The Maximum Innings an MLB Pitcher Can Tackle in One Game

In Major League Baseball (MLB), the number of innings a pitcher can handle in a single game has been a topic of interest for fans and analysts alike.

This Record Holds a Piece of Baseball History

There is a tie for the most innings pitched in a single game, with Leon Cadore and Joe Oeschger each hitting 26 innings in a match that took place in May 1920. Cadore played for the Brooklyn Dodgers, while Oeschger represented the Boston Braves. These teams are still in existence, but they no longer play in the same cities. This record is unlikely to be broken given the current trend towards relief pitching and the rule changes that now place runners on base to start extra innings. The game concluded with a victory for Joe Oeschger, who had previously pitched 19 and 2/3 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies the previous year.

Modern Factors Influencing Pitcher Durations

Today, a pitcher's endurance is influenced by a variety of factors, including their ability to pitch effectively, the weather conditions, the number of long innings over 20 pitches, and their overall effectiveness against the opponent. Managers in contemporary baseball are less inclined to put pitchers through such extreme conditions due to the risk of injury.

A pitcher can remain in the game until the end, typically after 9 innings. However, the number of innings is not the sole determinant of how long a pitcher stays in the game; it is influenced by the number of pitches thrown, the specific weather conditions, and the length of innings. This explains why complete games, where a pitcher throws the entire game, are less common now compared to the past.

Historical Examples of Long-Lasting Performances

Historically, pitching performances that lasted beyond 9 innings have been rare. A notable example is the 1991 World Series Game 7, where Jack Morris of the Minnesota Twins threw all 10 innings. His pitching line read: 10 innings, 7 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks, 8 strikeouts, and 122 pitches. This game was the longest in a World Series seventh game ever.

The Evolution of Modern Baseball Pitching

With advancements in pitcher statistics and the ever-increasing awareness of injury prevention, it is highly unlikely that such long pitching performances will be replicated in modern baseball. The rarity of full-game efforts not only highlights the physical strain on pitchers but also underscores the trade-offs between winning games and preserving pitching talent for future games.

In conclusion, while the record of 26 innings is a historical milestone, the modern baseball landscape favors shorter pitch durations to protect pitchers for the long haul of the season. The endurance of pitchers has shifted from a feature of past games to a controlled and managed aspect of the sport.