As World Series duels go, none is as time-honored, as marbled with history and classical moments, as the Yankees versus the Dodgers. They are the two flagship franchises of Major League Baseball, wielding historical and financial might like none other, and for the 12th time they’re going to meet in the Fall Classic. It is the most frequent of playoff clashes in MLB, and it’s not a close race.
Their World Series rivalry began when they shared the same city and persisted even when the two teams occupied opposite coasts and opposite ends of the continent. They’ve played World Series games in four different stadia, three of which number among the most iconic venues in sports. Their games have featured numberless Hall of Famers and almost as many inner-circle legends of baseball. So as the two clubs get ready to clash for the sport’s highest honor once again – for the 12th time, to repeat – it’s a fitting occasion to look back at the sprawling history of Yankees-Dodgers World Series encounters.
Let’s do that now, starting with their first head-to-head encounter in 1941 and going through their most recent one – at least until the first pitch of the 2024 World Series flies on Friday.
1941: Owen’s dropped strike (Yankees in five)
In the first Yankees-Dodgers World Series, the inter-borough New York City rivals came in having each authored 100-win regular seasons. For Brooklyn, it was the team’s first pennant in more than 20 years. Game 1 occasioned a then-record crowd of 68,500 at Yankee Stadium. The series turned in Game 4 at Ebbets Field. With the Yankees holding a 2-1 advantage in the series, the Dodgers appeared poised to tie it, as they led 4-3 going into the ninth. Brooklyn reliever Hugh Casey got the first two outs of the frame and then he and Yankees outfielder Tommy Henrich worked one another to a full count. Casey landed a curveball for a called strike three and what initially appeared to be the final out of the game. However, the ball got away from catcher Mickey Owen, and an alert Henrich was able to sprint to first base before Owen could wrangle the ball and throw him out. Unfortunately for the Dodgers, that brought up the meat of the Yankee lineup, starting with Joe DiMaggio – he of the 56-game hit streak earlier that same season. DiMaggio singled, Charlie Keller doubled, Bill Dickey drew a walk, and Joe Gordon hit his own double. The Yankees won the game 7-4 and then closed out the series the next day with a Game 5 win.
Young infielder Billy Martin made his mark in the deciding Game 7 of the World Series. With the Yankees holding a 4-2 lead, the Dodgers had the bases loaded with two outs. Martin, coming in from second base, made a crucial catch to prevent the Dodgers from tying the game. This play helped the Yankees secure their fourth straight title.
In the 1953 World Series, Martin once again played the hero, this time with his bat. He hit a game-tying homer in Game 2 and scored the championship-clinching run in Game 6. Martin’s stellar performance helped the Yankees win their fifth consecutive World Series title, a feat unmatched before or since.
The 1955 World Series saw the Dodgers win their first and only title in Brooklyn. Jackie Robinson’s steal of home in Game 1 remains a memorable moment, but Sandy Amoros’ defensive play in Game 7 was crucial in securing the victory for the Dodgers. Johnny Podres was named the first World Series MVP for his exceptional pitching performance.
Don Larsen’s perfect game in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series remains one of the most legendary moments in baseball history. Despite struggling in Game 2, Larsen’s flawless performance in Game 5 helped the Yankees stay in the series. Clem Labine’s exceptional 10 shutout innings in Game 6 also contributed to the Yankees’ success in winning the World Series. Bob Turley, Labine’s counterpart, was nearly as impressive until Jackie Robinson delivered a walk-off single in the 10th inning. In Game 7, the Yankees dominated early and sealed the victory with a 9-0 win. Robinson, in his final game, struck out to end his illustrious career. The Dodgers soon made the move to Los Angeles, marking the end of an era. Reese, the Dodgers’ shortstop, was the only player to participate in every Dodgers-Yankees World Series matchup.
In 1963, the Dodgers showcased their pitching prowess with Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale leading the charge. The duo shut down the Yankees in a four-game sweep, with Koufax setting records along the way.
The 1977 World Series saw the Yankees face the Dodgers once again. Reggie Jackson’s phenomenal performance in Game 6 solidified his legacy as “Mr. October” with his three home runs in a single game. Despite their rocky season, the Yankees emerged victorious.
The 1978 World Series was a tale of redemption for the Yankees, who overcame a significant deficit to make it to the Fall Classic. Jackson played a crucial role in the series, including a controversial play that helped the Yankees tie the game in Game 4. The Yankees went on to win the series in six games, capping off another remarkable season. In a retaliatory move, Jackson hit a home run off Welch in the final game of the series, setting a record for the most home runs (7) in consecutive World Series. The Yankees also made history by becoming the first team to come back from a 2-0 deficit in a World Series and win the next four games.
In the 1981 World Series between the Dodgers and the Yankees, the Dodgers became the second team to overcome a 2-0 deficit and win four straight games. The series concluded with a controversial decision by Yankees manager Bob Lemon to pinch-hit for pitcher Tommy John in Game 6. The Dodgers went on to win the game 9-2 and clinch the series. This decision was later speculated to have been influenced by Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, who was involved in a bizarre altercation with Dodgers fans in an elevator during the series.
The 1981 World Series ended with the Dodgers taking the title in six games, with Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero, and Steve Yeager sharing the World Series MVP award. Despite an apology from Steinbrenner for the team’s performance, some believed that the blame should have been directed towards him instead of the players.
Looking ahead to the future rivalry between the Yankees and Dodgers in the 2024 World Series, it will have a tough act to follow given the proud, thrilling, and sometimes ridiculous history of their past matchups. Let the excitement of the rivalry continue to unfold. given text to improve clarity:
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