Which MLB teams have gone the longest since making the World Series?
It’s been some time since the Texas Rangers have made an appearance in the ‘Fall Classic’ but their drought pales in comparison to others. Let’s take a look.
Taking a look at the teams that have failed to make a World Series appearance over the last few years is quite sobering. Especially when you realize the kind of star power that some of these teams have possessed.
Which MLB team has gone the longest without a World Series appearance?
The longest currently active World Series drought belongs to the Seattle Mariners, who have gone 47 years without appearing in a World Series. What’s more, is that prior to the 2022 season, the team was also sitting on the longest post-season drought of any team in the four major professional leagues with 20. This of course is the definition of irony when one considers the fact that the team has had players such as Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Randy Johnson, and Ichiro Suzuki on the roster over the years, and that’s just a few of the names.
Who has the longest all-time World Series drought?
That dubious honor belongs to the Chicago Cubs who - believe it or not - went 70 years (1946 to 2016) without making a single appearance in a World Series. Prior to their trip to the ‘Fall Classic’ in 2016, which they won, their last appearance was 1945, which they lost against the Detroit Tigers. Their previous World Series win before 2016 was back in 1908, against the Detroit Tigers, meaning they went a full 108 years between titles.
Who are the other teams with a World Series appearance drought?
Below you can see the full list of the teams that have gone extended periods of time without an appearance in MLB’s showpiece series:
Team | No. of Years | Start Year |
---|---|---|
Seattle Mariners | 47 | 1977 |
Pittsburgh Pirates | 44 | 1980 |
Milwaukee Brewers | 40 | 1983 |
Baltimore Orioles | 39 | 1984 |
Oakland Athletics | 33 | 1991 |
Cincinnati Reds | 33 | 1991 |
Minnesota Twins | 31 | 1992 |
Toronto Blue Jays | 28 | 1995 |
San Diego Padres | 25 | 1999 |
Arizona Diamondbacks | 21 | 2002 |
Los Angeles Angels | 21 | 2003 |
Miami Marlins | 19 | 2004 |
Chicago White Sox | 18 | 2006 |
Colorado Rockies | 16 | 2008 |
New York Yankees | 14 | 2010 |