How Long Is a Baseball Game?
In this article
An MLB game lasts about 2 hours and 40 minutes on average since the pitch clock arrived in 2023, down from just over three hours the year before. Games at other levels are shorter because they have fewer innings: seven in high school and usually six in Little League.
Game length by level
| Level | Innings | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| MLB | 9 | About 2 hr 40 min |
| College | 9 | About 3 hours |
| High school | 7 | About 2 hours |
| Little League | 6 | 1½–2 hours, often with a time limit |
| T-ball / coach pitch | 4–6 | About 1 hour |
Youth and amateur leagues often add time limits ("no new inning after 1 hour 45 minutes") and the mercy rule to keep games short.
What makes a game run long
- Extra innings. Tied games keep going. Since 2020, MLB starts each extra half-inning with a runner on second, which ends most games within an inning or two.
- Pitching changes. Each new pitcher gets warm-up throws. MLB now requires most pitchers to face at least three batters.
- High scores and walks. More baserunners means more pitches.
- Replay reviews and weather delays. See instant replay in MLB.
- TV breaks between half-innings in broadcast games.
Record-long and record-short games
| Record | Game | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Most innings (MLB) | Brooklyn vs. Boston, 1920 | 26 innings, 1-1 tie |
| Longest by time (MLB) | White Sox vs. Brewers, 1984 | 25 innings, 8 hr 6 min |
| Longest pro game | Pawtucket vs. Rochester (minor league), 1981 | 33 innings |
| Shortest nine-inning MLB game | Giants vs. Phillies, 1919 | 51 minutes |
Planning your day at the ballpark
For an MLB game, plan on about three and a half hours from arrival to leaving: gates open 60 to 90 minutes before first pitch, and batting practice and the ceremonial first pitch happen before the game. For youth tournaments, pack tournament snacks and a water jug: a doubleheader can take most of the day.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How long is an MLB game?
About 2 hours and 40 minutes on average since the pitch clock was introduced in 2023, down from just over 3 hours in 2022.
How many innings are in a baseball game?
Nine in MLB and college, seven in high school, and usually six in Little League. Games tied after regulation go to extra innings.
How long is a high school baseball game?
Usually about two hours for seven innings, though many leagues also use time limits and mercy rules.
What was the longest MLB game ever?
By innings, a 26-inning game between Brooklyn and Boston in 1920 that ended in a 1-1 tie. By time, a 25-inning White Sox win over the Brewers in 1984 that lasted 8 hours and 6 minutes.
