Neil Guthrie
Baseball has delivered some of the sport’s most electrifying moments. Each World Series carved its place in the sport’s annals, from the nail-biting extra innings of the 2016 Cubs-Indians showdown to the historic 2004 Red Sox sweep. Here are the top 10 MLB Finals that left fans breathless.
2016: Cubs Break the Curse.
In a heart-stopping Game 7, the Chicago Cubs ended their 108-year championship drought by defeating the Cleveland Indians. This game had a rain delay, extra innings, and a comeback for the ages. The Cubs’ victory rewrote history, symbolized hope for long-suffering fans, and became a classic in MLB lore.
2001: Yankees vs. Diamondbacks—A Series for the Ages.
The intensity of the 2001 World Series was unparalleled. The Arizona Diamondbacks snatched victory from the Yankees in Game 7 with Luis Gonzalez’s walk-off hit against Mariano Rivera. This iconic moment, occurring just weeks after 9/11, united a nation through the profound power of sport, forever etched in history.
1975: Reds and Red Sox Battle in Game 6.
Game 6 of the 1975 World Series remains legendary. Bernie Carbo’s three-run homer tied the game in the eighth, leading to Carlton Fisk’s iconic walk-off in the 12th. His arm-waving home run off the foul pole remains one of the most Extraordinary moments in baseball history, forcing Game 7.
1986: The Buckner Game.
Bill Buckner’s infamous error in Game 6 sealed the Mets’ fate, leading to their first title in 17 years. The Red Sox were one strike from breaking their curse when Mookie Wilson’s grounder slipped through Buckner’s legs, allowing Ray Knight to score. The Mets capitalized, forcing and winning Game 7.
1960: Mazeroski’s Walk-Off Homer.
Only one World Series ending in history has been as memorable as Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off home run in Game 7. He gave the Pittsburgh Pirates the victory over the highly favored Yankees with a shot to left field. It’s one of baseball’s most show-stopping surprises.
1991: Twins Triumph in a Pitcher’s Duel.
In one of baseball’s most thrilling matchups, Jack Morris led the Minnesota Twins with a 10-inning shutout, outdueling Atlanta Braves’ John Smoltz. With the series tied 3-3, Morris’s performance set up Gene Larkin’s walk-off single for a 1-0 victory. The 1991 World Series remains a pinnacle of postseason drama.
1997: Florida Marlins’ First Championship
The 1997 World Series saw the young Florida Marlins, just five years old, secure their first title by overcoming a 2-0 deficit. Craig Counsell’s game-tying hit setup Edgar Renteria’s walk-off single in the 11th inning. The 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians was a true Cinderella story.
1956: Don Larsen’s Perfect Game
With tension high and Don Larsen’s legs wobbling, he achieved the only perfect game in World Series history. The Yankees’ ace, who struggled in Game 2, dazzled in Game 5 against the Dodgers with 97 flawless pitches. This triumph added a new chapter to their historic rivalry.
2004: Red Sox Reverse the Curse.
The Boston Red Sox ended their 86-year “Curse of the Bambino” by winning the 2004 World Series, sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals 4-0. Their championship run was legendary by a fantastic comeback from a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS against the Yankees. This victory marked an ultimate story of redemption. The Top 10 World Series Showdowns of All Time
2017: Astros’ Controversial Win
The 2017 World Series was an unforgettable clash between the LA Dodgers and the Houston Astros, with Game 5 standing out for its 25-run thriller. Despite the intense excitement and exciting moments, the Astros’ eventual win was overshadowed by the sign-stealing scandal, clouding their historic achievement. It was a rollercoaster of emotions.