A story of endurance, integrity, and one man’s lifelong pursuit of rightful recognition.
More than half a century ago, on May 4, 1968, a determined young pitcher named Dean Lloyd Wallace stood on the mound at Lents Park Stadium in Portland, Oregon, representing Portland State University against the University of Puget Sound. What unfolded that day would become one of the most remarkable performances in collegiate baseball history a 17-inning complete game victory, unmatched in NCAA competition.
Wallace faced 69 batters, delivered 245 pitches, and not only pitched every inning without relief but also drove in the winning run in the bottom of the 17th, sealing a 3–2 win for his team. It was an achievement of mental focus and physical endurance few could ever imagine yet, for 57 years, this record-worthy feat remained unrecognized in the global archives.
The Long Road to Recognition
In the decades that followed, Dean Wallace built a successful career beyond the diamond. He became an educator, coach, entrepreneur, and leader in the health and fitness industry, serving as a board member for the International Health and Racquetball Clubs Association in Boston. Yet, deep down, the memory of that extraordinary game and the absence of official recognition never left him.
Over the years, Wallace collected archival news reports, witness statements, and team records, even securing testimonies from former teammates such as Mick Ellett and Danny Withers, who vividly recalled his legendary performance. Both confirmed the same truth: Dean Wallace pitched all 17 innings of a fully completed NCAA-sanctioned game — and won it.
A Victory 57 Years in the Making
In October 2025, after extensive review and verification by the adjudicators of The Book of World Records, Dean L. Wallace’s historic achievement was officially recognized as a World Record.
He now holds the title:
Longest Completed NCAA College Baseball Game Ever Pitched by One Pitcher – 17 Innings
Certified under record code TBWR/US/2025/160925/327, the recognition not only validates Wallace’s endurance and discipline but also celebrates an era of pure athletic grit — when passion, stamina, and teamwork defined the game more than data or technology.
A Legacy Beyond the Field
For Wallace, the honor came not merely as a trophy of the past, but as a symbol of perseverance and truth.
“It wasn’t about proving someone wrong,” Wallace shared. “It was about proving that what we did mattered — that dedication and sportsmanship still mean something, even decades later.”
Today, his story inspires both athletes and dreamers. It reminds the world that records are not always about numbers — sometimes, they are about never giving up on recognition that time forgot.
About The Record
Record Title: Longest Completed NCAA College Baseball Game Ever Pitched by One Pitcher
Record Holder: Dean Lloyd Wallace (Portland State University, USA)
Achievement Date: May 4, 1968
Certification Date: October 14, 2025
Record Code: TBWR/US/2025/160925/327
Location: Lents Park Stadium, Portland, Oregon, USA
Certified By: The Book of World Records
A Final Word
Fifty-seven years is a long time to wait for justice in sports history. But for Dean Wallace, that wait has finally ended — and his name will forever stand in the global records as a testament to endurance, integrity, and an unbroken spirit.
