Baseball might not have a game clock, but that doesn’t mean it can’t test your endurance. As yesterday’s Dodgers vs. Blue Jays proves, yet again, some World Series games don’t just flirt with midnight; they blow past it. From Babe Ruth throwing 14 innings in wool pants to Freddie Freeman sending fans home after six-and-a-half hours of chaos, these marathons simply remind us why October baseball is the best. So grab some coffee and settle in, let’s talk about the longest World Series games ever played (via USA Today).

5. Game 1, 2015 – Royals vs. MetsNew York Mets pitcher Bartolo Colon (40) throws out Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) in the 12th inning in game one of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. New York Mets pitcher Bartolo Colon (40) throws out Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) in the 12th inning in game one of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY SportsDate: October 27, 2015Venue: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MODuration: 14 innings — 5 hours 09 minutes

Talk about setting the tone early — the 2015 World Series started with a 14-inning thriller where the Royals hard won the battle 5-4 in one of the longest World Series games ever. Alcides Escobar hit an inside-the-park homer on the first pitch of the game (yes, the *first pitch!*), and the rest was pure chaos. While Eric Hosmer’s sacrifice fly in the 14th sealed it for Kansas City, Game 1 set the tone early for the incredible series.

4. Game 3, 2005 – White Sox vs. AstrosHouston Astros shortstop (28) Adam Everett is congratulated by teammate (7) Craig Biggio(not pictured) after turning a double play in the 5th inning during game 1 of the World Series against the Chicago White Sox at US Cellular Field in Chicago, IL.Houston Astros shortstop (28) Adam Everett is congratulated by teammate (7) Craig Biggio(not pictured) after turning a double play in the 5th inning during game 1 of the World Series against the Chicago White Sox at US Cellular Field in Chicago, IL. Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2005 Jerry LaiDate: October 25, 2005Venue: Minute Maid Park, Houston, TXDuration: 14 innings — 5 hours 41 minutes

This one had everything — lead changes, clutch hits and a bullpen that probably still hasn’t recovered. The White Sox outlasted the Astros in Houston thanks to Geoff Blum’s go-ahead homer in the 14th, but the game took nearly six hours, and by the end, fans were either cheering or snoozing in their seats. It was no surprise, thus when Chicago went on to sweep the Series, but the tone was set, rightly so, at Game 3.

3. Game 2, 1916 – Red Sox vs. Brooklyn RobinsDate: October 9, 1916Venue: Braves Field, Boston, MADuration: 14 innings — 2 hours 32 minutes

A little trip back in time when men wore wool uniforms and nobody had pitch counts. Babe Ruth — yes, *that* Babe Ruth — pitched all 14 innings himself and won 2-1 for the Red Sox. Nevertheless, it’s still wild to think this 14-inning game finished faster than some nine-inning games today. Food for thought, maybe?

2. Game 3, 2025 – Dodgers vs. Blue JaysLos Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) strikes out during the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game four of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) strikes out during the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game four of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesDate: October 27–28, 2025Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CADuration: 18 innings — 6 hours 39 minutes

Now, we are talking! 2025’s World Series Game will remain etched in history for more than one reason — the duration of the game being one of the major highlights. For the second time in history (more on that later) Dodgers played a whopping 18-inning World Series game, where they defeated the Blue Jays 6-5, after making the fans feel it would never end. Freddie Freeman finally walked it off in the 18th with a bomb to right field, sending everyone home bleary-eyed but happy. Shohei Ohtani reached base nine times and broke a few more records because, well, that’s just what he does. Over 600 pitches were thrown. 

1. Game 3, 2018 – Dodgers vs. Red SoxBoston Red Sox second baseman Brock Holt hits a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning in game four of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium.Boston Red Sox second baseman Brock Holt hits a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning in game four of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium. Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY SportsDate: October 26, 2018Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CADuration: 18 innings — 7 hours 20 minutes

If yesterday’s game felt like a never-ending affair, then I wonder where this one stands! In our topmost contender for the longest World Series game, the Dodgers and Red Sox basically played two full games in one night. Max Muncy finally ended it in the 18th with a solo homer, and the L.A. crowd went absolutely nuts — or maybe delirious from being awake past midnight. It still remains the *longest* World Series game ever by time, though. 

Final thoughtsLos Angeles Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill (44) reacts after walking Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (not pictured) in the seventh inning in game four of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium.Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill (44) reacts after walking Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (not pictured) in the seventh inning in game four of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Baseball might be the only sport where time doesn’t matter — until it really, really does. These epic World Series marathons prove that sometimes the best moments come long after everyone thought the game should’ve ended.