GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Mlb Game Duration Statistics

The average MLB game duration is around 3 hours.

Last Updated: June 20, 2024

How we write

In this post, we explore the evolving trends in the duration of Major League Baseball (MLB) games over the years. From the shortest game in MLB history lasting just 51 minutes to the longest marathon game clocking in at over 8 hours, we delve into the statistics behind the average game lengths from 1919 to the present day. Follow along as we uncover the intriguing patterns and changes in MLB game durations through the decades.

Statistic 1

"The average Major League Baseball game in 2021 lasted 3 hours and 10 minutes."

Statistic 2

"In 2020, the average duration of a MLB game was 3 hours and 5 minutes."

Statistic 3

"In 2019, the average length of a MLB game was 3 hours and 10 minutes, tying with the record set in 2017."

Statistic 4

"In 2018, the average MLB game duration was 3 hours and 10 minutes."

Statistic 5

"In 2017, 9-inning games averaged 3 hours and 5 minutes."

Statistic 6

"From 2006 - 16, the average MLB game time increased by almost 10 minutes."

Statistic 7

"In 1981, the average MLB game duration was just 2 hours and 38 minutes."

Statistic 8

"In 2014, the average time of a nine-inning MLB game was a record 3 hours, 2 minutes."

Statistic 9

"The longest recorded MLB game in history lasted a staggering 8 hours and 6 minutes."

Statistic 10

"Speed-up rule changes in 2015 aimed to reduce the average game time, succeeding marginally by 6 minutes."

Statistic 11

"The shortest 9-inning game in MLB history took just 51 minutes to complete."

Statistic 12

"In 2015, the average game time was 2 hours and 56 minutes."

Statistic 13

"MLB games were longest in 2019, on average, despite the 'pitch clock' experiment."

Statistic 14

"Two-thirds of MLB games in 2018 lasted longer than 3 hours."

Statistic 15

"In 1919, the average MLB game lasted just under 2 hours."

Statistic 16

"The 2021 MLB postseason games averaged over 4 hours in length."

Statistic 17

"About 45% of MLB games in 2019 lasted 3 hours or less."

Statistic 18

"The average MLB game in the 1970s lasted under 2 hours and 30 minutes."

Statistic 19

"The longest 9-inning game in MLB history, not including delays, was 4 hours and 45 minutes in 2006."

In conclusion, the duration of Major League Baseball games has shown fluctuations over the years, with an overall trend towards longer game times. From the 1980s to the early 2000s, there was a noticeable increase in game length, with efforts to shorten games implemented in recent years having only marginal success. The data also highlights outliers, such as the longest recorded game lasting over 8 hours. It is evident that factors such as rule changes, game strategy, and other external influences play a role in the varying lengths of MLB games.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik is the Co-Founder of Gitnux and has been working in the digital space since 2016. He is specialized in content and tech.

Can You Trust Our Report?

The statistics are checked by us and then entered into the database. Our market data reports have been linked to by some of the largest publishers and companies on the Internet.

Learn more about our process here.