World Series

In baseball, the World Series is the championship series of Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada, played in October after the end of the regular season between the pennant winner of the American League and the pennant winner of the National League. The Series winner is determined through a best-of-seven playoff (except in 1903, 1919, 1920 and 1921 when the winner was determined through a best-of-nine playoff) and is awarded the World Series Trophy, as well as World Series rings. Baseball has employed various championship formulas since the 1850s. The modern World Series has been an annual event since 1903, with the exception of 1904 and 1994. The New York Yankees have the most World Series titles, with 26 championships through the 2004 season.

List of World Series after 1904

The World Series has been a best-of-seven series except in the years 1903, 1919, 1920 and 1921, when it was best-of-nine. Many seven-game Series have gone the distance, but none of the best-of-nine Series went beyond eight games.

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1905-1919: The "Dead ball era"

:1905: New York NL (1) defeats Philadelphia AL, 4 games to 1.

Related Topics:
1905 - New York NL (1) - Philadelphia AL

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:::Every game is a shutout. Christy Mathewson hurls three of them, over a span of just six days, in one of the most dominant pitching performances in history.

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:1906: Chicago AL defeats Chicago NL, 4 games to 2.

Related Topics:
1906 - Chicago AL - Chicago NL

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:::Some consider this the greatest World Series upset. The young Chicago Cubs regular season record was 116-36, setting a winning percentage record which still stands. The veteran White Sox had a strong pitching staff but were the worst-hitting team in the American League. Fittingly, Cubs pitcher Ed Reulbach tosses the first 1-hitter in Series history against the weak-hitting Sox in Game 2. Eventually, the "Hitless Wonders" get all the hitting they need, to shock their crosstown rivals.

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:1907: Chicago NL defeats Detroit AL, 4 games to 0 (one tie).

Related Topics:
1907 - Chicago NL - Detroit AL

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:1908: Chicago NL defeats Detroit AL, 4 games to 1. The last Cubs Series win to date, and also the most poorly attended Series.

Related Topics:
1908 - Chicago NL - Detroit AL

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:1909: Pittsburgh NL defeats Detroit AL, 4 games to 3.

Related Topics:
1909 - Pittsburgh NL - Detroit AL

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:::The Tigers might have finally won the Fall Classic in their third try had it not been for Babe Adams. A rookie pitcher for Pittsburgh that year, manager Fred Clarke starts him, on a hunch, in game 1. Adams wins that game and two more.

Related Topics:
Babe Adams - Fred Clarke

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:1910: Philadelphia AL defeats Chicago NL, 4 games to 1.

Related Topics:
1910 - Philadelphia AL - Chicago NL

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:::Jack Coombs of Philadelphia wins three games, and Eddie Collins supplies timely hitting as the Athletics win their first Fall Classic, and the greatest Cubs team in history closes out its glory years, only ten years into the new century.

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:1911: Philadelphia AL defeats New York NL (1), 4 games to 2.

Related Topics:
1911 - Philadelphia AL - New York NL (1)

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:::Philadelphia third baseman Frank "Home Run" Baker earns his nickname during this series. His home run in Game 2 is the margin of victory for the Athletics, and his blast in Game 3 off Christy Mathewson ties that game, which the Athletics subsequently won. The Giants never recover.

Related Topics:
Frank "Home Run" Baker - Christy Mathewson

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:::There are also 6 consecutive days of rain between Games 3 and 4. This will be the longest delay between games until the 1989 earthquake-interrupted Series.

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:1912: Boston AL defeats New York NL (1), 4 games to 3 (one tie).

Related Topics:
1912 - Boston AL - New York NL (1)

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:::This dramatic Series involves great pitching from Christy Mathewson and from Boston fireballer Smokey Joe Wood, who wins two of his three starts and pitches in relief in the final game, won when Boston rallies for two runs in the ninth inning thanks to two costly Giants fielding misplays.

Related Topics:
Christy Mathewson - Smokey Joe Wood

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:1913: Philadelphia AL defeats New York NL (1), 4 games to 1.

Related Topics:
1913 - Philadelphia AL - New York NL (1)

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:1914: Boston NL defeats Philadelphia AL, 4 games to none.

Related Topics:
1914 - Boston NL - Philadelphia AL

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:::Another contender for greatest upset of all time. The "Miracle Braves", in last place on July 4th, roared on to win the NL pennant and sweep the stunned Athletics. In some circles it has been alleged that the A's were irritated at the penny-pinching ways of their manager/owner, and did not play hard. Mack apparently thought so, as he unloaded most of his stars soon after, and within two years the A's were a cellar-dweller.

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:1915: Boston AL defeats Philadelphia NL, 4 games to 1. The Phillies win Game 1 before being swept. It will be 65 years before the Phils will win their next Series game.

Related Topics:
1915 - Boston AL - Philadelphia NL

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:1916: Boston AL defeats Brooklyn NL, 4 games to 1.

Related Topics:
1916 - Boston AL - Brooklyn NL

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:1917: Chicago AL defeats New York NL (1), 4 games to 2.

Related Topics:
1917 - Chicago AL - New York NL (1)

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:::Through the 2004 season, this is the last World Series title for the White Sox.

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:1918: Boston AL defeats Chicago NL, 4 games to 2.

Related Topics:
1918 - Boston AL - Chicago NL

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:::The Series is played early in September due to the World War I "Work or Fight order". It is marred by players threatening to strike due to low gate receipts. There were also rumors of a "fix", but there is no solid evidence, and with the war dominating the news, nothing comes of it.

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:::This will be the last Red Sox World Series win until 2004. The subsequent drought of eighty-six years will eventually become attributed to the Curse of the Bambino, as the Red Sox trade Babe Ruth for cash a year later.

Related Topics:
2004 - Curse of the Bambino

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:1919: Cincinnati NL defeats Chicago AL, 5 games to 3.

Related Topics:
1919 - Cincinnati NL - Chicago AL

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:::The Black Sox scandal. Eight Chicago players conspire with gamblers to accept bribes and purposely lose the Series, in the face of being heavy favorites at the conclusion of the regular season. Of the 3 games won by the Sox, 2 come with Dick Kerr on the mound; he was not in on the "fix". The third is won by Ed Cicotte, who was, but was angry about gamblers reneging on their deals. It is likely the Sox would have won the Series easily if it had been played honestly. Although rumors are rife, even as the games are being played, that the Series is fixed (or "doped" in the slang of the day), it will be almost a year before suspicion becomes certainty, at which point the eight men are suspended permanently from organized baseball.

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1920-1941: The "Live Ball Era" (sometimes "The Golden Age")

:1920: Cleveland AL defeats Brooklyn NL, 5 games to 2.

Related Topics:
1920 - Cleveland AL - Brooklyn NL

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:::Cleveland second baseman Bill Wambsganss turns an unassisted triple play -- one of roughly only a dozen such plays in major-league history, and the only one to happen in a World Series. Earlier in the same game, Cleveland rightfielder Elmer Smith had hit the first grand slam home run in Series history.

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:1921: New York NL (1) defeats New York AL, 5 games to 3.

Related Topics:
1921 - New York NL (1) - New York AL

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:1922: New York NL (1) defeats New York AL, 4 games to 0 (one tie).

Related Topics:
1922 - New York NL (1) - New York AL

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:1923: New York AL defeats New York NL (1), 4 games to 2.

Related Topics:
1923 - New York AL - New York NL (1)

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:1924: Washington AL defeats New York NL (1), 4 games to 3.

Related Topics:
1924 - Washington AL - New York NL (1)

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:::Walter Johnson, making his first World Series appearance toward the end of his storied career, loses his two starts. Washington battles back to force a game seven, giving Johnson a chance to redeem himself when he comes on in relief in that game. Johnson holds on to get the win and to give Washington its only World Series win. The franchise will not win another World Series until 1987, by which time it will have been playing in the Twin Cities (Minnesota) for over a quarter-century.

Related Topics:
Walter Johnson - 1987

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:1925: Pittsburgh NL defeats Washington AL, 4 games to 3.

Related Topics:
1925 - Pittsburgh NL - Washington AL

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:::The Pirates become the first team to overcome a 3 games to 1 deficit in a best-of-7 Series, to win the World Series.

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:1926: St. Louis NL defeats New York AL, 4 games to 3.

Related Topics:
1926 - St. Louis NL - New York AL

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:::Grover Cleveland Alexander, pitching on short rest, comes out of the bullpen to strike out Tony Lazzeri with the bases loaded in game seven and lead the Cardinals to victory, upsetting the powerful New York Yankees Murderers' Row lineup. The final out of the series is made when Babe Ruth, having been walked, inadvisably tries to steal and is easily thrown out. The series features a three-home run game by Ruth in game four, a World Series record only equalled twice: by Ruth again in 1928, and by Reggie Jackson in 1977.

Related Topics:
Grover Cleveland Alexander - Tony Lazzeri - Murderers' Row - Babe Ruth - Reggie Jackson

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:1927: New York AL defeats Pittsburgh NL, 4 games to none.

Related Topics:
1927 - New York AL - Pittsburgh NL

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:1928: New York AL defeats St. Louis NL, 4 games to none.

Related Topics:
1928 - New York AL - St. Louis NL

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:::Babe Ruth hits .625 (10 for 16) as the Yankees demolish their opponents.

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:1929: Philadelphia AL defeats Chicago NL, 4 games to 1.

Related Topics:
1929 - Philadelphia AL - Chicago NL

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:::The famous "Mack Attack" occurs, named for the legendary manager of the Athletics, Connie Mack, in which the Athletics overcome an eight run deficit by scoring ten runs in one inning.

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:1930: Philadelphia AL defeats St. Louis NL, 4 games to 2.

Related Topics:
1930 - Philadelphia AL - St. Louis NL

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:1931: St. Louis NL defeats Philadelphia AL, 4 games to 3.

Related Topics:
1931 - St. Louis NL - Philadelphia AL

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:1932: New York AL defeats Chicago NL, 4 games to none.

Related Topics:
1932 - New York AL - Chicago NL

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:::"Babe" Ruth hits his famous "called shot" home run--which is followed immediately by a Lou Gehrig solo home run, "The Thunder after the Lightning"--in Game 3 of this dominating Yankees performance.

Related Topics:
"Babe" Ruth - Called shot - Lou Gehrig

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:1933: New York NL (1) defeats Washington AL, 4 games to 1.

Related Topics:
1933 - New York NL (1) - Washington AL

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:1934: St. Louis NL defeats Detroit AL, 4 games to 3.

Related Topics:
1934 - St. Louis NL - Detroit AL

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:::Brothers Dizzy Dean and Paul Dean each win two games for the "Gas House Gang" Cardinals.

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:1935: Detroit AL, defeats Chicago NL, 4 games to 2.

Related Topics:
1935 - Detroit AL - Chicago NL

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:1936: New York AL defeats New York NL (1), 4 games to 2.

Related Topics:
1936 - New York AL - New York NL (1)

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:1937: New York AL defeats New York NL (1), 4 games to 1.

Related Topics:
1937 - New York AL - New York NL (1)

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:1938: New York AL defeats Chicago NL, 4 games to 0.

Related Topics:
1938 - New York AL - Chicago NL

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:1939: New York AL defeats Cincinnati NL, 4 games to 0.

Related Topics:
1939 - New York AL - Cincinnati NL

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:1940: Cincinnati NL defeats Detroit AL, 4 games to 3.

Related Topics:
1940 - Cincinnati NL - Detroit AL

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:1941: New York AL defeats Brooklyn NL, 4 games to 1.

Related Topics:
1941 - New York AL - Brooklyn NL

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:::The name "Subway Series" arises, for a World Series played between two New York City teams.

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1942-1945: The war years

:1942: St. Louis NL defeats New York AL, 4 games to 1.

Related Topics:
1942 - St. Louis NL - New York AL

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:1943: New York AL defeats St. Louis NL, 4 games to 1.

Related Topics:
1943 - New York AL - St. Louis NL

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:1944: St. Louis NL defeats St. Louis AL, 4 games to 2.

Related Topics:
1944 - St. Louis NL - St. Louis AL

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:::This war year sees perhaps the nadir of 20th-century baseball, as the long-moribund St. Louis Browns (now the Baltimore Orioles) win their only American League pennant. As both teams call Sportsman's Park home, the 2-3-2 home field is able to be preserved despite wartime travel restrictions.

Related Topics:
American League - Sportsman's Park

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:1945: Detroit AL, defeats Chicago NL, 4 games to 3.

Related Topics:
1945 - Detroit AL - Chicago NL

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:::Frank Graham called this Series jokingly "the fat men versus the tall men at the office picnic". Warren Brown, when asked who he liked, said, "I don't think either one of them can win it." It is the last time, through the 2005 season, that the Chicago Cubs have appeared in the World Series.

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1946-1960: The postwar years

:1946: St. Louis NL defeats Boston AL, 4 games to 3.

Related Topics:
1946 - St. Louis NL - Boston AL

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:::Ted Williams plays injured, and is largely ineffective, though refusing to use his injury as an excuse. Enos Slaughter scores the eventual Series-winning run in the 8th inning of Game 7, dashing around the bases to take advantage of a Red Sox fielding lapse.

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:1947: New York AL defeats Brooklyn NL, 4 games to 3.

Related Topics:
1947 - New York AL - Brooklyn NL

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:::Yankees pitcher Bill Bevens comes within 1 out of throwing a no-hitter in Game 4, but Cookie Lavagetto's pinch-hit double off the rightfield wall at Ebbets Field scores two runs and wins the game for the Dodgers.

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:1948: Cleveland AL defeats Boston NL, 4 games to 2.

Related Topics:
1948 - Cleveland AL - Boston NL

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:::The Cleveland Indians ruin a possible all-Boston World Series by defeating the Boston Red Sox in a playoff after the two top American League teams were tied at the end of the season. The Indians, whose nickname was inspired by the 1914 Braves, defeat them with little trouble.

Related Topics:
Boston Red Sox - American League

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:1949: New York AL defeats Brooklyn NL, 4 games to 1.

Related Topics:
1949 - New York AL - Brooklyn NL

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:::History is made in the 9th inning of Game 5, when the Ebbets Field lights are turned on, the first World Series game finished under artificial lights. The first scheduled Series night game will not be held until 1971.

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:1950: New York AL defeats Philadelphia NL, 4 games to 0.

Related Topics:
1950 - New York AL - Philadelphia NL

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:::The Phillies win in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season to garner their first pennant in 35 years, but the Bombers easily overwhelm the Phils' worn-out pitching staff.

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:1951: New York AL defeats New York NL (1), 4 games to 2.

Related Topics:
1951 - New York AL - New York NL (1)

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:::Joe DiMaggio bows out as a Yankee, while rookies Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle make their series debuts. The powerful Yankees take the joy out of the Giants dramatic pennant-playoff win over the Dodgers.

Related Topics:
Joe DiMaggio - Willie Mays - Mickey Mantle

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:1952: New York AL defeats Brooklyn NL, 4 games to 3.

Related Topics:
1952 - New York AL - Brooklyn NL

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:::Second baseman Billy Martin makes a game-saving catch in the final contest.

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:1953: New York AL defeats Brooklyn NL, 4 games to 2.

Related Topics:
1953 - New York AL - Brooklyn NL

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:::The New York Yankees win their fifth straight World Series, breaking their own record of the late 1930s, and a feat which has never been accomplished since.

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:1954: New York NL (1) defeats Cleveland AL, 4 games to 0.

Related Topics:
1954 - New York NL (1) - Cleveland AL

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:::A shocker, as the Indians had won a then-league record 111 games during the regular season.

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:::In Game 1, Willie Mays makes "The Catch" -- a dramatic over-the-shoulder catch of a line drive to deep center field which would otherwise have given Cleveland the lead. Dusty Rhodes, in 3 pinch-hit appearances, homers twice and drives in the game winning run twice.

Related Topics:
Willie Mays - The Catch

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:1955: Brooklyn NL, defeats New York AL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Johnny Podres, Brooklyn

Related Topics:
1955 - Brooklyn NL - New York AL - MVP - Johnny Podres

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:::"Next Year" finally becomes "This Year" for the Flatbush Faithful, as Brooklyn wins its only World Series title. Leftfielder Sandy Amoros makes a dramatic game-saving catch off the bat of Yogi Berra in the 6th inning of Game 7, to start a double play and stymie the Yankees' best chance of the day.

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:1956: New York AL defeats Brooklyn NL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Don Larsen, New York

Related Topics:
1956 - New York AL - Brooklyn NL - Don Larsen

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:::Larsen pitches the only no-hitter in World Series play -- a perfect game, no less -- for the Yankees. Catcher Yogi Berra, who caught Larsen's gem, remarked many years later, "It's never happened in World Series history, and it hasn't happened since."

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:1957: Milwaukee NL defeats New York AL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Lew Burdette, Milwaukee

Related Topics:
1957 - Milwaukee NL - New York AL - Lew Burdette

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:::The Milwaukee Braves become the first team to win a Championship after relocating. Until 1953, they had been the Boston Braves, winners of the 1914 Series. In 1995 they would win again, as the Atlanta Braves.

Related Topics:
1953 - 1914 - 1995

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:1958: New York AL defeats Milwaukee NL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Bob Turley, New York

Related Topics:
1958 - New York AL - Milwaukee NL - Bob Turley

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:::Trailing 3 games to 1, the Yanks roar back and break the hearts of the Milwaukeans.

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:1959: Los Angeles NL defeats Chicago AL, 4 games to 2. MVP: Larry Sherry, Los Angeles

Related Topics:
1959 - Los Angeles NL - Chicago AL - Larry Sherry

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:::The Los Angeles Dodgers win a pennant-playoff against the Braves, and continue on to win the franchise's first title since moving to the West Coast from Brooklyn after the 1957 season. This is the first and only post-Black Sox World Series appearance by the Chicago White Sox, through the 2004 season.

Related Topics:
Brooklyn - 1957 - 2004

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:1960: Pittsburgh NL defeats New York AL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Bobby Richardson, New York

Related Topics:
1960 - Pittsburgh NL - New York AL - Bobby Richardson

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:::Best remembered for a pulsating Game 7. The Yankees lead 7-4 in the 8th inning, but the Bucs score 5 times, climaxed by catcher Hal Smith's 3-run homer. The Yanks fight back to score 2 in the 9th to tie it, and then second baseman Bill Mazeroski, known primarily for his glove wizardry rather than his bat, leads off the Pittsburgh 9th and hits the first walkoff homer to end a World Series.

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:::The Yanks lose despite outscoring the Bucs 38-3 in 3 of the games. Yogi Berra's assessment of what happened to his club was, "We made too many wrong mistakes."

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1961-1968: The first expansion period

(following addition of Los Angeles Angels and Washington Senators in 1961, and Houston Colt .45s and New York Mets in 1962.)

Related Topics:
Los Angeles Angels - Washington Senators - Houston Colt .45s - New York Mets

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:1961: New York AL defeats Cincinnati NL, 4 games to 1. MVP: Whitey Ford, New York

Related Topics:
1961 - New York AL - Cincinnati NL - Whitey Ford

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:::After the summer-long Maris-Mantle pursuit of Babe Ruth's season home run record, the Series proves anti-climactic as the Yanks subdue the Reds easily.

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:1962: New York AL defeats San Francisco NL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Ralph Terry, New York

Related Topics:
1962 - New York AL - San Francisco NL - Ralph Terry

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:::This Series, closely matched in every game, is remembered for its appropriately dramatic final play. The New Yorkers are up 1-0 in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7, with two outs. The Giants' Matty Alou and Willie Mays are on third and second, carrying the potential tying and winning runs. Ralph Terry, who had given up Maz's sudden-victory homer in 1960, elects to pitch to slugger Willie McCovey instead of walking him. McCovey hits a screaming line drive out to New York's second baseman Bobby Richardson, handing the Yankees their second consecutive World title and redemption for Terry.

Related Topics:
Matty Alou - Willie McCovey - Bobby Richardson

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:1963: Los Angeles NL defeats New York AL, 4 games to 0. MVP: Sandy Koufax, Los Angeles

Related Topics:
1963 - Los Angeles NL - New York AL - Sandy Koufax

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:::Before Randy and Curt, there were Sandy and Don. Koufax, Drysdale and Johnny Podres combine to give up only 4 runs in 4 complete games. Koufax starts it off with a 15-strikeout performance in Game 1, and the Yankees are stymied throughout. This is the first time that the New York Yankees have been swept in a World Series in four games (the 1922 series had one tie).

Related Topics:
Randy - Curt - Sandy - Don - Johnny Podres - 1922

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:1964: St. Louis NL defeats New York AL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Bob Gibson, St. Louis

Related Topics:
1964 - St. Louis NL - New York AL - Bob Gibson

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:::The Cardinals are the only team that has played the Yankees more than once in a World Series and holds a winning edge, 3 Series to 2. The Diamondbacks and the Marlins won single Series against the Yanks in the early 21st century.

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:::For an account of this Series, and the lively season that preceded it, see David Halberstam's book, October 1964.

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:1965: Los Angeles NL defeats Minnesota AL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Sandy Koufax, Los Angeles

Related Topics:
1965 - Los Angeles NL - Minnesota AL - Sandy Koufax

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:::Koufax and Drysdale return to the Series. LA's lefty-righty one-two punch had combined for 49 wins and 15 shutouts in '65, but after Sandy and Don got rocked by the Twins in the first two games, it takes a five-hit shutout by Claude Osteen to get the Dodgers back into the Series. The Dodgers proceed to win the 3 middle games at Dodger Stadium. By Game 7, Koufax regains his form and clinches the title with a three-hit, 10-strikeout, 2-0 victory. Koufax was the MVP while Ron Fairly hit two home runs.

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:1966: Baltimore AL defeats Los Angeles NL, 4 games to 0. MVP: Frank Robinson, Baltimore

Related Topics:
1966 - Baltimore AL - Los Angeles NL - Frank Robinson

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:::This is a thoroughly dominating performance by Hank Bauer's Baltimore club. Sandy Koufax announces his retirement after the Series due to his chronic sore elbow.

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:1967: St. Louis NL defeats Boston AL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Bob Gibson, St. Louis

Related Topics:
1967 - St. Louis NL - Boston AL - Bob Gibson

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:::After a dramatic pennant-clinching win on the last day of the regular season, "The Impossible Dream" comes to an end for the Red Sox. Bob Gibson throws three complete games on his way to a second World Series MVP title.

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:1968: Detroit AL defeats St. Louis NL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Mickey Lolich, Detroit

Related Topics:
1968 - Detroit AL - St. Louis NL - Mickey Lolich

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:::Both 1968 MVPs, the Tigers' Denny McLain and the Cardinals' Bob Gibson, pitch in the Series in "The Year of the Pitcher", but Lolich steals the show by becoming the last pitcher, as of the 2004 season, to win three complete games in a single World Series.

Related Topics:
1968 - MVP - Denny McLain - Bob Gibson - 2004

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1969-1976: Second expansion

(following addition of Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres, Seattle Pilots and Kansas City Royals.)

Related Topics:
Montreal Expos - San Diego Padres - Seattle Pilots - Kansas City Royals

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Starting in 1969, the World Series pitted the National League Championship Series winner against that of the American League Championship Series.

Related Topics:
1969 - National League Championship Series - American League Championship Series

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:1969: New York NL (2) defeats Baltimore AL, 4 games to 1. MVP: Donn Clendenon, New York

Related Topics:
1969 - New York NL (2) - Baltimore AL - Donn Clendenon

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::: The Amazin' Mets become the Miracle Mets: The New York Mets, 73-89 in 1968, win 100 regular season games and vanquish all before them, in only their 8th year of existence, behind the pitching of Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman, along with timely hitting from everyone in the lineup and seemingly endless heart-stopping defensive plays.

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:1970: Baltimore AL defeats Cincinnati NL, 4 games to 1. MVP: Brooks Robinson, Baltimore

Related Topics:
1970 - Baltimore AL - Cincinnati NL - Brooks Robinson

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:::Game 1 of this Series is the first World Series game to be played on an artificial surface. Brooksie is a one-man gang, with uncharacteristic strong hitting to go along with vacuum-cleaner efficiency at the hot corner, stifling the Big Red Machine.

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:1971: Pittsburgh NL defeats Baltimore AL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Roberto Clemente, Pittsburgh

Related Topics:
1971 - Pittsburgh NL - Baltimore AL - Roberto Clemente

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:::Game 2 of this World Series is the first night game played in World Series history. The one-man gang this year is the great Clemente.

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:1972: Oakland AL defeats Cincinnati NL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Gene Tenace, Oakland

Related Topics:
1972 - Oakland AL - Cincinnati NL - Gene Tenace

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:::In their first visit to the World Series in 41 years, the Athletics upset the heavily favored Reds, in a Series with drama at every turn. All but one of the games is won by a single run.

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:1973: Oakland AL defeats New York NL (2), 4 games to 3. MVP: Reggie Jackson, Oakland

Related Topics:
1973 - Oakland AL - New York NL (2) - Reggie Jackson

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:::Oakland reliever Darold Knowles becomes the first (and only, as of 2004) pitcher to appear in every game of a seven-game World Series.

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:1974: Oakland AL defeats Los Angeles NL, 4 games to 1. MVP: Rollie Fingers, Oakland

Related Topics:
1974 - Oakland AL - Los Angeles NL - Rollie Fingers

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:::The "California Dreamin'" Series. This A's team remains the only team other than the Yankees to win three straight Series.

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:1975: Cincinnati NL defeats Boston AL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Pete Rose, Cincinnati

Related Topics:
1975 - Cincinnati NL - Boston AL - Pete Rose

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:::The Big Red Machine wins its first Series despite the Game 6 heroics of Carlton Fisk.

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:1976: Cincinnati NL defeats New York AL, 4 games to 0. MVP: Johnny Bench, Cincinnati

Related Topics:
1976 - Cincinnati NL - New York AL - Johnny Bench

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:::First World Series in which the designated hitter rule is applied.

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1977-1992: Third expansion

(following addition of Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners.)

Related Topics:
Toronto Blue Jays - Seattle Mariners

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:1977: New York AL defeats Los Angeles NL, 4 games to 2. MVP: Reggie Jackson, New York

Related Topics:
1977 - New York AL - Los Angeles NL - Reggie Jackson

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:::Reggie Jackson hits three home runs off of three consecutive pitches from three different Dodger pitchers in the deciding game six, only the third time a player has hit three homers in a World Series game (Babe Ruth did it twice, in 1926 and 1928). The first two are line drives into the right field stands, the third an appropriately "Ruthian" blast into the distant center field seats. His nickname of "Mr. October" is born here.

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:1978: New York AL defeats Los Angeles NL, 4 games to 2. MVP: Bucky Dent, New York

Related Topics:
1978 - New York AL - Los Angeles NL - Bucky Dent

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:::Famous for a controversial play in which Reggie Jackson breaks up a double play by using his hip to deflect the ball heading to first base away, allowing Thurman Munson to go to second base on the error. There will not be any repeat World Champions for the next fourteen years. This is also the first of 10 consecutive years that see 10 different teams win the World Series, a string unprecedented in MLB history.

Related Topics:
First base - Thurman Munson - Second base

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:1979: Pittsburgh NL defeats Baltimore AL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Willie Stargell, Pittsburgh

Related Topics:
1979 - Pittsburgh NL - Baltimore AL - Willie Stargell

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:::We are Fam-i-lee...

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:1980: Philadelphia NL defeats Kansas City AL, 4 games to 2. MVP: Mike Schmidt, Philadelphia

Related Topics:
1980 - Philadelphia NL - Kansas City AL - Mike Schmidt

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:::The Phillies finally win their first World Series after a then-record 97-year wait. This Series is also the first in which every game is played on an artificial surface.

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:1981: Los Angeles NL defeats New York AL, 4 games to 2. MVP: Tie: Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager, Los Angeles

Related Topics:
1981 - Los Angeles NL - New York AL - Ron Cey - Pedro Guerrero - Steve Yeager

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:::Yankees reliever George Frazier ties a Series record by racking up three losses.

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:1982: St. Louis NL defeats Milwaukee AL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Darrell Porter, St. Louis

Related Topics:
1982 - St. Louis NL - Milwaukee AL - Darrell Porter

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:::Porter erases bitter memory of tiptoeing into Boone's glove in '80 series.

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:1983: Baltimore AL defeats Philadelphia NL, 4 games to 1. MVP: Rick Dempsey, Baltimore

Related Topics:
1983 - Baltimore AL - Philadelphia NL - Rick Dempsey

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:::Eddie Murray hits a towering homer in the final game that bangs off his own name on the Philly scoreboard.

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:1984: Detroit AL defeats San Diego NL, 4 games to 1. MVP: Alan Trammell, Detroit

Related Topics:
1984 - Detroit AL - San Diego NL - Alan Trammell

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:::The Tigers, who led wire-to-wire in the American League divisional race, roar through the playoffs and the Series, capped by a game-cinching Kirk Gibson homer at Tiger Stadium.

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:1985: Kansas City AL defeats St. Louis NL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Bret Saberhagen, Kansas City

Related Topics:
1985 - Kansas City AL - St. Louis NL - Bret Saberhagen

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:::A blown call by umpire Don Denkinger helps the Royals stave off elimination in Game 6, followed by a Cardinals meltdown in Game 7. Known as the I-70 World Series or the Show Me State World Series.

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:1986: New York NL (2) defeats Boston AL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Ray Knight, New York

Related Topics:
1986 - New York NL (2) - Boston AL - Ray Knight

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:::Famed for the Bill Buckner error in the bottom of the 10th inning of Game 6 allowing the winning run to score, following a wild pitch by Bob Stanley that brought in the tying run.

Related Topics:
Bill Buckner - Game 6

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:1987: Minnesota AL, defeats St. Louis NL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Frank Viola, Minnesota

Related Topics:
1987 - Minnesota AL - St. Louis NL - Frank Viola

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:::This is the first World Series in which every game was won by the home team. Game 1 was the first World Series game to be played indoors (in the Metrodome). The 1987 Twins have the dubious distinction of the lowest regular-season win-loss record (85-77) of any World Series champion in the history of baseball.

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:1988: Los Angeles NL defeats Oakland AL, 4 games to 1. MVP: Orel Hershiser, Los Angeles

Related Topics:
1988 - Los Angeles NL - Oakland AL - Orel Hershiser

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:::In the bottom of the ninth inning of the opening game, with Mike Davis on base and Dodgers down 4-3, the injured Kirk Gibson hits the game-winning home run off Oakland's ace reliever Dennis Eckersley and limps around the bases in what would be his only at-bat in the series.

Related Topics:
Kirk Gibson - Dennis Eckersley

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:1989: Oakland AL defeats San Francisco NL, 4 games to 0. MVP: Dave Stewart, Oakland

Related Topics:
1989 - Oakland AL - San Francisco NL - Dave Stewart

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::: The Loma Prieta earthquake, which occurred shortly before Game 3, caused a 10-day postponement in the middle of this Series that is otherwise totally dominated by the A's.

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:1990: Cincinnati NL defeats Oakland AL, 4 games to 0. MVP: Jose Rijo, Cincinnati

Related Topics:
1990 - Cincinnati NL - Oakland AL - Jose Rijo

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:::The Reds shock the heavily favored Athletics with a sweep.

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:1991: Minnesota AL, defeats Atlanta NL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Jack Morris, Minnesota

Related Topics:
1991 - Minnesota AL - Atlanta NL - Jack Morris

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:::Five of the seven games in this series are decided by one run; four of the five are won on the last play. Three of those five go into extra innings. Morris starts three games and wins two, including the dramatic seventh game, to win the Series MVP honors. Down three games to two, the Twins win Game 6 behind Kirby Puckett's extra-inning "See you tomorrow night" home run. The next night, after Morris pitches ten innings of shutout ball in game 7, Gene Larkin's single scores Dan Gladden in the bottom of the 10th for the deciding game's only run.

Related Topics:
MVP - Kirby Puckett - See you tomorrow night - Gene Larkin - Dan Gladden

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:::Some consider the 1991 World Series to be the best ever. It was certainly the longest (measured in number of innings), due largely to the 12-inning horse-race of Game 4.

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:::This was the first World Series to feature two teams that had finished the previous season in last place. Like the Twins' previous Series win in 1987, every game in this Series was won by the home team.

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:1992: Toronto AL defeats Atlanta NL, 4 games to 2. MVP: Pat Borders, Toronto

Related Topics:
1992 - Toronto AL - Atlanta NL - Pat Borders

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:::Toronto becomes the first Canadian team to play in a World Series and the first to win.

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1993-1997: Fourth expansion

(following addition of Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies.)

Related Topics:
Florida Marlins - Colorado Rockies

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:1993: Toronto AL defeats Phillies NL, 4 games to 2. MVP: Paul Molitor, Toronto.

Related Topics:
1993 - Toronto AL - Phillies NL - Paul Molitor

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:::Joe Carter, Toronto, hits the first (and so far only) come-from-behind walk-off home run to win a World Series (Bill Mazeroski's famous home run in 1960 was hit with the score tied). The fourth game, won 15-14 by Toronto, is the highest-scoring game in any World Series. Toronto becomes the first repeat World Champions since the 1977-78 New York Yankees.

Related Topics:
Joe Carter - New York Yankees

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:1994: World Series cancelled due to strike.

Related Topics:
1994 - Strike

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Starting in 1994, MLB introduced the wild-card, allowing the non-division winner with the best record from each league a spot in the postseason. The American League Division Series and National League Division Series were introduced to determine which teams would play in the ALCS and NLCS. However, due to the season-ending strike, none of this would actually come to pass until the following year.

Related Topics:
1994 - American League Division Series - National League Division Series - ALCS - NLCS

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:1995: Atlanta NL defeats Cleveland AL, 4 games to 2. MVP: Tom Glavine, Atlanta

Related Topics:
1995 - Atlanta NL - Cleveland AL - Tom Glavine

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:::In something of a franchise rematch of 1948, the Braves become the first team to win a World Series in three different cities (Boston in 1914, Milwaukee in 1957, and Atlanta in 1995).

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:1996: New York AL defeats Atlanta NL, 4 games to 2. MVP: John Wetteland, New York

Related Topics:
1996 - New York AL - Atlanta NL - John Wetteland

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:::The first of four Yankees titles in only 5 years gets off to a bad start as the team loses the first two games at Yankee Stadium, thanks to Andruw Jones of the Braves, who becomes the youngest player to hit a World Series home run. However, the Yankees sweep the three games at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and win the sixth and final game in New York.

Related Topics:
Andruw Jones - Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium

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:1997: Florida NL† defeats Cleveland AL, 4 games to 3. MVP: Liván Hernández, Florida

Related Topics:
1997 - Florida NL - Cleveland AL - Liván Hernández

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:::The Florida Marlins win in just their fifth year, beating the New York Mets' record as the fastest expansion team to win the World Series. The Marlins are also the first wild card team ever to win a World Series.

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1998-present: Fifth expansion

(following addition of Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays.)

Related Topics:
Arizona Diamondbacks - Tampa Bay Devil Rays

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:1998: New York AL defeats San Diego NL, 4 games to 0. MVP: Scott Brosius, New York

Related Topics:
1998 - New York AL - San Diego NL - Scott Brosius

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:::The dominant Yankees cap off the winningest season in baseball history (including playoffs) with their 125th win of the year in San Diego, This team is often considered the most dominant baseball team since their 1927 pinstripe forefathers.

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:1999: New York AL defeats Atlanta NL, 4 games to 0. MVP: Mariano Rivera, New York

Related Topics:
1999 - New York AL - Atlanta NL - Mariano Rivera

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:::The Yankees are unstoppable in a second consecutive sweep.

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:2000: New York AL defeats New York NL (2)†, 4 games to 1. MVP: Derek Jeter, New York AL

Related Topics:
2000 - New York AL - New York NL (2) - Derek Jeter

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:::This will be the last World Series until at least 2006 with a repeat World Champion. This is the first Subway Series since 1956, and the only one to date since the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles. It will also be the last series this most recent Yankees dynasty have won to date.

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:2001: Arizona NL defeats New York AL, 4 games to 3. MVPs: Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, Arizona.

Related Topics:
2001 - Arizona NL - New York AL - Randy Johnson - Curt Schilling

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:::This Series is often cited alongside the 1991 World Series as the most exciting in history. It features two extra-inning games. In both games, the Yankees hit ninth-inning homers off Diamondbacks closer Byung-Hyun Kim to tie the game and go on to win. Despite these heroics, the Yankees are unable to make it four straight Series championships. In Game 7, the D-backs pull off a ninth-inning comeback of their own to win the game and the Series, victimizing Yankees closer Mariano Rivera with Luis Gonzalez knocking in the game-winning RBI with a bloop single into the outfield.

Related Topics:
1991 World Series - Closer - Byung-Hyun Kim - Mariano Rivera - Luis Gonzalez

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:::The Diamondbacks, in their fourth year of existence, break the Marlins' short-lived record as the fastest expansion team to win the World Series.

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:::This is the last World Series as of 2004 to be won by an actual division champion.

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:::The 2001 Series is the first to have games played in November, due to the 2001 regular season ending a week late following the mass postponement of sporting events in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11. All the Series games that season are punctuated with heavy security and much emotion and patriotic fervor.

Related Topics:
November - Terrorist attacks of September 11

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:2002: Anaheim AL† defeats San Francisco NL† by 4 games to 3. MVP: Troy Glaus, Anaheim.

Related Topics:
2002 - Anaheim AL - San Francisco NL - Troy Glaus

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:::2002 is the first time two Wild Card teams meet in the World Series. It features the greatest comeback in Series history by a team facing elimination, when the Angels erase a 5-0 deficit with 8 outs remaining, to win Game 6 (6-5) and then go on to win Game 7 (4-1). There is considerable controversy regarding Glaus' selection as Series MVP; despite being on the losing team, Barry Bonds was by most accounts the biggest star of the Series, hitting .471 for the Series with 4 homers, 6 RBI, and a mind-boggling 13 walks, vs Glaus' 7 runs, 8 RBI, 3 homers and a .385 average. Thus Bobby Richardson of the 1960 Yankees remains the only Series MVP in a losing cause.

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:2003: Florida NL† defeats New York AL 4 games to 2. MVP: Josh Beckett, Florida.

Related Topics:
2003 - Florida NL - New York AL - Josh Beckett

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:::The Marlins, 19-29 in mid-May of the season, complete one of the most spirited comebacks in MLB history. They go 75-49 under new (old-time) manager Jack McKeon, owning the best record in the league after May 23. The Marlins shock the defending NL-champ Giants and then the Cubs before capping their run by beating the Yankees. Jack McKeon became the oldest manager to ever win a World Series. The Marlins also become 6-0 in postseason play in only 11 years of existence.

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:2004: Boston AL† defeats St. Louis NL 4 games to 0. MVP: Manny Ramírez, Boston.

Related Topics:
2004 - Boston AL - St. Louis NL - Manny Ramírez

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:::Boston's victory breaks the Curse of the Bambino, coming on the heels of the largest upset in post season MLB history (a 3-0 deficit against the New York Yankees in the Championship Series) to sweep St. Louis. The Red Sox's eight consecutive wins constitute the longest post season winning streak since the Cincinnati Reds accomplished it in 1975-1976. It will also be the second year in a row that the home team (in this case St. Louis) did not win the deciding game of a World Series. It also marks the 3rd time in a row that a Wild Card Team wins the World Series.

Related Topics:
Curse of the Bambino - Cincinnati Reds

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†Denotes wild-card team (since 1995).

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Note: New York NL (1) represents the New York Giants (1883-1957), later the San Francisco Giants. New York NL (2) represents the New York Mets (1962-present).

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