The top 10 Greatest Games in MLB History

By Oliver Wiener December 12, 2023 20:48

Major League Baseball has a rich history filled with iconic moments and unforgettable games. From thrilling comebacks to historic milestones, these games have left an indelible mark on the sport and have become the stuff of legend. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 greatest games in MLB history.

1. Game 7 of the 1960 World Series: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. New York Yankees

Considered by many as the greatest World Series game ever played, Game 7 of the 1960 World Series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees was a back-and-forth affair that ended with a walk-off home run by Bill Mazeroski in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the Pirates a 10-9 victory and their first World Series title in 35 years.

2. Game 6 of the 1975 World Series: Boston Red Sox vs. Cincinnati Reds

Regarded as one of the most dramatic games in World Series history, Game 6 of the 1975 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Cincinnati Reds featured several memorable moments, including Carlton Fisk's game-winning home run in the 12th inning that famously hit the left-field foul pole. The Red Sox went on to win the game 7-6, forcing a Game 7.

3. Game 7 of the 1991 World Series: Minnesota Twins vs. Atlanta Braves

The 1991 World Series between the Minnesota Twins and the Atlanta Braves was a classic matchup that went the distance. Game 7, in particular, was a pitching duel between Jack Morris of the Twins and John Smoltz of the Braves. The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the 10th inning when Gene Larkin hit a walk-off single, giving the Twins a 1-0 victory and their second World Series title.

4. Game 6 of the 1986 World Series: New York Mets vs. Boston Red Sox

Game 6 of the 1986 World Series between the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox is remembered for the infamous error by Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner, which allowed the Mets to score the winning run and force a Game 7. The Mets went on to win the series, but Game 6 will forever be etched in baseball lore.

5. Game 7 of the 1965 World Series: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Minnesota Twins

Considered one of the greatest pitching performances in World Series history, Game 7 of the 1965 World Series featured a duel between Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Jim Kaat of the Minnesota Twins. Koufax pitched a complete game shutout, leading the Dodgers to a 2-0 victory and their second World Series title in three years.

6. Game 6 of the 2011 World Series: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Texas Rangers

Game 6 of the 2011 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers was a rollercoaster of emotions. The Cardinals were down to their last strike twice but managed to tie the game in both instances. In the 11th inning, David Freese hit a walk-off home run, forcing a Game 7, which the Cardinals went on to win.

7. Game 7 of the 2001 World Series: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Yankees

Game 7 of the 2001 World Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the New York Yankees was a thrilling contest that featured a late-game comeback by the Diamondbacks. With the game tied in the bottom of the ninth inning, Luis Gonzalez hit a walk-off RBI single, securing the Diamondbacks' first-ever World Series title.

8. Game 7 of the 1946 World Series: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Boston Red Sox

Game 7 of the 1946 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox was a historic matchup that went to extra innings. Enos Slaughter of the Cardinals scored the winning run from first base on a single, famously known as "Slaughter's Mad Dash," giving the Cardinals a 4-3 victory and their sixth World Series title.

9. Game 7 of the 1968 World Series: Detroit Tigers vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Game 7 of the 1968 World Series between the Detroit Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals featured a dominant pitching performance by Tigers ace Mickey Lolich, who pitched a complete game and struck out 10 batters. The Tigers won the game 4-1, clinching their third World Series title.

10. Game 7 of the 2016 World Series: Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians

The 2016 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians was a historic matchup that saw the Cubs end their 108-year championship drought. Game 7 was an intense back-and-forth battle that went into extra innings. With a rain delay in the 10th inning, the Cubs ultimately emerged victorious with an 8-7 win, etching their names in baseball history.

These top 10 greatest games in MLB history have provided fans with incredible moments, remarkable performances, and unforgettable finishes. These games represent the essence of baseball and continue to be celebrated by fans and players alike for their impact on the sport.