Mar 12, 2024
·Emily Kho
Baseball fans eagerly anticipate the pinnacle of each Major League Baseball (MLB) season–the World Series. Over the past decade, the MLB has witnessed thrilling moments, historical achievements and unforgettable championship games.
In this blog, we’ll take a nostalgic journey from 2014 to 2023, highlighting the MLB champions of each year and their memorable moments. So, if you’re wondering who won the World Series last year or any of the nine years before that, you’ve come to the right place.
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2014 World Series Champions: San Francisco Giants
The 2014 MLB season concluded with the San Francisco Giants clinching their third championship in five years. They defeated the Kansas City Royals (4-3) in a thrilling seven-game series.
MVP player Madison Bumgarner’s dominant pitching performance and his five-inning save in Game 7 will be remembered for generations to come.
This was the first time the World Series championship was won by a number five seed.
2015 World Series Champions: Kansas City Royals
In 2015, the Kansas City Royals returned to the playing field, securing their first World Series title since 1985. In a tense, five-game series against the National League champion New York Mets, the Royals’ combination of clutch hitting and base-stealing prowess became evident.
The series kicked off with heat, capturing the hearts of fans in Game 1. With the Royals trailing by one run in the ninth inning, Alex Gordon hit a dramatic game-tying home run, leading to an extra-inning victory.
This clutch play set the tone for the Royals’ championship run and remains one of the best moments of the 2015 World Series.
2016 World Series Champions: Chicago Cubs
The year 2016 was a landmark one in baseball history as the Chicago Cubs broke free from their 108-year championship drought. Both teams were considered underdogs in the MLB, making the game highly anticipated by critics and fans alike.
The epic seven-game battle against the former Cleveland Indians (now known as the Cleveland Guardians) culminated in a heart-pounding extra-inning game 7, adding to the intensity of the series. Game 7 kicked off with a home run and ended with Kris Bryant fielding the final out.
To this day, it is considered one of the best game 7s in World Series history.
2017 World Series Champions: Houston Astros
In 2017, the Houston Astros reached the pinnacle of baseball success, capturing their first-ever World Series title in a 4-3 series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Astros’ victory was powered by a formidable lineup led by Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa.
Throughout the series, the Astros scored 15 home runs, setting a world series record. Five of those runs were completed by George Springer, earning him the MVP title for the 2017 World Series.
2018 World Series Champions: Boston Red Sox
2018 marked a dominant year for the Boston Red Sox, who dominated the regular season and triumphed in the playoffs. In a five-game series, they outmatched the Los Angeles Dodgers to secure their fourth championship in just 15 years.
Steve Pearce delivered a standout performance with two home runs in Game 5, earning himself the MVP award.
The final score marked a 4-1 series win for the Boston Red Sox over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
2019 World Series Champions: Washington Nationals
In 2019, the Washington Nationals defied the odds to clinch their first-ever championship against the Houston Astros. The Nationals staged a remarkable comeback after trailing 3-2 in the series.
One of the defining moments was Howie Kendrick’s go-ahead home run in Game 7, which gave the Nationals a 3-2 series lead.
The final score concluded with the Washington Nationals defeating the Houston Astros 4-3. Stephen Strasburg performed brilliant pitching, earning two wins and the MVP title.
2020 World Series Champions: Los Angeles Dodgers
The 2020 series witnessed the Los Angeles Dodgers taking on the Tampa Bay Rays, with the Dodgers clinching their first championship in 32 years. The series took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, making it the first MLB World Series to take place at a neutral site.
The Dodgers were led by Clayton Kershaw’s dominant pitching performance, particularly in Game 5 when Kershaw struck out Kiermaier at the bottom of the 5th inning. The final score indicated a 4-2 series win for the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Tampa Bay Rays.
2021 World Series Champions: Atlanta Braves
In 2021, the Atlanta Braves surprised many by clinching the championship against the Houston Astros. The Braves’ triumph was powered by Jorge Soler, whose remarkable performance earned him the coveted MVP title.
In Game 6, Jorge Soler delivered a defining moment with a three-run home run, swinging the series in the Braves’ favor. Beyond that critical hit, Soler showcased consistent power at the plate throughout the series, amassing key RBIs and extra-base hits.
The final score saw the Atlanta Braves win over the Houston Astros with a series score of 4-2.
2022 World Series Champions: Houston Astros
In the 2022 MLB Series, the top-seeded AL Houston Astros faced off against the Wild Card Philadelphia Phillies in a thrilling six-game showdown, ultimately securing their second championship win.
The standout of the series was rookie sensation Jeremy Pena, who made history by becoming the first rookie position player to win the MVP award. Pena’s remarkable performance included batting 6-for18 with two home runs and two doubles.
Ultimately, the Houston Astros prevailed with a 4-2 series score.
2023 World Series Champions: Texas Rangers
In the 2023 MLB Series, the Texas Rangers faced the Arizona Diamondbacks, marking just the third instance in history where both teams were wild cards. The Rangers, established in 1961, secured their inaugural World Series title with a resounding 4-1 victory.
Corey Seager, named MVP for the second time, emerged as the series hero with crucial two-run home runs in Game 3 and Game 4, setting the tone for the Rangers’ historic win.