5 MLB Records that Will NEVER be Broken

Major League Baseball is known for its history as the oldest league in the United States, dating back to the 19th century. Watching how the MLB has evolved over the years has been fascinating, but because of that evolution, many records in baseball will never be broken. The new age of analytics in baseball has led to a bigger focus on player’s health, and because of this, it simply isn’t possible or realistic to expect certain records to be broken.

I reviewed various records in the MLB and identified a few that will likely never be beaten, so let’s dive in.

5. MLB Most Consecutive Games – Cal Ripken Jr: 2,632

Cal Ripken Jr., famously known as baseball’s “Iron Man,” achieved an unmatched milestone by appearing in 2,632 consecutive games for the Baltimore Orioles between 1982 and 1998. This shattered Lou Gehrig’s previous streak of 2,130 games, a record many thought would stand forever, and Ripken kept his streak alive for several additional seasons.

The relentless physical and mental challenges today, and the increasing emphasis on player load management, make it virtually impossible for anyone to approach this astonishing feat. The only player in the 21st century to come anywhere close to Ripken Jr. was Miguel Tejada from 2000 to 2007, and he only managed to play 1,152 games in a row!

4. Most Stolen Bases in MLB History – Rickey Henderson: 1,406 

Rickey Henderson, the undisputed king of stolen bases, set an untouchable benchmark. Over an extraordinary 25-year career with nine teams—notably the Oakland Athletics—Henderson obliterated Lou Brock’s stolen base record in 1991 and retired with an astonishing 1,406 steals.

His single-season achievement of 130 stolen bases in 1982 is another mark yet to be approached. Henderson’s rare blend of speed, power and sharp instincts made him one of the most dynamic players in the game’s history. For modern MLB fans, José Reyes is the only player to enter the discussion for the most stolen bases, and he recorded just 517 stolen bases.

3. Most Strikeouts – Nolan Ryan: 5,714

Nolan Ryan stands alone as baseball’s all-time strikeout leader. Over an incredible 27-year career, he fanned an unmatched 5,714 batters, a record that seems untouchable. Renowned for his blazing fastball, Ryan played for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros and Texas Rangers.

His 1973 season with the Angels was particularly legendary, racking up 383 strikeouts—the highest single-season total in the modern era. For baseball fans today, Randy Johnson was somewhat “close” to touching Ryan’s record, but the Big Unit ultimately fell short with 4,875 Ks.

2. Shortest Game – Phillies vs. Giants: 51 min (1919)

The fastest game in MLB history occurred on September 28, 1919, between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Giants. With an upcoming doubleheader rescheduled for the next day, both teams agreed to play at record speed.

The game lasted 51 minutes over nine innings, with the Giants securing a 6-1 victory. This remarkable feat remains the shortest nine-inning MLB game ever recorded, a record unlikely to be broken in the modern era of longer, more strategic play. For reference, the only game in recent memory that came somewhat close to the Phillies vs. Giants 1919 matchup was when the White Sox and Mariners faced off on April 16, 2005, in a game that ended in 1 hour 39 minutes.

1. Complete Games – Cy Young: 749 

Cy Young’s record of 749 complete games stands as one of the most unbreakable milestones in Major League Baseball history. Achieved during his career from 1890 to 1911, it harks back to when pitchers were expected to finish nearly every game they started. Tom Sever, who played from 1967-1986, is likely the only name baseball fans today would recognize, and he only recorded 231 complete games.

In contrast, today’s game prioritizes pitcher health, with higher velocities, strict pitch counts, and specialized bullpens making such durability impossible. Modern pitchers rarely manage even ten complete games in a season, placing Young’s incredible achievement far beyond reach in the current era of baseball.