The World Series is one of the greatest events in all of sports. Each year, teams from the American and National Leagues battle it out for the title of World Series champion. Over the years, the World Series has provided some of the most iconic and memorable moments in sports history. Here’s a look at some of the most memorable World Series moments.
Babe Ruth’s Called Shot: The most iconic World Series moment of all-time belongs to Babe Ruth. In the 1932 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs, Ruth stepped up to the plate in the fifth inning of Game 3 with the Yankees trailing 4-2. He then proceeded to point to the center field bleachers and hit a home run to the exact spot he indicated. It was a moment that is remembered to this day as the “called shot.”
The Catch: One of the most famous defensive plays in World Series history came in 1954 when Willie Mays made “The Catch.” During the first game of the 1954 World Series between the New York Giants and the Cleveland Indians, Mays made a remarkable over-the-shoulder catch in center field to rob Vic Wertz of a sure home run. The Giants went on to win the series and Mays’ catch remains one of the most iconic images in baseball history.
Bill Mazeroski’s Home Run: In 1960, the Pittsburgh Pirates faced off against the New York Yankees in the World Series. The Pirates were down 7-9 in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7. With two outs, Bill Mazeroski stepped to the plate and hit a walk-off home run to give the Pirates the title. It was the first time in World Series history that a Game 7 had been won with a home run.
Kirk Gibson’s Home Run: The 1988 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Oakland Athletics is remembered for one of the greatest home runs in baseball history. With the Dodgers trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Kirk Gibson stepped to the plate with two outs. Despite being hobbled by injuries, Gibson hit a walk-off home run to give the Dodgers the win. It was one of the most improbable home runs in World Series history.
The “Rally Monkey”: The Anaheim Angels won their first and only World Series title in 2002. The Angels were down 3-2 in the series against the San Francisco Giants when they introduced the “Rally Monkey.” The Angels’ mascot, a small monkey wearing an Angels jersey, was shown on the video scoreboard during games in an effort to fire up the crowd. The Angels won the next three games to take the Series and the Rally Monkey became a beloved part of Angels history.
The World Series has provided some of the most iconic and memorable moments in all of sports. From Babe Ruth’s called shot to the “Rally Monkey”, these moments will live on in the hearts of baseball fans for generations to come.
