If you were watching World Series baseball on October 26, 2018, you were fortunate enough to witness history. Even if you aren’t a Los Angeles Dodger (though I am not sure exactly what that is) or a Boston Red Sock (also not sure if the singular of Sox is Sock), witnessing history should be on most everybody’s bucket list.
Like most earth-shattering events, this game had its fair share of historical accomplishments. It was the longest post season game in history. From the first pitch to final breathtaking homerun in the 18th inning, game 3 of the best of 7 series lasted 7 hours and 20 minutes. Seriously! 7 hours and 20 minutes (It’s more dramatic if I repeat it – I’m not really repeating it, I’m retyping it for dramatic reasons – O well – you understand what I mean)! Amazingly, this game was longer than the entire 1939 World Series!
While the length of the game was impressive, some of the stats were even more impressive. Combined, the teams used 46 players and 18 pitchers, both World Series records. There were 161 plate appearances. And, maybe the most astonishing record was the 561 pitches. Yes! 561 pitches.
If you’re a baseball fan, but especially if you’re not – you know how long and painful and arduous 561 pitches can take. This game, although I’m sure was thrilling for the athletes who had to wait hours for any semblance of action, must have been the most painful spectacle in sports all year. 7 hours and 20 minutes of painful anticipation for the riveting 3-2 win.
While a few of you patiently anticipated the storybook walk off home run that thankfully ended the game, the rest of you tried unsuccessfully to stay awake or did your online banking or scheduled that colonoscopy you’ve been delaying.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a diehard baseball fan. I still remember Joe Carter bounding around the bases after his walk-off home run, delivering a second World Series ring to my hometown – so please don’t call me a hater. But seriously – 7 hours and 20 minutes for a 3-2 score.
Maybe I’m being a little harsh, but it’s clear to me that Baseball’s commissioner may want to consider some updates to make the game more exciting. Baseball can definitely learn from other sports: football increased scoring by not allowing geriatric quarterbacks to be hit, hockey has thrown in Mayweather style boxing matches to spice things up, basketball outlawed defense and soccer (o.k. not a good example, but you get my point).
On the other hand, there aren’t many things more American than Baseball. Being distracted for 7 hours and 20 minutes from all the drama that is happening in our country is probably not that bad of a thing. If the worse thing we can do is argue about being a Dodger or a Red Sock, that probably is far better than arguing about being a Republican or Democrat!
On that note – I’m going to go watch paint dry.
Slightly different!
Doc mu