Taking a look back at the longest game in Chicago Cubs history

The 2023 MLB season is just a couple weeks away, and the rule changes are already making a massive impact in spring training. As a refresher, here is a breakdown of the rule changes for the upcoming campaign. The biggest, and most controversial change is the newly-instituted pitch clock. Hitters need to be alert and ready with at least 8 seconds left, or it is an automatic strike.

Hitters that have normally taken their time getting into the box are going to have to make a major adjustment. The newest shortstop for the Chicago Cubs, Dansby Swanson, is not particularly fond of the pitch clock. However, it is an adjustment everyone will have to make.

There have been mixed reactions to the pitch clock around the league and with fans, but the rule change is working as intended. Jeff Passan of ESPN recently tweeted out some game statistics that are being affected by the pitch clock.

The purpose of the pitch clock is to shorten the game time and keep fans engaged. That is clearly happening. The rule changes are having an effect on every game, and it is just something all players and fans will have to get used to.

Let's look back at the longest game in Chicago Cubs history

With all that said, the Cubs have played in some very long games over the years. It is highly unlikely we will see any games run unbearably long going forward, but back on July 29, 2014, that is exactly what happened when the Cubs hosted the Colorado Rockies in a night game. The game lasted a total of 6 hours and 27 minutes, and ended just before 2:00 AM CT. The 16-inning thriller saw the Cubs walk off the Rockies on a Starlin Castro sacrifice fly.

Chicago's lineup featured Emilio Bonifacio in the leadoff spot, Anthony Rizzo batting third, Starlin Castro hitting cleanup, Welling Castillo behind the dish and Junior Lake (when is the last time you heard that name?) playing center field. Journeyman pitcher Edwin Jackson started the game and went just four innings forcing the bullpen to pick up the final 12. Backup catcher John Baker came in after the Cubs ran out of bullpen arms and got the win.

Bonifacio went 4-for-7 at the plate including a home run and a double. Rizzo and Castro also had multi-hit games with Castro driving in the winning run as mentioned before. Jackson gave up three first-inning runs, but the Cubs did not allow another run the rest of the game. After 16 innings and nearly six-and-a-half hours of baseball, the Cubs sent what was left of the crowd home with a 4-3 victory.

It's a near-guarantee Cubs fans will not see a game last over six hours with the new rule changes. However, that may not be such a bad thing. Staying up until 2 in the morning isn't anything anyone needs - at least not to watch a ballgame. The pitch clock may not be loved by everybody, but there is definitely some upside to the new rule.