I would not wanna be...

[GonzoStyle]

I am not sure but I know it was while the fans were on the field, thats why merkle didnt touch the base. He saw the fans rush the field and just ran for the dugout to avoid the riots on the field. So the guy noticed merkle didnt touch the base and started looking for the ball, I doubt it was hours but I am not 100% sure. I doubt Merkle stood around the dugout for hours though.