The World Series has produced some of the most dramatic moments in baseball history, with teams pulling off stunning comebacks and last-minute heroics to claim the championship. Here’s a detailed look at five of the most heart-stopping finishes.
1. 2016: Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians – Game 7
The Cubs’ 108-year championship drought came to an end in a game that had everything—momentum swings, late-inning drama, and even a rain delay. After Cleveland tied the game 6-6 in the eighth inning with a two-run homer by Rajai Davis, the tension skyrocketed. The game went into extra innings, and after a brief rain delay, the Cubs rallied in the 10th. Ben Zobrist’s clutch RBI double and Miguel Montero’s insurance run sealed the victory, making this one of the most emotional wins in baseball history.
2. 2001: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Yankees – Game 7
Facing the seemingly invincible Mariano Rivera in the bottom of the ninth, the Diamondbacks pulled off an improbable comeback. Tony Womack’s RBI double tied the game, and then Luis Gonzalez delivered the walk-off single over a drawn-in infield, securing Arizona’s first-ever championship. This game was particularly dramatic because the Yankees had been riding a wave of emotional victories following the 9/11 attacks, making the Diamondbacks’ triumph even more shocking.
3. 1991: Minnesota Twins vs. Atlanta Braves – Game 7
This game is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitching duels in World Series history. Jack Morris threw a 10-inning shutout, refusing to let the Braves score. The tension built as both teams remained scoreless until the bottom of the 10th, when Gene Larkin’s single brought home Dan Gladden for the winning run. The sheer endurance and grit displayed in this game made it an instant classic.
4. 1986: New York Mets vs. Boston Red Sox – Game 6
The Red Sox were one out away from their first championship since 1918 when disaster struck. A wild pitch allowed the Mets to tie the game, and then Mookie Wilson’s infamous ground ball slipped through Bill Buckner’s legs, allowing the winning run to score. The Mets carried that momentum into Game 7, securing the championship. This moment remains one of the most heartbreaking collapses in sports history.
5. 1975: Cincinnati Reds vs. Boston Red Sox – Game 6
Carlton Fisk’s iconic walk-off home run in the 12th inning is one of the most memorable moments in baseball history. As he waved his arms, willing the ball to stay fair, Fenway Park erupted in celebration. Though the Red Sox won Game 6, the Reds responded in Game 7 with a late rally to win the title. The back-and-forth drama made this one of the most unforgettable World Series finishes.
These games weren’t just about baseball—they were about resilience, pressure, and the ability to perform under the brightest lights. Whether it was a historic drought-breaking win or a last-second rally against a dominant closer, these moments will forever be etched in World Series lore.
