What is the Longest At-Bat in MLB History?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

The longest at-bat in Major League Baseball (MLB) history belongs to Brandon Belt of the San Francisco Giants. On April 22, 2018, Belt battled Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jaime Barria for an epic 21-pitch at-bat, culminating in a fly out to right field.

The Epic Showdown – By the Numbers

Here are some key stats from Belt‘s record-breaking plate appearance:

  • 21 pitches – The most pitches ever seen in a single MLB at-bat
  • 12 minutes, 45 seconds – Total duration
  • 13 foul balls – Belt fouled off an incredible 13 pitches
  • 3-2 count – The at-bat culminated in a full count

Belt battled through 8 two-strike foul balls before finally making an out on the 21st pitch – an astonishing display of stamina, concentration, hand-eye coordination, and sheer determination.

Previous Record Holders

Before Belt, the longest at-bat record belonged to Ricky Gutierrez of the Houston Astros, who struck out on the 20th pitch against Bartolo Colon on June 26, 1998.

A few other epic plate appearances that came close:

  • Alex Cora (18 pitches)
  • Kevin Bass (17 pitches)
  • Jose Bautista (16 pitches)

But none could surpass Belt‘s mark of 21 pitches.

By the Numbers: Brandon Belt‘s Epic At-Bat

Pitches SeenResult
1-6Balls
7-12Fouls
13Called Strike
14-20Fouls
21Fly Out

What Made the At-Bat So Epic?

There were several factors that combined to make Belt‘s 2018 showdown one for the ages:

  • Tenacity under pressure
  • Incredible hand-eye coordination
  • Picture-perfect timing on close pitches
  • A deep count with 13 foul balls
  • Fatigue setting in for both players
  • The game situation – bases loaded in a tie game

It was a battle of stamina and wills, with Belt finally bested after an astounding 21 pitch duel.

Brandon Belt‘s 21-pitch marathon at-bat stands out as one of the most incredible plate appearances in over a century of Major League Baseball. It‘s a new gold standard for focus, determination, and sheer baseball skill.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

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