Which World Series would you like to travel back in time to see?
This one is wholly subjective, we know, but some unforgettable moments do tend to collect those subjunctives like a five-pound magnet dropped into a barrel of nails.In that regard, a number of my picks, if not all of them, are magnetized nails of all those others like ours that are pulled to the same place by the same attractive power of their signature moments, teams, or people. Since I’ve never seen even a single World Series in person, my cherished influences come directly from television or historical readings:
Here’s my list of ten favorites we wish we could have seen in person, followed by a one word response, a short phrase, or one sentence explanation:
1) 1960: Pittsburgh Pirates defeat New York Yankees in 7 games. Comment: “Mazeroski.”
2) 1964: St. Louis Cardinals defeat New York Yankees in 7 games. Comment: “Cards surge past Phillie Phold; don’t stop til they cost Yogi Berra his job.”
3) 1955: Brooklyn Dodgers defeat New York Yankees in 7 games. Comment: “Dodgers finally reach ‘Next Year’ by winning their only Brooklyn-era World Series championship.”
4) 1956: New York Yankees defeat Brooklyn Dodgers in 7 games. Comment: “Don Larsen.”
5) 1905: New York Giants defeat Philadelphia Athletics in 5 games: Comment: “Christy Mathewson throws 3 shutout wins, allowing only 4 hits in 3 complete games.”
6) 1926: St. Louis Cardinals defeat New York Yankees in 7 games. Comment: “Grover Cleveland Alexander strikes out Tony Lazzeri in 7th inning of Game 6 with 2 outs and bases loaded.”
7) 1934: St. Louis Cardinals defeat the Detroit Tigers in 7 games. Comment: “Dizzy Dean, Joe Medwick, and the Gashouse Gang rile and rule the Tigers.”
8) 1944: St. Louis Cardinals defeat St. Louis Browns in 6 games. Comment: “Only chance to see Frank Mancuso and the Brownies in a World Series.”
9) 1946: St. Louis Cardinals defeat Boston Red Sox in 7 games. Comment: “Enos Slaughter.”
10) 2005: Chicago White Sox defeat Houston Astros in 4 games. Comment: “Sometimes think we may have missed my only lifetime chance of seeing Houston play in a World Series.”
At any rate, what are your picks? Compared to our Pecan Park Eagle list, are there any fellow nails out there?
The Pecan Park Eagle 
October 7, 2014 at 8:14 pm |
The 1955 & 1960 Series would both be on my list as well. In addition (using your format), I’d like to have seen:
1909: Pittsburgh Pirates defeat the Detroit Tigers in 7 games.
Comment: Honus Wagner v. Ty Cobb
1932: New York Yankees sweep Chicago Cubs in 4 games.
Comment: Did Babe Ruth really call his shot in game 3?
1968: Detroit Tigers defeat the St. Louis Cardinals in 7 games.
Comment: Bob Gibson (2-1, 17 Ks in game 1) v. Mickey Lolich (3-0)
1975: Cincinnati Reds defeat the Boston Red Sox in 7 games.
Comment: The Big Red Machine prevails in what may well be the greatest World Series ever played.
2001: Arizona Diamondbacks defeat New York Yankees in 7 games.
Comment: If ever there was a Series the Yankees should have won, it was this post-9/11 classic. Stirring comebacks, power pitchers in their prime, and baseball as part of the national healing process. This one may have been even better than 1975 after all.
October 7, 2014 at 10:10 pm |
Only one I definitely would think has to be on the list is that 1975 series between Boston and Cincinnati.
October 9, 2014 at 12:33 am |
My favorite is 1931, when Pepper Martin ran wild and George Watkins (my great-uncle) hit a key seventh-game home run as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics.
Second place goes to 2006, when St. Louis beat Detroit, because I saw all the games at the old Busch Stadium, including the clincher. That night was cold and damp, but it was a pleasure for this old Cardinals fan.
Third is 2011. Game Six is the most exciting World Series game I have ever seen, and one of the best ever. I had the opportunity to be there in person but was sick and couldn’t make the trip. Watching at home didn’t make the game less memorable, and I undoubtedly had a better view of the action.