As a baseball aficionado with a deep knowledge of the sport's history and its most intriguing moments, I'm delighted to delve into the question of the shortest baseball game ever played. The essence of baseball lies in its strategic depth and the ebb and flow of the game, which can sometimes lead to games that are both swift and memorable.

The game you've mentioned, the Monday night's Blue Jays-White Sox game, which lasted a remarkable 1 hour, 54 minutes, is indeed a testament to the fact that baseball can be played efficiently while still being engaging. However, when we talk about the shortest baseball game in terms of time, we need to consider several factors including the number of innings played, as a standard Major League Baseball (MLB) game consists of nine innings.

The game you're referring to between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies on September 28, 1919, is often cited as one of the shortest nine-inning games in MLB history. This game was played at the Polo Grounds and is notable for its brevity. The swiftness of this game can be attributed to a variety of factors, including efficient play by both teams, minimal delays, and perhaps a bit of luck in terms of the flow of the game.

However, to determine the absolute shortest baseball game ever played, we would need to consider all games, not just those that are nine innings long. For instance, games that are ended prematurely due to weather or other circumstances might technically be shorter in terms of elapsed time. Yet, these games are not typically recognized as the shortest because they did not complete the standard length of play.

It's also important to note that the pace of a game can vary greatly depending on the era. In the early days of baseball, games were often played at a faster pace due to less complex strategies and fewer interruptions. Over time, as the game has evolved, the average length of a baseball game has increased.

In modern times, efforts have been made to speed up the game and reduce downtime. This includes measures such as pitch clocks, restrictions on visits to the pitcher's mound, and other rules designed to keep the game moving at a brisk pace.

In conclusion, while the 1919 game between the Giants and the Phillies is a standout example of a fast-paced nine-inning game, the title of the shortest baseball game ever played is a bit more nuanced. It requires a look at both the number of innings completed and the total time elapsed, taking into account the unique circumstances of each game.

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Monday night's Blue Jays-White Sox game was a remarkable 1 hour, 54 minutes long, the shortest major-league game in four years. But what is the fastest nine-inning in MLB history? That would be the Sept. 28, 1919, game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies in the Polo Grounds.Jul 7, 2015read more >>