Longest MLB Playoff Game

In the annals of Major League Baseball (MLB) history, several games stand out for their extraordinary length and captivating drama. One such contest that forever etched itself into the annals of the sport is the marathon battle between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals in the 1945 World Series.

The stage was set at Wrigley Field on October 3, 1945, for the second game of the Fall Classic. The Cardinals, led by legendary slugger Stan Musial, had won the series opener, while the Cubs, under the guidance of manager Pat Moran, were eager to level the score.

Longest MLB Playoff Game

Key Points:

• 1945 World Series, Game 2
• Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals
• 26 innings, 8 hours and 45 minutes
• Longest MLB playoff game ever
• Stan Musial's 13th-inning home run
• Enos Slaughter's game-winning RBI in the 16th
• Cubs' Phil Cavarretta's record-tying 7 hits

This epic contest remains etched in baseball lore as a testament to the indomitable spirit and endurance of the players involved.

1945 World Series, Game 2

The 1945 World Series, Game 2, between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals stands as the longest playoff game in MLB history, spanning 26 innings and lasting a grueling 8 hours and 45 minutes.

The marathon battle began on October 3, 1945, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The Cardinals took an early lead, but the Cubs fought back to tie the game in the 9th inning. Both teams traded runs in extra innings, with Stan Musial's solo home run in the 13th inning giving the Cardinals a brief advantage.

The game remained deadlocked until the 16th inning, when Cardinals' Enos Slaughter scored the winning run on a single by Harry Walker. Slaughter's hustle and determination to score from first base on a shallow hit became one of the most iconic moments in World Series history.

The Cubs' Phil Cavarretta had a remarkable performance, tying a World Series record with seven hits in the game. Despite their valiant effort, the Cubs were ultimately defeated by the Cardinals, who went on to win the World Series in seven games.

Chicago Clubs vs. St. Louis Browns

The Chicago Clubs entered the 1945 World Series as heavy favorites, having won 98 games during the regular season. Led by All-Stars such as Phil Cavarretta, Stan Hack, and Andy Pafko, the Clubs were known for their offensive firepower and solid pitching.

The St. Louis Browns, on the other hand, were considered significant underdogs. They had finished the season with a record of 71-81 and had not won a World Series since 1926. However, the Browns had a few key players, including future Hall of Famer Bob Elliott and slugger Vern Stephens.

The two teams split the first two games of the series in Chicago, setting the stage for the marathon Game 2. The Browns ultimately prevailed in the epic contest, giving them a 2-1 lead in the series.

Despite their loss in Game 2, the Clubs rallied to win the next three games and claim the World Series title. The Browns' victory remains one of the most significant upsets in World Series history.

26 innings, 8 hours and 45 minutes

The 1945 World Series, Game 2, stands as the longest playoff game in MLB history, spanning 26 innings and lasting a grueling 8 hours and 45 minutes.

The marathon contest tested the endurance of both teams, as they battled through extra innings with no end in sight. Pitchers from both sides threw over 400 pitches, and the game featured a combined 55 hits and 11 walks.

The game's length had a significant impact on the strategies of both managers. Cardinals manager Billy Southworth used a total of 10 pitchers during the game, while Cubs manager Pat Moran used 8. Both managers were forced to use position players to pitch in the later innings.

Despite the game's extraordinary length, it remained captivating throughout, with both teams showing incredible determination and resilience. The game ultimately ended with Enos Slaughter's game-winning RBI in the 16th inning, giving the Cardinals a 4-3 victory and a 2-1 lead in the World Series.

Longest MLB playoff game ever

1945 World Series, Game 2

• Duration: 26 innings, 8 hours and 45 minutes

The 1945 World Series, Game 2, between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals, is the longest playoff game in MLB history. The game began on October 3, 1945, and ended in the early morning hours of October 4.

The Cubs entered the game as heavy favorites, but the Cardinals ultimately prevailed in the marathon contest.

Brecheen pitched the final 7 innings of the game, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 6 batters.

Passeau pitched the final 3 innings of the game for the Cubs, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits.

The 1945 World Series, Game 2, remains one of the most memorable games in MLB history, and its legacy as the longest playoff game ever played continues to endure.

Stan Musial's 13th-inning home run

In the bottom of the 13th inning of the 1945 World Series, Game 2, with the Cardinals trailing 3-2, Stan Musial stepped up to the plate against Cubs pitcher Claude Passeau.

Musial, already a two-time National League MVP, had been struggling in the series, but he came through with a clutch home run that tied the game and gave the Cardinals a boost of momentum.

Musial's home run was a towering shot to left-center field, and it landed in the bleachers for a solo homer. The Cardinals dugout erupted in cheers, and the crowd at Wrigley Field gave Musial a standing ovation.

Musial's home run proved to be a turning point in the game, as the Cardinals went on to win in the 16th inning. Musial's heroics helped the Cardinals take a 2-1 lead in the series, and they eventually went on to win their sixth World Series title.

Enos Slaughter's game-winning RBI in the 16th

In the bottom of the 16th inning of the 1945 World Series, Game 2, with the Cardinals trailing 3-4, Enos Slaughter came to the plate with runners on first and second and two outs.

Slaughter, a speedy outfielder, had already made several key plays in the game, including a diving catch in the top of the 16th inning that saved a run.

Cubs pitcher Hank Wyse threw a fastball down the middle, and Slaughter lined it into right field. Cubs right fielder Phil Cavarretta fielded the ball cleanly, but his throw to home plate was wide, allowing Harry Walker to score the winning run.

Slaughter's game-winning RBI gave the Cardinals a 4-3 victory and a 2-1 lead in the World Series. Slaughter's hustle and determination to score from first base on a shallow hit became one of the most iconic moments in World Series history.

Cubs' Phil Cavarretta's record-tying 7 hits

In the marathon 1945 World Series, Game 2, Cubs shortstop Phil Cavarretta had a remarkable performance at the plate, collecting a record-tying 7 hits in the game.

Cavarretta's 7 hits included 3 singles, 3 doubles, and a triple. He also scored 2 runs and drove in 1 RBI.

Cavarretta's performance helped the Cubs stay in the game, as they battled back from a 3-0 deficit to tie the game in the 9th inning. However, the Cardinals ultimately prevailed in the 16th inning.

Despite the Cubs' loss, Cavarretta's record-tying performance remains one of the most impressive individual offensive performances in World Series history.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the longest playoff MLB game:

Question 1: When and where was the longest playoff MLB game played?
Answer: The longest playoff MLB game was played on October 3-4, 1945, between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Question 2: How long did the game last?
Answer: The game lasted 26 innings and 8 hours and 45 minutes.

Question 3: Who won the game?
Answer: The St. Louis Cardinals won the game 4-3.

Question 4: Who was the winning pitcher?
Answer: Harry Brecheen was the winning pitcher for the Cardinals.

Question 5: Who was the losing pitcher?
Answer: Claude Passeau was the losing pitcher for the Cubs.

Question 6: Are there any other notable facts about the game?
Answer: Yes, Cubs shortstop Phil Cavarretta tied a World Series record with 7 hits in the game, and Cardinals outfielder Enos Slaughter scored the winning run in the 16th inning on a shallow hit to right field.

Question 7: What is the significance of the game?
Answer: The 1945 World Series, Game 2, remains the longest playoff game in MLB history and is considered one of the most memorable games ever played.

The marathon contest is a testament to the endurance and determination of the players involved, and it continues to captivate baseball fans to this day.

Tips

Here are a few tips for staying engaged and informed about the longest playoff MLB game:

1. Watch the game live or on demand. The best way to experience the full drama and excitement of the game is to watch it live. However, if you can't watch it live, you can always watch it on demand later.

2. Read about the game online. There are many websites and blogs that provide in-depth coverage of the game, including play-by-play accounts, analysis, and interviews with players and coaches.

3. Listen to the game on the radio. If you're unable to watch the game, you can always listen to it on the radio. Many radio stations broadcast MLB games live, and you can also find podcasts of the game after it has aired.

4. Follow the game on social media. Many MLB teams and players have active social media accounts, and they often provide updates and insights on the game throughout the day.

By following these tips, you can stay up-to-date on all the latest developments in the longest playoff MLB game and enjoy this historic event to the fullest.

The marathon contest is a testament to the endurance and determination of the players involved, and it continues to captivate baseball fans to this day.

Conclusion

The 1945 World Series, Game 2, between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals stands as the longest playoff game in MLB history, and it remains one of the most memorable games ever played.

The game was a marathon contest that lasted 26 innings and 8 hours and 45 minutes, and it featured several dramatic moments, including Stan Musial's 13th-inning home run and Enos Slaughter's game-winning RBI in the 16th inning.

The game is a testament to the endurance and determination of the players involved, and it continues to captivate baseball fans to this day. It is a reminder that anything is possible in baseball, and that even the longest games can produce unforgettable moments.