The Most Memorable World Series Games of All Time

25 February 2026

When it comes to the World Series, we've seen it all—walk-offs, comebacks, heartbreaks, and moments of pure euphoria. The World Series isn't just another series of games; it's the pinnacle of Major League Baseball, where legends are born, and history is written. It's where every pitch, swing, and catch can become etched into the collective memory of fans forever. Some games, though, transcend the rest. These are the ones talked about for generations, the kind of games where "I remember exactly where I was" becomes a common refrain.

So, if you love baseball as much as I do, buckle up as we dive into some of the most memorable World Series games of all time. These are the matchups that left fans breathless, stunned, and sometimes even in tears. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone who only tunes in come October, these games are the ones you just can’t forget.

1. Game 7 of the 2016 World Series: Cubs vs. Indians

Let’s start with a game that pretty much every baseball fan recognizes as a modern classic. The Chicago Cubs were the lovable losers for 108 long years. On the other side, the Cleveland Indians (now the Guardians) were also suffering from a World Series drought that had lasted since 1948. Both teams were desperate to break the curse, but only one would.

Game 7 had everything. The Cubs jumped out to an early lead, but Cleveland clawed their way back, tying the game at 6-6 in the eighth inning, thanks to a dramatic home run by Rajai Davis. With emotions already running high, the game was delayed by rain after nine innings. It was like the baseball gods were toying with us.

When play resumed after the rain delay, the Cubs scored two runs in the top of the 10th inning, but Cleveland refused to go quietly. They managed to score one more run in the bottom of the inning, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough.

The Cubs won 8-7, and just like that, 108 years of heartbreak were erased. Fans celebrated like they had just won the lottery, and honestly, for many, it felt like they had.

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

This game is often considered one of the greatest World Series games ever, and for good reason. The Boston Red Sox were facing the Cincinnati Reds (also known as the "Big Red Machine"), and the Reds were one win away from clinching the series. The Red Sox, however, had other plans.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the night. By the time the game reached extra innings, everyone was on the edge of their seat. Then, in the bottom of the 12th inning, Carlton Fisk stepped up to the plate. With a flick of his bat, he sent a ball soaring down the left-field line. As it flew, Fisk famously waved his arms, willing the ball to stay fair.

It did. The ball clanged off the foul pole, and the Red Sox had won 7-6 to force a Game 7. Fisk’s reaction became one of the most iconic moments in baseball history. While the Red Sox would go on to lose the series in Game 7, this game is still remembered as an all-time classic.

3. Game 7 of the 2001 World Series: Yankees vs. Diamondbacks

The 2001 World Series was emotional for numerous reasons. It was played just a few months after the tragic events of 9/11, and the New York Yankees had become a symbol of resilience for a city in mourning. On the other side, the Arizona Diamondbacks were a relatively young franchise, looking to make history.

Game 7 was a nail-biter from start to finish. The Yankees took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning, and with the legendary Mariano Rivera on the mound, it seemed like New York was about to win their fourth consecutive title.

But the Diamondbacks had other ideas. With the bases loaded and two outs, Luis Gonzalez stepped up to face Rivera. Gonzalez blooped a single over the drawn-in infield, and just like that, the Diamondbacks walked off with a 3-2 victory, winning their first World Series in franchise history.

It was a stunning upset, and the game remains one of the most intense and emotional moments in World Series history.

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

For Red Sox fans, this game is a nightmare that still haunts them, even after winning multiple World Series titles in the 2000s. The Mets, trailing the series 3-2, were on the brink of elimination. The Red Sox were so close to victory that they had already started printing "World Champions" T-shirts.

The Red Sox took a lead in the 10th inning, and it seemed like their 68-year World Series drought was about to end. But then, the unimaginable happened. The Mets rallied with two outs, and Mookie Wilson hit a ground ball that trickled through the legs of first baseman Bill Buckner.

The Mets won 6-5, forcing a Game 7, which they would also win to claim the championship. Buckner’s error became infamous, and while it was unfairly pinned on him, it symbolized the Red Sox’s long history of bad luck—at least until they finally broke the "Curse of the Bambino" in 2004.

5. Game 7 of the 1991 World Series: Braves vs. Twins

If you’re looking for a game that defines "pitcher’s duel," this is it. The 1991 World Series between the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins is often considered one of the best in history, and Game 7 was the crown jewel.

The game was scoreless through nine innings, with Jack Morris of the Twins pitching one of the most incredible games of his career. He went 10 innings without allowing a run. Yes, you read that right—10 innings in a Game 7! That’s unheard of in today’s game.

In the bottom of the 10th inning, Gene Larkin hit a walk-off single to give the Twins a 1-0 victory and their second World Series title in five years. Morris was named Series MVP, and his performance in Game 7 is still regarded as one of the best pitching efforts in postseason history.

6. Game 5 of the 1956 World Series: Yankees vs. Dodgers

This game is memorable for one big reason: Don Larsen’s perfect game. To this day, it remains the only perfect game in World Series history.

Larsen, pitching for the New York Yankees, was absolutely untouchable that day. He retired all 27 Brooklyn Dodgers batters he faced, not allowing a single hit, walk, or error. The Yankees won 2-0, and Larsen’s perfect game remains one of the most remarkable individual performances in sports history.

Can you imagine the pressure of being perfect on the biggest stage in baseball? Larsen handled it like a pro, and his feat is something that may never be matched.

7. Game 7 of the 1960 World Series: Pirates vs. Yankees

The 1960 World Series was already a back-and-forth affair, but Game 7 took things to a whole new level. The Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees were tied heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. That’s when Bill Mazeroski stepped up to the plate.

With one swing, Mazeroski hit a walk-off home run over the left-field wall, giving the Pirates a 10-9 victory and their first World Series title in 35 years. It was the first time a World Series had ever ended with a walk-off home run, and Mazeroski became an instant legend.

Even today, that moment is celebrated in Pittsburgh, with a statue of Mazeroski immortalizing his game-winning homer outside PNC Park.

8. Game 6 of the 2011 World Series: Cardinals vs. Rangers

If there’s one game that encapsulates the phrase "never say die," it’s Game 6 of the 2011 World Series. The Texas Rangers were one strike away—twice—from winning their first-ever World Series title. But the St. Louis Cardinals refused to go down without a fight.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, trailing by two runs, David Freese hit a two-run triple that tied the game. Then, in the 11th inning, with the score still tied, Freese came up again and hit a walk-off home run to force a Game 7.

The Cardinals would go on to win Game 7 and take home the title, but it was Freese’s heroics in Game 6 that will be remembered forever. It was one of the most dramatic and unforgettable games in World Series history.

Conclusion

The World Series has given us some of the most unforgettable moments in sports history. From walk-off home runs to pitching perfection, these games have been etched into the memories of fans forever. Whether it’s the Cubs breaking their 108-year curse or Don Larsen throwing a perfect game, these moments are what make baseball so special.

What’s your favorite World Series moment? Let’s be honest—there are probably too many to count. But that’s the beauty of baseball. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the game throws you another curveball, another game for the ages, another memory that will last a lifetime.