Pawtucket's 33-inning baseball epic becomes sport's longest marathon

The legendary PawSox game at McCoy Stadium still stands as the longest in professional baseball history.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:40am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors, depicting the action and energy of a baseball game through sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, without any recognizable figures or text.A cubist interpretation of the legendary 33-inning baseball marathon at McCoy Stadium, capturing the game's enduring spirit and the stadium's unique place in local history.Providence Today

Pawtucket's 33-inning baseball game at McCoy Stadium in 1981 remains the longest professional game ever played, with a small crowd of diehards and future Hall of Famers witnessing the late-night heroics and quirky mishaps that cemented the stadium's place in baseball lore. The story revisits this historic game on its 45th anniversary.

Why it matters

The Pawtucket game has become one of the most unforgettable moments in baseball history, showcasing the endurance and dedication of the players, coaches, and fans who persevered through the marathon event. It highlights the unique character and history of McCoy Stadium, which has played a significant role in the local community and the sport of baseball.

The details

The game between the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rochester Red Wings began on April 18, 1981, and continued into the early morning hours of April 19th, lasting a total of 33 innings. It featured late-night heroics, quirky mishaps, and a small but dedicated crowd of fans who witnessed future Hall of Famers like Wade Boggs and Cal Ripken Jr. compete in the historic event.

  • The game began on April 18, 1981.
  • The game continued into the early morning hours of April 19, 1981.
  • The game lasted a total of 33 innings, making it the longest professional baseball game ever played.

The players

Pawtucket Red Sox

The minor league baseball team that played in the game against the Rochester Red Wings.

Rochester Red Wings

The minor league baseball team that played in the game against the Pawtucket Red Sox.

Wade Boggs

A future Hall of Fame baseball player who competed in the 33-inning game as a member of the Pawtucket Red Sox.

Cal Ripken Jr.

A future Hall of Fame baseball player who competed in the 33-inning game as a member of the Rochester Red Wings.

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What’s next

The 45th anniversary of the historic 33-inning game between the Pawtucket Red Sox and Rochester Red Wings will be celebrated this year, with the local community and baseball fans reflecting on the enduring legacy of this remarkable event.

The takeaway

The Pawtucket game has become a symbol of the enduring spirit and passion of baseball, demonstrating the dedication and perseverance of the players, coaches, and fans who came together to witness and participate in this historic event. It serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of the sport and the unique character of McCoy Stadium, which has played a significant role in the local community and the history of the game.