This content highlights 10 unforgettable games in Major League Baseball’s World Series history, from 1954 to 2018. Dramatic comebacks, epic battles and iconic moments are all highlighted. These include Bill Buckner’s error in 1986, Bill Mazeroski’s historic walk-off home run in 1960, the Chicago Cubs breaking their 108-year title drought in 2016, and Kirk Gibson’s legendary home run in 1988. From last-minute victories to record-breaking games, these moments not only encapsulate the magic of baseball, but also explain the enduring global fascination with America’s favorite pastime.
1. World Series Game 6, 1986: New York Mets vs. Boston Red Sox
Few moments in Major League Baseball history are as hauntingly memorable as the ground ball scooting through the legs of Boston Red Sox first baseman, Bill Buckner. The 1986 World Series, Game 6, saw the New York Mets extend their miraculous season for another night by coming from behind to beat the Boston Red Sox. With the Red Sox just one strike from winning their first championship since 1918, the Mets rallied to score three runs in the 10th inning, capped off by Buckner’s error on Mookie Wilson’s slow ground ball.
2. World Series Game 7, 1960: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Yankees
In one of the most unforgettable games in baseball history, the Pittsburgh Penguins triumphed over the New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series, Game 7. The game featured plenty of action, but its thrilling conclusion will forever be remembered. Bill Mazeroski’s legendary walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning sealed the victory for the Penguins. This was the first time a World Series was decided by a home run, marking this as one of the most thrilling games in MLB history.
3. World Series Game 7, 2016: Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians
The 2016 World Series Game 7 was epic from the first pitch to the last. The Chicago Cubs, hoping to end their 108-year title drought, faced the Cleveland Indians who had their own title drought stretching 68 years. The game had everything – home runs, a rain delay, and extra innings. In the end, the Cubs emerged victorious, breaking the notorious “Billy Goat Curse” and gifting their fans a moment they had been dreaming of for over a century.
4. World Series Game 6, 1975: Boston Red Sox vs. Cincinnati Reds
The 1975 World Series Game 6 is widely known for one iconic swing. Boston Red Sox’s Carlton Fisk hit a dramatic walk-off home run in the 12th inning, forcing a Game 7 with the Cincinnati Reds. Fisk’s joyful, animated wave to keep the ball fair is one of the most replayed highlights in World Series history.
5. World Series Game 1, 1954: New York Giants vs. Cleveland Indians
This game is forever remembered for one iconic play: Willie Mays’ over-the-shoulder catch. This breathtaking display of athletic prowess on baseball’s biggest stage came from New York Giants’ center fielder, who made an amazing over-the-shoulder catch on a deep hit by Vic Wertz. The catch stopped a potential rally by the Indians and the Giants ended up sweeping the series.
6. World Series Game 7, 1991: Minnesota Twins vs. Atlanta Braves
From first pitch to the last, this game has been called one of the greatest Game 7s in World Series history. After nine scoreless innings, the Minnesota Twins’ Gene Larkin hit a single to deep center field, driving in Dan Gladden for the only run of the game. The home crowd erupted as the Twins secured their second championship in five years.
7. World Series Game 6, 2011: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Texas Rangers
Down to their last strike twice in the game, the underdog St. Louis Cardinals rallied back each time, subsequently pushing the game to extra innings. In the 11th inning, hometown hero David Freese hit a walk-off home run, forcing a Game 7, which the Cardinals won to seal their eleventh World Series championship.
8. World Series Game 3, 2018: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Boston Red Sox
In the longest World Series game ever played, the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Boston Red Sox in 18 grueling innings. The game lasted 7 hours and 20 minutes, eclipsing the previous record by an hour. Muncy’s walk-off home run in the bottom of the 18th ended the marathon match, making it one of the most thrilling games in World Series history.
9. World Series Game 4, 2004: Boston Red Sox vs. St. Louis Cardinals
After going 86 years without a championship, the Boston Red Sox finally got over the hump and broke the “Curse of the Bambino” with their sweep over the St. Louis Cardinals. The game itself is memorable not only for the Red Sox win but also for the way it epitomized the spirit of Boston’s historic comeback from a 3-0 deficit to the Yankees in the American League Championship Series.
10. World Series Game 1, 1988: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Oakland Athletics
Remembered for one of the most dramatic home runs in World Series history, this game features the unforgettable image of the injured Kirk Gibson limping around the bases. Gibson’s two-run, pinch-hit home run in the bottom of the ninth handed the Dodgers an improbable win and set the tone for their eventual series win. Despite barely being able to walk due to injuries, Gibson’s home run remains one of baseball’s defining moments.