The top 10 biggest playoff comebacks in MLB History
The top 10 biggest playoff comebacks in MLB History
By Oliver Wiener April 25, 2024 19:41
Playoff baseball has witnessed some of the most remarkable comebacks in sports history.
From reversing seemingly insurmountable deficits to securing improbable victories, these moments have left a lasting impact on fans, players, and the sport itself.
1. Philadelphia Athletics - 1929 World Series Game 4
In Game 4 of the 1929 World Series, the Philadelphia Athletics found themselves trailing 8-0 against the Chicago Cubs.
Yet, a remarkable turnaround saw the A's stage a monumental comeback, scoring 10 runs and securing a historic 10-8 victory.
Jimmie Foxx's game-tying single and a series of clutch plays highlighted this extraordinary comeback, solidifying its place as one of the greatest in MLB postseason history.
2. St. Louis Cardinals - 2011 World Series Game 6
During Game 6 of the 2011 World Series, the St. Louis Cardinals were on the brink of defeat, trailing the Texas Rangers 7-4 in the 8th inning and 9-7 in the 10th inning.
Still, the Cardinals refused to concede, rallying to tie the game in both instances and ultimately securing a dramatic 10-9 victory in the 11th inning.
David Freese's heroics, including a game-tying triple and a walk-off home run, etched this comeback into baseball folklore, leading to a series-tying win and eventual championship triumph for the Cardinals.
3. Houston Astros - 2005 NLDS Game 4
The 2005 NLDS Game 4 saw the Houston Astros facing a daunting 6-1 deficit in the 8th inning against the Atlanta Braves.
In an extraordinary turn of events, the Astros staged a remarkable comeback, ultimately prevailing with a 7-6 victory in the 18th inning.
Lance Berkman's game-changing grand slam and Chris Burke's walk-off homer in the marathon game solidified this comeback as one of the most unforgettable in postseason history, propelling the Astros towards a series-clinching triumph.
4. New York Yankees - 2003 ALCS Game 7
Down 5-2 in the 8th inning against the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees orchestrated a stunning comeback, ultimately emerging victorious with a 6-5 win in 11 innings.
This extraordinary turnaround not only secured the Yankees' place in the World Series but also underscored the resilience and fortitude of the team in the face of adversity.
5. Seattle Mariners - 2022 AL Wild Card Series Game 2
After trailing 8-1 in the 6th inning against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Seattle Mariners staged a remarkable comeback, ultimately securing a thrilling 10-9 victory.
This victory not only ended the Mariners' 20-season playoff drought but also showcased their unwavering determination and ability to defy the odds.
6. Boston Red Sox - 2008 ALCS Game 5
Facing a daunting 7-0 deficit in the 7th inning against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Boston Red Sox orchestrated a stirring comeback, ultimately securing an electrifying 8-7 victory.
This remarkable turnaround not only electrified Fenway Park but also epitomized the Red Sox's resilience and ability to overcome significant challenges on their path to postseason success.
7. St. Louis Cardinals - 2012 NLDS Game 5
In a remarkable display of resilience, the St. Louis Cardinals overcame a 6-0 deficit in the 3rd inning against the Washington Nationals, ultimately securing a thrilling 9-7 victory.
This extraordinary comeback showcased the Cardinals' ability to rally from substantial deficits and demonstrated their unwavering determination during pivotal postseason moments.
8. Los Angeles Dodgers - 1977 NLCS Game 3
During Game 3 of the 1977 NLCS, the Los Angeles Dodgers orchestrated a stunning comeback against the Philadelphia Phillies, ultimately securing a 4-1 victory.
This remarkable turnaround, highlighted by a series of ill-timed defensive miscues by the Phillies, underscored the Dodgers' resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
9. Houston Astros - 2022 ALDS Game 1
The Houston Astros orchestrated an extraordinary comeback against the Seattle Mariners in Game 1 of the ALDS, culminating in a 4-run come-from-behind win with a 116.7 mph walk-off home run by Yordan Alvarez.
This historic feat marked the first walk-off home run in postseason history with the hitter's team trailing by multiple runs at the time of the play.
10. Kansas City Royals - 2014 AL Wild Card Game
In a thrilling display of resilience, the Kansas City Royals overcame deficits of 7-3 in the 8th inning and 8-7 in the 12th inning against the Oakland A's, ultimately securing a stunning 9-8 victory in 12 innings. This remarkable comeback not only propelled the Royals to a stunning World Series run but also epitomized their ability to defy the odds and secure improbable victories during the postseason.
These top 10 biggest playoff comebacks in MLB history demonstrate the extraordinary resilience, determination, and ability of teams to overcome substantial deficits and secure improbable victories.
Each of these moments has left an indelible mark on the annals of postseason baseball, captivating fans and cementing the legacy of these remarkable feats in MLB history.