The World Series has produced countless unforgettable moments, solidifying its place as one of the greatest stages in all of sports. From jaw-dropping home runs to miraculous comebacks, the Fall Classic has given baseball fans timeless memories. Here are seven of the best World Series moments that have etched themselves into baseball history.
Bill Mazeroski’s Walk-Off Home Run (1960)
The New York Yankees have long been known for their dominance in the World Series, entering the 1960 series as heavy favorites. At the time, the New York Yankees MLB odds on FanDuel Sportsbook would likely have strongly favored them to win. However, Bill Mazeroski of the Pittsburgh Pirates had other plans. In Game 7, Mazeroski became the first and only player to win a World Series with a Game 7 walk-off home run. His solo shot in the bottom of the ninth inning secured the Pirates’ 10-9 victory, shocking fans and upsetting the heavily favored Yankees. This home run remains a symbol of the unpredictability and excitement that defines the World Series.
Kirk Gibson’s Legendary Pinch-Hit Homer (1988)
Few moments in the MLB can rival the drama of Kirk Gibson’s pinch-hit home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series. Battling injuries and barely able to walk, Gibson came to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics’ star closer, Dennis Eckersley. With two outs and a full count, Gibson connected on a pitch, sending the ball into the stands for a game-winning home run. The sight of Gibson limping around the bases and pumping his fist is one of the most enduring images in sports history.
Carlton Fisk’s Game 6 Walk-Off (1975)
In Game 6 of the 1975 World Series, Carlton Fisk gave fans one of the most memorable moments when he hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 12th inning to force a Game 7. As the ball sailed toward the left-field foul pole, Fisk famously waved it fair while hopping down the first-base line. This iconic image became synonymous with postseason baseball, even though the Boston Red Sox would go on to lose the series to the Cincinnati Reds.
David Freese’s Game 6 Heroics (2011)
David Freese’s performance in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series is the stuff of legend. With the St. Louis Cardinals down to their final strike, Freese delivered a game-tying triple in the ninth inning. In the 11th inning, Freese struck again, launching a walk-off home run to force a Game 7. His clutch hitting helped the Cardinals complete their improbable comeback against the Texas Rangers and win the World Series, solidifying Freese’s place in postseason history.
Babe Ruth’s Called Shot (1932)
Babe Ruth’s “called shot” during the 1932 World Series remains one of the most debated moments in baseball. Facing the Chicago Cubs in Game 3, Ruth allegedly pointed to the center-field stands before hitting a towering home run to that exact spot on the next pitch.
Whether Ruth truly called his shot or not, the moment has become legendary, adding to the mystique of the Great Bambino and the grandeur of the World Series.
Don Larsen’s Perfect Game (1956)
Don Larsen achieved baseball immortality when he pitched the only perfect game in World Series history. In Game 5 of the 1956 World Series, Larsen retired all 27 Brooklyn Dodgers he faced, throwing just 97 pitches in the process. Larsen’s perfect game remains one of the most extraordinary individual performances ever seen on baseball’s grandest stage.
Joe Carter’s Walk-Off Home Run (1993)
Joe Carter provided the Toronto Blue Jays with their second consecutive World Series title when he hit a walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 1993 series against the Philadelphia Phillies. With the Blue Jays trailing in the bottom of the ninth inning, Carter’s three-run homer sealed the win and sent the Toronto faithful into a frenzy. Carter’s home run remains one of the most thrilling moments in World Series history.
