1981 – Dave Koza drives in Marty Barrett with a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 33rd inning, giving Pawtucket a 3 – 2 win over Rochester and ending the longest game in professional baseball history. The game had been suspended April 19th after 32 innings and eight hours, seven minutes of play, but the continuation takes only 18 minutes to complete. Bob Ojeda pitches one inning to earn the win. Future major league stars Wade Boggs and Cal Ripken Jr. go a combined 6 for 25.

ByTom

1981 – Dave Koza drives in Marty Barrett with a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 33rd inning, giving Pawtucket a 3 – 2 win over Rochester and ending the longest game in professional baseball history. The game had been suspended April 19th after 32 innings and eight hours, seven minutes of play, but the continuation takes only 18 minutes to complete. Bob Ojeda pitches one inning to earn the win. Future major league stars Wade Boggs and Cal Ripken Jr. go a combined 6 for 25.

Pawtucket Red Sox and Rochester Red Wings complete the longest game in professional baseball history

Pawtucket Red Sox and Rochester Red Wings complete the longest game in professional baseball history

ByThis Day in Baseball

On June 23, 1981, the Pawtucket Red Sox and Rochester Red Wings complete the longest game in professional baseball history. Dave Koza’s bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 33rd inning gives Pawtucket a 3-2 win. The game features several future major league stars, including Cal Ripken Jr.

Thirteen games are canceled in the major leagues due to the players’ strike as Major League Baseball experiences its first in-season work stoppage. The 50-day strike, which will end on July 31, results in 712 games not being played. Thirteen games are canceled in the major leagues due to the players’ strike.

ByTom

On June 12 1981, Thirteen games are canceled in the major leagues due to the players’ strike as Major League Baseball experiences its first in-season work stoppage. The 50-day strike, which will end on July 31, results in 712 games not being played. Thirteen games are canceled in the major leagues due to the players’ strike.

The Mariners’ 8-2 victory over the Orioles played in the Kingdome will be the last game played before the major league players go on strike over the issue of compensation for free-agents. Baseball’s fifth work stoppage will last for 50 days, resulting in 712 games being missed.

ByTom

The Mariners’ 8-2 victory over the Orioles played in the Kingdome will be the last game played before the major league players go on strike over the issue of compensation for free-agents. Baseball’s fifth work stoppage will last for 50 days, resulting in 712 games being missed.

In St. Louis‚ the Cardinals beat Fernando Valenzuela, 2 – 1‚ but the Dodgers still are a half-game in front of Cincinnati a day before the players’ strike begins. The Reds (35-21) win their 7th straight‚ topping the Mets‚ 2 – 1‚ in New York.

ByBaseball

On June 11, 1981 In St. Louis‚ the Cardinals beat Fernando Valenzuela, 2 – 1‚ but the Dodgers still are a half-game in front of Cincinnati a day before the players’ strike begins. The Reds (35-21) win their 7th straight‚ topping the Mets‚ 2 – 1‚ in New York.

The White Sox beat the Yankees, 3 – 2‚ handing pitcher Doug Bird his first loss since August 16‚ 1978. The journeyman righthander had won 12 consecutive decisions.

ByBaseball

On June 11, 1981 The White Sox beat the Yankees, 3 – 2‚ handing pitcher Doug Bird his first loss since August 16‚ 1978. The journeyman righthander had won 12 consecutive decisions.

Pete Rose of Philadelphia singles against Nolan Ryan to tie Stan Musial for the most hits in league history (3,630)

ByThis Day in Baseball

1981 – Pete Rose of Philadelphia singles against Nolan Ryan to tie Stan Musial for the most hits in league history (3,630). Ryan would fan Rose in his final three at-bats before a two-month strike begins the next day. The strike is one day too late for Frank LaCortewho blows a 4-0 lead in a 5-4 Phillies verdict. 

Pete Rose of the Philadelphia Phillies ties Stan Musial for the most hits in National League history

Pete Rose of the Philadelphia Phillies ties Stan Musial for the most hits in National League history

ByThis Day in Baseball

  On June 10, 1981,  The Philadelphia Phillies’ Pete Rose hits a single in the 1st inning off Nolan Ryan that gives him 3,630 hits, tying Stan Musial’s National League mark. The Phillies beat the Houston Astros, 5 – 4, before more than 57,000 fans at Veterans Stadium.

 Seattle takes Mike Moore with the first pick overall in the annual amateur draft. The Cubs take Joe Carter with the 2nd pick while the Angels take Dick Schofield third.

 Seattle takes Mike Moore with the first pick overall in the annual amateur draft. The Cubs take Joe Carter with the 2nd pick while the Angels take Dick Schofield third.

ByThis Day in Baseball

1981 – Seattle takes Mike Moore with the first pick overall in the annual amateur draft. The Cubs take Joe Carter with the 2nd pick while the Angels take Dick Schofield third.