10 Best Moments In World Series History

By: Samantha Mason

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Baseball is America's favorite past time for a reason, and the 10 Best Moments In World Series History will help remind you why.

Chicago Cubs vs. Boston Red Sox in 1918: During the seventh inning stretch of the World War Fall Classic, the Cubs Band led the crowd in the star spangled banner. Though it was not yet America's National Anthem, the song was played as a tribute to our soldiers. Everyone in Chicago’s Comiskey Park broke into song, and eventually it would become a tradition at all sporting events. This series became famous for another reason. Owing to the “Curse of the Bambino” It would be the final World Series victory for the Boston Red Sox for 86 years.
Chicago Cubs vs. New York Yankees in 1932: In the fifth inning of game three, Babe Ruth stepped up to the plate and pointed to center field; an apparent declaration that he would hit the ball out of the park. On the very next pitch, Ruth hit a home run to center field. Ruth's “called shot” was a moment in World Series history that will never be forgotten.
New York Giants vs. Cleveland Indians in 1954: It is still the greatest catch in World Series History. In game one, the score was tied at the top of the eighth, and two men were on for the Indians when Vic Wertz hit a 460ft shot to deep center field. Though Giants' center fielder’s Willie Mays was playing shallow, he made a running over-the-shoulder catch (losing his hat) and stopping the Indians from gaining a three point lead. The Giants would go on to sweep the series.
Brooklyn Dodgers vs. New York Yankees in 1956: In game five of the series, Yankee’s Pitcher Don Larson threw the only perfect game in the history of the World Series. The Yankee’s, down by two games at the beginning of the series, would come back to win in seven.
Pittsburg Pirates vs. New York Yankees in 1960: In one of the most exhilarating seventh games ever played, Pirate’s player Bill Mazeroski led off in the bottom of the ninth, and hit the first walk-off home run in World Series History to beat the Yankees, 10-9.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Boston Red Sox in 1975: Though the Red Sox would eventually lose the series, the sixth game was a twelve inning marathon at Fenway Park, that ended when Red Sox catcher, Carlton Fisk hit the foul poll on a long shot down the left field line. Fisk frantically waved his arms to the right, “magically” waving the ball fair.
New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers in 1977: In game six Reggie Jackson became the second player in World Series history to hit three home runs in a single game. He hit each bomb off three different pitchers, each on the first pitch thrown in the at-bat.
New York Mets vs. Boston Red Sox in 1986: This game, one of the most painful in franchise history for the Red Sox, reminded us why baseball is so great. It truly “ain’t over until it’s over.” Boston had the World Series all but won when a couple of bad pitches led up to an extra innings ball game. Bill Buckner's infamous fielding error would cost his team the game, and eventually, the series.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Oakland A’s in 1988: Kirk Gibson hit a “miracle” two run homer to end game one of the series. Gibson, who could barely walk, faced one of the most terrifying closers in history. Though the underdog Dodgers would win the series in five without Gibson, this long shot hit was the turning point, as the sheer improbability of the hit would rock the confidence of the heavily favored A’s.
Boston Red Sox vs St. Louis Cardinals in 2004 : On the 100th anniversary of the World Series, the ghost of Babe Ruth stopped haunting Fenway park, and the Red Sox did the unthinkable: They won. Though there is not one hit or one play that clinched it for Boston (baseball's greatest come back come in the ALCS against the Yankees) this iconic moment in World Series history will endure forever.