How many times have the Yankees played the Dodgers in the World Series? Fall Classic rivalry

The historic rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers dates back to 1941 when Joe DiMaggio’s Yankees clinched a decisive victory over the Dodgers in the World Series. The Yankees continued their dominance over the next 13 years, securing four more championships against Brooklyn.

Despite repeated setbacks, loyal Dodgers fans held onto the optimistic refrain, “Wait till next year.” Their tenacious patience was rewarded in 1955 when the Dodgers triumphed over the Yankees, claiming their first and only title in Brooklyn, the greatest achievement for the franchise up to that moment.

The following year (1956), the Yankees sought vengeance in a seven-game series, marking a bittersweet end to the Brooklyn era of the rivalry.

Brooklyn to LA

In 1958, the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, quickly bringing success to the West Coast. Led by stars like Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale, the Dodgers claimed four titles in 10 years. However, none were more satisfying than the 1963 World Series when the Dodgers swept the Yankees in four straight games.

The Yankees, determined to reclaim their dominance, struck back in 1977 when Reggie Jackson earned the nickname “Mr. October” by smashing three home runs in Game 6 to clinch the series. The Yankees repeated as champions the following year, defeating the Dodgers again in 1978.

The rivalry’s last World Series chapter came in 1981 when the Dodgers roared back after losing the first two games at Yankee Stadium to win four straight and secure their third title over the Yankees. The triumph was one of the Dodgers’ most memorable victories, as they overcame all odds to defeat their longtime foes.

Since then, both teams have experienced varying degrees of success.

The Dodgers, led by Orel Hershiser, captured the 1988 World Series, while the Yankees, spearheaded by Derek Jeter, won five titles between 1996 and 2009. The Yankees’ 27th championship in 2009 reaffirmed their place atop baseball’s ranking.

Although another Dodgers-Yankees World Series seems very possible in the near future, their rivalry still endures and will continue as one of baseball’s greatest. For one brief series in September 2016, the two teams met again in the Bronx, rekindling memories of a classic rivalry that defined generations of fans.