Fun facts about the MLB World Series
As we head into Game 5 of the 2023 World Series between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks, let’s take a look at some fun facts about the series.
On Tuesday night the Texas Rangers took themselves to within one win of a World Series title after they defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 11-7 in Game 4 of the ‘The Fall Classic.’ Now leading the series 3-1, the Rangers need one final push to bring to an end the second-longest championship drought in MLB history. Indeed, having never won the World Series before, one can imagine the magnitude of this moment. Yet, that’s what we already know having followed the series to this point. What about the things you don’t know about baseball’s biggest show? Here’s a look at some interesting curiosities surrounding America’s favorite pastime.
Fun facts you didn’t know about the World Series
- The first World Series was in 1903 between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Americans in a best-of-nine tournament. The Americans won in Game 5.
- The longest-ever World Series game was in 2018 between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. It was an 18-inning game that took 7 hours and 20 minutes.
- There have since been 114 total World Series and the American League leads with 66 wins. The National League has 48 wins.
- The New York Yankees have won the most World Series with 27 wins in 40 appearances.
- Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play in the World Series.
- The player with the most World Series rings is Yogi Berra, with 10. You can read about him and other multi-winners here.
- The first World Series to be played at night was in 1971. Prior to that time, it was common for games to be rescheduled due to a lack of light. From 1973 onward all series were held at night.
- The only team to have never appeared in a World Series is the Seattle Mariners.
- The winner of the World Series receives a trophy called the Commissioner’s Trophy. It’s made of sterling silver and features flags representing all 30 MLB teams.
- Whitey Ford holds the World Series record for most consecutive scoreless innings pitched with 33. He broke Babe Ruth’s record, who pitched 29 2/3.
- The 1989 World Series was interrupted by an earthquake. Moments before Game 3 between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Athletics, a powerful earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay Area, causing a 10-day delay in the series.
- Babe Ruth has the most home runs in World Series history. The legendary slugger hit a total of 15 home runs during his World Series career, a record that still stands today.
- There was no World Series played in 1994 due to a player’s strike.