Baseball’s Greatest All-Time Comebacks: Moments That Shocked the World

17 October 2025

Let’s be honest—baseball has this magical way of keeping us glued to the screen, right? One moment, your team is down and out, and the next? Boom. Fireworks, high-fives, and jaws dropping in disbelief. If you’ve ever yelled at the TV or paced the room during the bottom of the ninth, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Today, we’re diving headfirst into the most epic, blood-pumping, heart-racing comebacks in baseball history. These are the games that made the impossible...possible. These moments didn’t just rewrite the scoreboard—they rewrote history.

So, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, because we’re stepping up to the plate with Baseball’s Greatest All-Time Comebacks: Moments That Shocked the World.

The Underdog Magic of the 2004 Boston Red Sox

Let’s kick things off with the comeback of all comebacks.

Down 3-0 in the ALCS? Not a Problem… Said No One Ever

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox were facing off against their forever-rivals, the New York Yankees, in the ALCS. After losing the first three games, folks had already written the Sox off. Brooms were out; it looked like a sweep.

But then, something unbelievable happened.

Big Papi Delivers… Again and Again

David Ortiz, aka "Big Papi," became the heart of a resurrection nobody saw coming. Two walk-off hits in back-to-back games to keep the Sox alive? Insane. The team clawed their way back, one game at a time.

The Red Sox became the first team in MLB history to come back from a 0-3 series deficit and win a best-of-seven series. And guess what? They didn’t stop there—they swept the Cardinals in the World Series to break the Curse of the Bambino.

Talk about rewriting destiny.

The 2016 Chicago Cubs: Breaking the 108-Year Drought

We’re talking about a comeback here that wasn’t just about one game. It was a comeback more than a century in the making.

Game 7: The Rollercoaster Ride of a Lifetime

The Chicago Cubs were facing the Cleveland Indians in the 2016 World Series. Down 3-1 in the series, the odds weren’t looking good.

But the Cubs? They had other plans.

They clawed their way back to force Game 7. Then Game 7 itself? Whew. That thing had everything—home runs, blown leads, rain delays, you name it.

Extra Innings, Extra Drama

After surrendering a lead in the 8th, the Cubs held it together through a rain delay and ultimately pulled off a 10-inning win. The final score: 8-7.

And just like that, 108 years of heartbreak were washed away in champagne and tears of joy.

The 1986 New York Mets and the Bill Buckner Moment

Sometimes, the wildest comebacks come down to one play. Just one.

Game 6: Down to Their Final Out

The Mets were down 5-3 to the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of the World Series. The Red Sox were on the verge of finally ending their drought. Fans were literally preparing to celebrate.

With two outs in the bottom of the 10th and nobody on, the Sox were one pitch away from glory.

And then?

The Ball That Rolled Into History

A string of base hits and a wild pitch tied the game. Then the infamous grounder went through Bill Buckner’s legs at first base, and the Mets won the game.

They didn’t just win Game 6—they went on to win Game 7 and the entire World Series.

Fate, folks. It’s a funny thing.

The 1995 Seattle Mariners: Saving Baseball in the Northwest

This one isn’t talked about enough, but it deserves a place in the comeback Hall of Fame.

ALDS Game 5: Down but Not Out

The 1995 Mariners were facing elimination against the Yankees in the ALDS. Down 5-4 in the bottom of the 11th inning, emotions were running high.

"The Double" That Became Legend

Enter Edgar Martinez.

He ripped a double down the left-field line, scoring both Joey Cora and Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey’s slide into home is still one of the most replayed moments in MLB highlight reels.

This comeback didn’t just win a game—it helped save baseball in Seattle, securing funding for what would become T-Mobile Park.

The 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks: Taking Down a Dynasty

Let’s talk about David vs. Goliath. The 2001 World Series was basically that.

Facing Mariano Rivera in the 9th? Good Luck

The Yankees, coming off three straight championships, were looking to make it four in a row. Heading into Game 7, they looked unstoppable.

But in the bottom of the 9th, down 2-1 against arguably the greatest closer ever, the Diamondbacks made history.

Luis Gonzalez and the Softest Game-Winner Ever

With the bases loaded and one out, Luis Gonzalez hit a blooper just over the infield off Rivera. Just like that, the Diamondbacks walked it off and stunned the world.

That game shattered the myth of invincibility surrounding the Yankees.

Honorable Mentions That Packed a Punch

While the above comebacks are etched deep in baseball lore, let’s tip our caps to a few more:

The 1993 Phillies vs. Braves (NLCS Game 4)

Down 3-0 in the 8th inning, the Phillies roared back and scored six runs. They didn’t win the Series, but that comeback was a thing of beauty.

The 2011 St. Louis Cardinals: 2 Strikes Away... Twice

In Game 6 of the World Series, the Cards were down to their last strike twice. David Freese played hero, tying the game with a triple and later hitting a walk-off homer in the 11th. They won the World Series the next night.

The 1975 World Series: Fisk Waves It Fair

No, the Red Sox didn’t win the Series, but Carlton Fisk’s 12th-inning walk-off homer in Game 6 is still one of the most iconic images in the game’s history. You can almost hear him screaming, “Stay fair!”

What Makes a Comeback So Special?

Here’s the thing—baseball is a game of failure. A .300 hitter fails 70% of the time. Pitchers make mistakes. Managers gamble. And fans? We ride the emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.

That’s what makes comebacks so electrifying. It’s not just about skill. It’s about grit, timing, belief, and that magic little thing called momentum. It’s the can-you-believe-what-we-just-witnessed moments.

In a world that often roots for perfection, baseball reminds us that it’s never over ‘til it’s over.

Final Thoughts: Why We Love These Moments

Comebacks remind us why we fell in love with baseball in the first place. Not just because of the game itself, but because of the human drama wrapped in nine innings (or more... sometimes a lot more).

They embody hope, resilience, and the idea that no lead is ever safe. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a casual viewer, these moments stick with you. They become the stories we pass down, the clips we show our kids, and the reason we believe in the underdog.

So next time you think it’s over? Don’t change the channel. You just might witness history.