Game 7 of the World Series is the pinnacle of baseball drama, where tension reaches its peak. Each pitch, play, and decision carries immense weight as teams battle for ultimate glory. Still, not all Game 7s are equally dramatic, with some literally keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Here are 15 unforgettable examples!
Washington Senators vs. New York Giants (1924)
On October 10, 1924, the Washington Senators triumphed over the New York Giants in a dramatic Game 7 of the World Series, winning 4-3 in extra innings. The Giants initially led 3-1, but two critical errors allowed the Senators to tie and eventually win the game.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Senators (1925)
Game 7 between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Washington Senators was played under challenging weather conditions, with fog and rain adding to the drama. A series of clutch hits and an error by Senators’ shortstop Roger Peckinpaugh allowed the Pirates to rally, ultimately winning the game 9-7.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Boston Red Sox (1946)
Fans fondly remember Game 7 of the 1946 World Series for “Enos Slaughter’s Mad Dash.” The St. Louis Cardinals and their bitter rivals, the Boston Red Sox, vied for supremacy, but Slaughter’s daring base running became legendary when he scored from first base.
New York Yankees vs. Brooklyn Dodgers (1947)
In another classic chapter, the World Series Game 7 saw fierce competition between the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Dodgers. The Yankees won a 5-2 decisive victory, with Joe Page emerging as the hero. His exceptional relief pitching stifled Brooklyn’s offense during critical moments.
New York Yankees vs. Brooklyn Dodgers (1952)
World Series champions, the New York Yankees, battled against their longtime rivals, the Brooklyn Dodgers, in 1952. Billy Martin became an instant hero when he made an extraordinary catch on an infield pop-up with bases loaded. His remarkable play prevented potential runs from scoring.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. New York Yankees (1960)
The 1960 World Series Game 7 saw the Pittsburgh Pirates triumph over the New York Yankees in a thrilling contest that ended 10-9. Despite being outscored and outplayed throughout the series, the Pirates remained resilient, overcoming a Yankees team that had dominated earlier games.
New York Yankees vs. San Francisco Giants (1962)
The culmination of the 1962 World Series brought two storied franchises—the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants—on a collision course. It concluded dramatically with Willie McCovey’s line drive being caught by Bobby Richardson at second base to seal a narrow 1-0 win for New York.
Oakland Athletics vs. Cincinnati Reds (1972)
Game 7 saw the Oakland Athletics narrowly defeat the Cincinnati Reds with a close 3-2 scoreline that reflected just how competitive this matchup truly was. The game, held on October 22nd, would become known as “the battle royal.” Gene Tenace contributed offensively and defensively and helped the Athletics maintain critical momentum.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Boston Red Sox (1975)
The Cincinnati Reds faced off against the Boston Red Sox in the final game of the 1975 World Series. Despite trailing early on, Cincinnati kept pushing forward. Finally, Tony Pérez hit a critical home run, and Joe Morgan delivered an RBI hit that earned the team a 4-3 win.
Minnesota Twins vs. Atlanta Braves (1991)
This final World Series game between the Minnesota Twins and the Atlanta Braves remained scoreless through nine innings. However, in the bottom of the 10th, Gene Larkin hit a walk-off single, securing a 1-0 victory for the Twins and their second championship title in four years.
Florida Marlins vs. Cleveland Indians (1997)
In what remains one of baseball’s most thrilling conclusions, Game 7 of the 1997 World Series witnessed the Florida Marlins clinch their first-ever championship title against the Cleveland Indians. The team won with a 3-2 lead after eleven innings, becoming the first wild-card team to secure this feat.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Yankees (2001)
The September 11 attacks resulted in an emotionally charged Game 7 between the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees. Luis Gonzalez’s soft single through the infield secured a 3-2 victory and marked Arizona’s first championship title four years after their inception as a franchise.
San Francisco Giants vs. Kansas City Royals (2014)
At the 2014 Game 7, the San Francisco Giants faced the Kansas City Royals, emerging victorious with a close score of 3-2. Madison Bumgarner entered as a relief pitcher on just two days’ rest and delivered five shutout innings, which was instrumental in securing his team’s triumph.
Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians (2016)
In 2016, Game 7 of the World Series saw the Chicago Cubs end their long-standing championship drought of 108 years against the Cleveland Indians. The Cubs managed to rally back from adversity and secured an 8-7 victory with key contributions from their lineup, including Ben Zobrist’s RBI double.
Washington Nationals vs. Houston Astros (2019)
Another stunning display was witnessed during the clash between the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros. Key moments included Anthony Rendon’s home run in the seventh inning, which narrowed the Astros’ lead, and Howie Kendrick’s two-run homer, which turned the tide, giving the Nationals a 6-2 lead.
The Greatest World Series Game 7 Matches