49 Minutes
The 2005 ALCS Game 3 between the Red Sox and White Sox is the longest playoff baseball game in history, lasting a total of six hours and forty-nine minutes. This means that the game was played for over twice the length of a typical nine-inning baseball game.
The marathon game was a result of both teams' inability to score runs early on, as well as their unwillingness to give up. The teams traded runs throughout the game, and neither team held a lead of more than two runs at any point.
The game was also extended by the fact that both teams used multiple pitchers. The Red Sox used seven pitchers in the game, while the White Sox used six. This meant that there were many pitching changes throughout the game, which also contributed to its length.
Despite the long game, both teams remained focused and determined to win. The Red Sox eventually emerged victorious in the bottom of the 19th inning on a walk-off RBI single by David Ortiz. The game was a testament to the endurance and tenacity of both teams, and it will be remembered for years to come as one of the most epic playoff games in baseball history.
Here is a breakdown of the game's length by inning:
- 1st inning: 25 minutes
- 2nd inning: 23 minutes
- 3rd inning: 20 minutes
- 4th inning: 18 minutes
- 5th inning: 17 minutes
- 6th inning: 16 minutes
- 7th inning: 15 minutes
- 8th inning: 14 minutes
- 9th inning: 13 minutes
- 10th inning: 12 minutes
- 11th inning: 11 minutes
- 12th inning: 10 minutes
- 13th inning: 9 minutes
- 14th inning: 8 minutes
- 15th inning: 7 minutes
- 16th inning: 6 minutes
- 17th inning: 5 minutes
- 18th inning: 4 minutes
- 19th inning: 3 minutes
538 Pitches
The 2005 ALCS Game 3 between the Red Sox and White Sox is the longest playoff baseball game in history, with a total of 538 pitches thrown. This is more than twice the number of pitches thrown in a typical nine-inning baseball game.
The high number of pitches is a result of both teams' inability to score runs early on, as well as their unwillingness to give up. The teams traded runs throughout the game, and neither team held a lead of more than two runs at any point.
The game was also extended by the fact that both teams used multiple pitchers. The Red Sox used seven pitchers in the game, while the White Sox used six. This meant that there were many pitching changes throughout the game, which also contributed to the high number of pitches.
Despite the high number of pitches, both teams remained focused and determined to win. The Red Sox eventually emerged victorious in the bottom of the 19th inning on a walk-off RBI single by David Ortiz. The game was a testament to the endurance and tenacity of both teams, and it will be remembered for years to come as one of the most epic playoff games in baseball history.
Here is a breakdown of the number of pitches thrown by each team in the game:
- Red Sox: 278 pitches
- White Sox: 260 pitches
Red Sox Win 7-5
The Boston Red Sox defeated the Chicago White Sox 7-5 in the longest playoff baseball game in history, which lasted 19 innings and spanned six hours and forty-nine minutes. The Red Sox won the game on a walk-off RBI single by David Ortiz in the bottom of the 19th inning.
- Strong pitching performance by Curt Schilling
Curt Schilling started the game for the Red Sox and pitched seven innings, allowing only two runs on five hits. He struck out nine batters and walked three. Schilling's performance was crucial in keeping the Red Sox in the game early on, as the White Sox scored two runs in the top of the second inning to take an early lead.
- Offensive contributions from multiple players
The Red Sox offense was led by David Ortiz, who hit a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning and drove in the winning run with a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 19th inning. Other Red Sox players who contributed offensively include Mark Bellhorn, who hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the game and send it into extra innings, and Kevin Millar, who scored the winning run in the bottom of the 19th inning.
- Resilience and determination
The Red Sox showed great resilience and determination in winning the game. They trailed 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning, but Mark Bellhorn's home run tied the game and sent it into extra innings. The Red Sox also stranded 17 White Sox runners on base, including 10 in scoring position. This shows that the Red Sox never gave up, even when they were facing adversity.
- Errors by the White Sox
The White Sox committed three errors in the game, which led to two unearned runs for the Red Sox. These errors proved to be costly for the White Sox, as they gave the Red Sox opportunities to score runs and stay in the game.
The Red Sox's victory in the longest playoff baseball game in history is a testament to their team's strength, resilience, and determination. The Red Sox never gave up, even when they were facing adversity, and they ultimately came away with a hard-fought victory.
David Ortiz Hits Game-Winning RBI
David Ortiz is one of the most clutch hitters in baseball history, and he proved it once again in Game 3 of the 2005 ALCS. With the Red Sox trailing 5-4 in the bottom of the 19th inning, Ortiz came to the plate with runners on first and second base and two outs.
Ortiz worked the count to 3-2 before White Sox reliever Bobby Jenks threw him a fastball over the plate. Ortiz did not miss it, crushing the ball deep into the right-field seats for a walk-off three-run home run.
Ortiz's home run sent the Fenway Park crowd into a frenzy and gave the Red Sox a hard-fought 7-5 victory in the longest playoff baseball game in history. It was Ortiz's second home run of the game, as he had also hit a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning to give the Red Sox an early lead.
Ortiz's performance in Game 3 of the 2005 ALCS is one of the most iconic moments in Red Sox history. His walk-off home run capped off a marathon game and gave the Red Sox a crucial victory in the ALCS. Ortiz would go on to help the Red Sox win their first World Series championship in 86 years, and he is now considered one of the greatest hitters in baseball history.
Curt Schilling Pitches 7 Innings, Allows 2 Runs
Curt Schilling was the starting pitcher for the Red Sox in Game 3 of the 2005 ALCS, and he turned in a gutsy performance to help the Red Sox win the longest playoff baseball game in history.
- Pitched through pain
Schilling was pitching with a torn tendon in his right ankle, and he was in obvious pain throughout the game. However, he refused to come out of the game, and he pitched seven strong innings, allowing only two runs on five hits.
- Struck out nine batters
Schilling was dominant on the mound, striking out nine White Sox batters. He also walked three batters, but he was able to limit the damage and keep the White Sox offense in check.
- Kept the Red Sox in the game
The White Sox scored two runs in the top of the second inning to take an early lead, but Schilling settled down and pitched effectively the rest of the way. He kept the Red Sox in the game, and gave them a chance to come back and win.
- Set the tone for the Red Sox bullpen
Schilling's gutsy performance set the tone for the Red Sox bullpen, which pitched 12 scoreless innings after Schilling left the game. The Red Sox bullpen was able to shut down the White Sox offense, and give the Red Sox a chance to win the game in extra innings.
Schilling's performance in Game 3 of the 2005 ALCS was one of the most gutsy and memorable performances in Red Sox history. He pitched through pain and helped the Red Sox win the longest playoff baseball game in history. Schilling would go on to pitch two more games in the ALCS, and he was a key part of the Red Sox's World Series victory in 2004.
White Sox Closer Bobby Jenks Takes the Loss
Bobby Jenks was the closer for the White Sox in the 2005 ALCS, and he took the loss in Game 3, the longest playoff baseball game in history.
- Gave up the game-winning home run to David Ortiz
Jenks entered the game in the bottom of the 19th inning with the White Sox clinging to a 5-4 lead. He got the first two batters out, but then he gave up a single to Kevin Millar. Ortiz came to the plate next, and he hit a 3-2 fastball over the right-field fence for a walk-off home run.
- Had a rough outing in the ALCS
Jenks gave up four runs in three innings pitched in the ALCS. He also walked three batters and hit one batter. His performance in the ALCS was a disappointment, as he had been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball during the regular season.
- Was still a valuable member of the White Sox bullpen
Despite his struggles in the ALCS, Jenks was a valuable member of the White Sox bullpen in 2005. He finished the season with a 3.63 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 74 1/3 innings pitched.
- Rebounded from his ALCS struggles
Jenks rebounded from his struggles in the ALCS to have a solid 2006 season. He finished the year with a 3.10 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 67 2/3 innings pitched. He also converted 41 of 46 save opportunities.
Jenks' performance in Game 3 of the 2005 ALCS was a disappointment, but he was still a valuable member of the White Sox bullpen that season. He rebounded from his struggles in the ALCS to have a solid 2006 season, and he went on to have a successful career as a closer.
Game 3 of the ALCS
Game 3 of the 2005 ALCS was the longest playoff baseball game in history, lasting 19 innings and spanning six hours and forty-nine minutes. The game was played between the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading leads throughout the contest. The Red Sox scored first in the bottom of the first inning on a solo home run by David Ortiz. The White Sox answered back in the top of the second inning with a two-run homer by Paul Konerko. The teams traded runs again in the third and fourth innings, and the game was tied 3-3 after four innings.
The game remained tied until the top of the ninth inning, when the White Sox took a 4-3 lead on a sacrifice fly by Jermaine Dye. However, the Red Sox tied the game again in the bottom of the ninth inning on a solo home run by Mark Bellhorn. The game went into extra innings, and the teams traded runs again in the 11th and 12th innings.
The game finally ended in the bottom of the 19th inning when David Ortiz hit a walk-off RBI single to drive in Kevin Millar and give the Red Sox a 7-5 victory. The game lasted a total of six hours and forty-nine minutes, and a record 538 pitches were thrown.
Game 3 of the 2005 ALCS was an epic battle between two of the best teams in baseball. The game was a testament to the endurance and tenacity of both teams, and it will be remembered for years to come as one of the most memorable playoff games in history.
Fenway Park, Boston
Fenway Park is a historic baseball stadium located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the home of the Boston Red Sox, and it is one of the most iconic ballparks in all of baseball.
- Opened in 1912
Fenway Park opened on April 20, 1912, and it has been the home of the Red Sox ever since. The ballpark has undergone several renovations over the years, but it has retained its classic charm.
- Known as the "Cathedral of Baseball"
Fenway Park is known as the "Cathedral of Baseball" because of its long history and its unique atmosphere. The ballpark is steeped in tradition, and it is a beloved landmark in Boston.
- Hosted the longest playoff baseball game in history
Fenway Park hosted the longest playoff baseball game in history on October 18, 2005. The game between the Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox lasted 19 innings and spanned six hours and forty-nine minutes. The Red Sox won the game 7-5 on a walk-off RBI single by David Ortiz.
- Is one of the most iconic ballparks in baseball
Fenway Park is one of the most iconic ballparks in baseball. It is a beloved landmark in Boston, and it is a must-see for any baseball fan.
Fenway Park is a special place for baseball fans. It is a historic ballpark with a unique atmosphere, and it is home to one of the most passionate fan bases in all of baseball. Fenway Park is a true cathedral of baseball, and it is a must-see for any baseball fan.
Attendance: 34,493
The longest playoff baseball game in history, which was played between the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox on October 18, 2005, was attended by 34,493 fans.
This was a sellout crowd, as Fenway Park has a capacity of 37,755. The crowd was electric throughout the game, and they were treated to a classic playoff battle.
The game was played on a Tuesday night, and it was the third game of the ALCS. The Red Sox had won the first two games of the series at home, and the White Sox were looking to get back into the series. The game was a back-and-forth affair, and it was tied 5-5 after nine innings.
The game went into extra innings, and the crowd stayed engaged throughout. The Red Sox and White Sox traded runs in the 11th and 12th innings, and the game was still tied 7-7 after 15 innings. The game finally ended in the bottom of the 19th inning when David Ortiz hit a walk-off RBI single to give the Red Sox a 9-7 victory.
The crowd at Fenway Park that night witnessed one of the most epic playoff games in baseball history. The game lasted six hours and forty-nine minutes, and it was a testament to the endurance and tenacity of both teams.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the longest playoff baseball game in history:
Question 1: When was the longest playoff baseball game played?
Answer: The longest playoff baseball game was played on October 18, 2005, between the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox in Game 3 of the ALCS.
Question 2: How long did the game last?
Answer: The game lasted six hours and forty-nine minutes, and it spanned 19 innings.
Question 3: Who won the game?
Answer: The Red Sox won the game 7-5 on a walk-off RBI single by David Ortiz.
Question 4: How many pitches were thrown in the game?
Answer: A record 538 pitches were thrown in the game.
Question 5: Who was the starting pitcher for the Red Sox?
Answer: Curt Schilling was the starting pitcher for the Red Sox.
Question 6: Who was the starting pitcher for the White Sox?
Answer: Mark Buehrle was the starting pitcher for the White Sox.
Question 7: What was the attendance for the game?
Answer: The game was attended by a sellout crowd of 34,493 fans.
This game was a truly epic battle between two of the best teams in baseball. It is a game that will be remembered for years to come.
Here are some tips for watching a long playoff baseball game:
Tips
Watching a long playoff baseball game can be a great way to spend an evening, but it can also be a bit of a challenge. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Tip 1: Be prepared for a long game. The longest playoff baseball game in history lasted six hours and forty-nine minutes, so be sure to set aside plenty of time to watch the game. You may also want to bring some snacks and drinks to keep you going.
Tip 2: Find a comfortable place to watch the game. You're going to be sitting in one place for a long time, so make sure you find a comfortable spot to watch the game. You may want to consider investing in a good chair or couch.
Tip 3: Take breaks throughout the game. It's important to take breaks throughout the game to stretch your legs and get your eyes off the screen. You may also want to take a break to grab a snack or use the restroom.
Tip 4: Stay engaged with the game. It can be easy to get distracted during a long game, but it's important to stay engaged with the game. You can do this by following the game on social media, listening to the radio broadcast, or talking to friends about the game.
Following these tips will help you make the most of your experience watching a long playoff baseball game.
The longest playoff baseball game in history was a truly epic battle between two of the best teams in baseball. It is a game that will be remembered for years to come.
Conclusion
The longest playoff baseball game in history was a truly epic battle between two of the best teams in baseball. The game lasted six hours and forty-nine minutes, spanned 19 innings, and featured a combined 538 pitches. The Red Sox ultimately emerged victorious, winning 7-5 on a walk-off RBI single by David Ortiz.
The game was a testament to the endurance and tenacity of both teams. The Red Sox and White Sox traded leads throughout the game, and neither team gave up. The game was also a reminder of the importance of never giving up, even when the odds are stacked against you.
The longest playoff baseball game in history will be remembered for years to come as one of the most memorable games in baseball history. It is a game that showed the best of what baseball has to offer: excitement, drama, and suspense.
The next time you watch a long playoff baseball game, remember the longest playoff baseball game in history. It is a game that will inspire you to never give up on your dreams, no matter how long the odds may seem.