April 1928: Biggest Baseball Blowout in US History Happened in Iowa

The highest scoring baseball game in high school history was played April 25, 1928, when Atlantic defeated nearby Griswold by a final score 109-0. As you can probably imagine, this game produced an incredible number of all-time records that still stand.

According to Maxpreps, Atlantic banged-out 92 base hits, including 16 home runs, 26 doubles and seven triples. Atlantic also stole 113 bases. Griswold didn’t help themselves out defensively, committing 22 errors.

Atlantic’s pitcher, Don King, threw a no-hitter. He also led Atlantic offensively, bashing 15 hits, two home runs, two doubles and 19 stolen bases.

You can view two box scores for the game HERE. Despite giving up 109 runs, Griswold’s starting pitcher went the distance and allowed 92 hits. I wonder how many pitches he threw in that game and if his arm literally fell off of his shoulder after the game ended.

Currently, in Iowa, 10th-12th graders may only throw 180 pitches in a week. Also, in 1928, there wasn't a "Mercy Rule." In the present time, a 10 run rule is in effect when the home team is ahead by 10 or more runs after 4 ½ innings or after 5 complete innings with the visiting team leading by 10 or more runs. Any varsity game involving a 15 or more run differential after 3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead, or 4 innings if the visiting team is ahead will be called off.

Here are the records for the game that are included in the National Federation of High Schools Record Book:

Most Runs in a Game: Atlantic, 109
Most Runs in a Game, Both Teams: 109 (Atlantic 109, Griswold 0)
Most Doubles in a Game One Team: Atlantic, 26
Most Hits in a Game, Both Teams: 92 (Atlantic 92, Griswold 0)
Most Home Runs in a Game, Both Teams: 16 (Atlantic 16, Griswold 0)
Most Home Runs in a Game: Atlantic, 16