Second time capsule discovered at McCoy Stadium, honors historic 33-inning game

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Crews demolishing McCoy Stadium have uncovered a second time capsule, this one honoring one of the most iconic moments in baseball history.

The capsule commemorates the longest professional baseball game ever played, a 33-inning battle between the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rochester Red Wings that unfolded at McCoy in 1981. The game, which stretched over two days and ended in a 3-2 PawSox victory, remains a legendary moment in both minor and major league baseball lore.

The discovery was announced by Shawmut Design and Construction, the firm overseeing the stadium’s demolition. It comes just a week after another capsule was found, dating back to 1940 when Mayor Thomas McCoy placed it during the stadium’s construction.

Both capsules will be opened during a public ceremony on June 23, the 44th anniversary of the historic game’s conclusion. Demolition of the stadium is almost completed.

The Pawtucket Red Sox, affectionately known as the PawSox, were a storied part of both Rhode Island’s and New England’s baseball history. For nearly five decades, they were the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, offering fans a close look at some of the future stars of Major League Baseball. The team’s history is filled with memorable moments, unforgettable players, and a deep connection to the local community. Although the team relocated to Worcester, Massachusetts, in 2021, the legacy of the PawSox remains an indelible part of the region’s sports culture.