World Series Scores: History & Results

Bill Taylor

-Nov 2, 2025

The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB) in North America, contested since 1903 between the American League (AL) champion team and the National League (NL) champion team. Winning the World Series is the ultimate goal for any MLB team, marking them as the champions of the baseball season. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed information on World Series scores, historical results, and key moments in the history of this iconic event.

World Series Winners by Year

The World Series has a rich history, with numerous memorable moments and legendary teams. Below is a list of World Series winners by year, spanning from the inaugural series to the present day:

1903-1920: The Early Years

The early years of the World Series saw the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox dominate, setting the stage for future rivalries and baseball legends.

1903: Boston Americans (AL) defeated Pittsburgh Pirates (NL)
1904: No World Series (NL Champion New York Giants refused to play)
1905: New York Giants (NL) defeated Philadelphia Athletics (AL)
1906: Chicago White Sox (AL) defeated Chicago Cubs (NL)
1907: Chicago Cubs (NL) defeated Detroit Tigers (AL)
1908: Chicago Cubs (NL) defeated Detroit Tigers (AL)
1909: Pittsburgh Pirates (NL) defeated Detroit Tigers (AL)
1910: Philadelphia Athletics (AL) defeated Chicago Cubs (NL)
1911: Philadelphia Athletics (AL) defeated New York Giants (NL)
1912: Boston Red Sox (AL) defeated New York Giants (NL)
1913: Philadelphia Athletics (AL) defeated New York Giants (NL)
1914: Boston Braves (NL) defeated Philadelphia Athletics (AL)
1915: Boston Red Sox (AL) defeated Philadelphia Phillies (NL)
1916: Boston Red Sox (AL) defeated Brooklyn Robins (NL)
1917: Chicago White Sox (AL) defeated New York Giants (NL)
1918: Boston Red Sox (AL) defeated Chicago Cubs (NL)
1919: Cincinnati Reds (NL) defeated Chicago White Sox (AL)
1920: Cleveland Indians (AL) defeated Brooklyn Robins (NL)

1921-1940: The Babe Ruth Era

The 1920s and 1930s were dominated by Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees, who established themselves as a baseball dynasty.

1921: New York Giants (NL) defeated New York Yankees (AL)
1922: New York Giants (NL) defeated New York Yankees (AL)
1923: New York Yankees (AL) defeated New York Giants (NL)
1924: Washington Senators (AL) defeated New York Giants (NL)
1925: Pittsburgh Pirates (NL) defeated Washington Senators (AL)
1926: St. Louis Cardinals (NL) defeated New York Yankees (AL)
1927: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Pittsburgh Pirates (NL)
1928: New York Yankees (AL) defeated St. Louis Cardinals (NL)
1929: Philadelphia Athletics (AL) defeated Chicago Cubs (NL)
1930: St. Louis Cardinals (NL) defeated Philadelphia Athletics (AL)
1931: St. Louis Cardinals (NL) defeated Philadelphia Athletics (AL)
1932: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Chicago Cubs (NL)
1933: New York Giants (NL) defeated Washington Senators (AL)
1934: St. Louis Cardinals (NL) defeated Detroit Tigers (AL)
1935: Detroit Tigers (AL) defeated Chicago Cubs (NL)
1936: New York Yankees (AL) defeated New York Giants (NL)
1937: New York Yankees (AL) defeated New York Giants (NL)
1938: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Chicago Cubs (NL)
1939: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Cincinnati Reds (NL)
1940: Cincinnati Reds (NL) defeated Detroit Tigers (AL)

1941-1960: Post-War Baseball

The post-war era saw the rise of new stars and teams, with the Yankees continuing their dominance alongside the emergence of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

1941: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Brooklyn Dodgers (NL)
1942: St. Louis Cardinals (NL) defeated New York Yankees (AL)
1943: New York Yankees (AL) defeated St. Louis Cardinals (NL)
1944: St. Louis Cardinals (NL) defeated St. Louis Browns (AL)
1945: Detroit Tigers (AL) defeated Chicago Cubs (NL)
1946: St. Louis Cardinals (NL) defeated Boston Red Sox (AL)
1947: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Brooklyn Dodgers (NL)
1948: Cleveland Indians (AL) defeated Boston Braves (NL)
1949: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Brooklyn Dodgers (NL)
1950: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Philadelphia Phillies (NL)
1951: New York Yankees (AL) defeated New York Giants (NL)
1952: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Brooklyn Dodgers (NL)
1953: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Brooklyn Dodgers (NL)
1954: New York Giants (NL) defeated Cleveland Indians (AL)
1955: Brooklyn Dodgers (NL) defeated New York Yankees (AL)
1956: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Brooklyn Dodgers (NL)
1957: Milwaukee Braves (NL) defeated New York Yankees (AL)
1958: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Milwaukee Braves (NL)
1959: Los Angeles Dodgers (NL) defeated Chicago White Sox (AL)
1960: Pittsburgh Pirates (NL) defeated New York Yankees (AL)

1961-1980: Expansion Era

The expansion era brought new teams and a fresh wave of talent, with teams like the Oakland Athletics and the Cincinnati Reds achieving dynasty status.

1961: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Cincinnati Reds (NL)
1962: New York Yankees (AL) defeated San Francisco Giants (NL)
1963: Los Angeles Dodgers (NL) defeated New York Yankees (AL)
1964: St. Louis Cardinals (NL) defeated New York Yankees (AL)
1965: Los Angeles Dodgers (NL) defeated Minnesota Twins (AL)
1966: Baltimore Orioles (AL) defeated Los Angeles Dodgers (NL)
1967: St. Louis Cardinals (NL) defeated Boston Red Sox (AL)
1968: Detroit Tigers (AL) defeated St. Louis Cardinals (NL)
1969: New York Mets (NL) defeated Baltimore Orioles (AL)
1970: Baltimore Orioles (AL) defeated Cincinnati Reds (NL)
1971: Pittsburgh Pirates (NL) defeated Baltimore Orioles (AL)
1972: Oakland Athletics (AL) defeated Cincinnati Reds (NL)
1973: Oakland Athletics (AL) defeated New York Mets (NL)
1974: Oakland Athletics (AL) defeated Los Angeles Dodgers (NL)
1975: Cincinnati Reds (NL) defeated Boston Red Sox (AL)
1976: Cincinnati Reds (NL) defeated New York Yankees (AL)
1977: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Los Angeles Dodgers (NL)
1978: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Los Angeles Dodgers (NL)
1979: Pittsburgh Pirates (NL) defeated Baltimore Orioles (AL)
1980: Philadelphia Phillies (NL) defeated Kansas City Royals (AL)

1981-2000: The Modern Game

The modern game saw increased parity and exciting matchups, with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays achieving success. — Nashville SC Vs FC Cincinnati: The Ultimate MLS Showdown

1981: Los Angeles Dodgers (NL) defeated New York Yankees (AL)
1982: St. Louis Cardinals (NL) defeated Milwaukee Brewers (AL)
1983: Baltimore Orioles (AL) defeated Philadelphia Phillies (NL)
1984: Detroit Tigers (AL) defeated San Diego Padres (NL)
1985: Kansas City Royals (AL) defeated St. Louis Cardinals (NL)
1986: New York Mets (NL) defeated Boston Red Sox (AL)
1987: Minnesota Twins (AL) defeated St. Louis Cardinals (NL)
1988: Los Angeles Dodgers (NL) defeated Oakland Athletics (AL)
1989: Oakland Athletics (AL) defeated San Francisco Giants (NL)
1990: Cincinnati Reds (NL) defeated Oakland Athletics (AL)
1991: Minnesota Twins (AL) defeated Atlanta Braves (NL)
1992: Toronto Blue Jays (AL) defeated Atlanta Braves (NL)
1993: Toronto Blue Jays (AL) defeated Philadelphia Phillies (NL)
1995: Atlanta Braves (NL) defeated Cleveland Indians (AL)
1996: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Atlanta Braves (NL)
1997: Florida Marlins (NL) defeated Cleveland Indians (AL)
1998: New York Yankees (AL) defeated San Diego Padres (NL)
1999: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Atlanta Braves (NL)
2000: New York Yankees (AL) defeated New York Mets (NL)

2001-Present: The 21st Century

The 21st century has brought new dynasties and unforgettable moments, including the Red Sox breaking the curse and the emergence of teams like the San Francisco Giants.

2001: Arizona Diamondbacks (NL) defeated New York Yankees (AL)
2002: Anaheim Angels (AL) defeated San Francisco Giants (NL)
2003: Florida Marlins (NL) defeated New York Yankees (AL)
2004: Boston Red Sox (AL) defeated St. Louis Cardinals (NL)
2005: Chicago White Sox (AL) defeated Houston Astros (NL)
2006: St. Louis Cardinals (NL) defeated Detroit Tigers (AL)
2007: Boston Red Sox (AL) defeated Colorado Rockies (NL)
2008: Philadelphia Phillies (NL) defeated Tampa Bay Rays (AL)
2009: New York Yankees (AL) defeated Philadelphia Phillies (NL)
2010: San Francisco Giants (NL) defeated Texas Rangers (AL)
2011: St. Louis Cardinals (NL) defeated Texas Rangers (AL)
2012: San Francisco Giants (NL) defeated Detroit Tigers (AL)
2013: Boston Red Sox (AL) defeated St. Louis Cardinals (NL)
2014: San Francisco Giants (NL) defeated Kansas City Royals (AL)
2015: Kansas City Royals (AL) defeated New York Mets (NL)
2016: Chicago Cubs (NL) defeated Cleveland Indians (AL)
2017: Houston Astros (AL) defeated Los Angeles Dodgers (NL)
2018: Boston Red Sox (AL) defeated Los Angeles Dodgers (NL)
2019: Washington Nationals (NL) defeated Houston Astros (AL)
2020: Los Angeles Dodgers (NL) defeated Tampa Bay Rays (AL)
2021: Atlanta Braves (NL) defeated Houston Astros (AL)
2022: Houston Astros (AL) defeated Philadelphia Phillies (NL)
2023: Texas Rangers (AL) defeated Arizona Diamondbacks (NL)

World Series Scores and Key Moments

Each World Series game is filled with memorable moments, from dramatic home runs to clutch pitching performances. Here are some key aspects of World Series scores and memorable moments:

Highest Scoring Games

Some World Series games stand out for their high scores and offensive explosions. Here are a few of the highest-scoring games in World Series history:

1931 Game 4: St. Louis Cardinals 10, Philadelphia Athletics 8
1993 Game 4: Toronto Blue Jays 15, Philadelphia Phillies 14
2001 Game 5: Arizona Diamondbacks 15, New York Yankees 2

Memorable Game 7s

Game 7s are the pinnacle of baseball drama, and several have produced unforgettable moments:

1960: Bill Mazeroski's walk-off home run for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the New York Yankees.
1991: Jack Morris's 10-inning shutout for the Minnesota Twins against the Atlanta Braves.
2016: The Chicago Cubs' extra-innings victory over the Cleveland Indians, breaking a 108-year championship drought.

Individual Performances

Certain players have delivered legendary performances in the World Series, etching their names in baseball lore: — Put The Lotion On Your Skin: Meaning & Origins

Babe Ruth: His performance in the 1923 World Series, where he batted .368 with three home runs, solidified his status as a legend.
Sandy Koufax: His dominant pitching performances in the 1963 and 1965 World Series helped the Los Angeles Dodgers secure championships.
Mariano Rivera: His impeccable postseason record, including multiple World Series saves, makes him one of the greatest closers of all time.

Teams with the Most World Series Wins

Some teams have consistently performed well in the World Series, accumulating multiple championships over the years. Here are the teams with the most World Series wins:

New York Yankees: 27
St. Louis Cardinals: 11
Boston Red Sox: 9
Oakland Athletics: 9
San Francisco Giants: 8

World Series MVP Awards

The World Series MVP Award is given to the player who has the most outstanding performance during the series. Here are a few notable World Series MVPs:

1960: Bobby Richardson (New York Yankees)
1971: Roberto Clemente (Pittsburgh Pirates)
1981: Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero, and Steve Yeager (Los Angeles Dodgers)
2004: Manny Ramirez (Boston Red Sox)
2016: Ben Zobrist (Chicago Cubs)

FAQ About World Series Scores

What is the highest score in a World Series game?

The highest score in a World Series game is 15 runs, achieved by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1993 (Game 4) and the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001 (Game 5).

Which team has the most World Series wins?

The New York Yankees have the most World Series wins, with 27 championships.

Who was the MVP of the 2016 World Series?

Ben Zobrist was the MVP of the 2016 World Series, leading the Chicago Cubs to victory over the Cleveland Indians. — Notre Dame Football: News, Scores, And History

How many games are in a World Series?

A World Series consists of a best-of-seven series, with the first team to win four games being crowned the champion.

When was the first World Series played?

The first World Series was played in 1903 between the Boston Americans and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Which league has won the most World Series titles?

The American League (AL) has won more World Series titles than the National League (NL).

Has any team ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win the World Series?

No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win the World Series. Only one team has come back from a 3-1 deficit: the 1925 Pittsburgh Pirates.

Conclusion: The Legacy of World Series Scores

The World Series is more than just a championship; it is a celebration of baseball history and a testament to the sport's enduring appeal. World Series scores tell the story of legendary teams, unforgettable moments, and the pursuit of excellence. As we continue to witness new chapters in this storied tradition, the legacy of the World Series will undoubtedly inspire generations of baseball fans and players alike. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the game, understanding the history and scores of the World Series provides a deeper appreciation for the sport's rich heritage and the thrilling competition it offers.