By Myrek Zastavnyi
Regrettably, the dream of witnessing a New York showdown in this year’s MLB final won’t come true. The Mets were eliminated after losing their series to the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4-2, ending their pursuit of a championship. However, the 2024 World Series will still be a historic event, as the Yankees and Dodgers — two of the most iconic teams in baseball — are set to face off for the twelfth time, marking a record in the tournament’s history. The opening game will take place on Friday at Dodger Stadium, promising yet another thrilling installment in their storied rivalry.
It’s been many years since these legendary teams met in the World Series, but the most frequent matchup in Fall Classic history is set to continue in 2024. Before the Yankees and Dodgers clash for the trophy, let’s revisit some of their memorable past encounters:
1981 World Series (Dodgers Win 4-2)
After dropping the first two games at Yankee Stadium, the Dodgers turned things around upon returning to their home field. Fernando Valenzuela’s crucial pitching in Game 3 secured a 5-4 win for Los Angeles, which spurred the Dodgers to three consecutive close victories, culminating in their triumph in Game 6. Pedro Guerrero’s standout performance, with five RBIs, was instrumental in clinching the championship.
1978 World Series (Yankees Win 4-2)
The Dodgers took an early lead, winning the first two games, but the Yankees responded by winning four straight games to claim the series. Lou Piniella’s walk-off hit tied the series in Game 4, while Thurman Munson’s five-RBI game pushed the Yankees ahead in Game 5. Reggie Jackson sealed the championship in Game 6 with a two-run homer, his fourth of the series.
1977 World Series (Yankees Win 4-2)
Reggie Jackson’s iconic performance in the 1977 World Series earned him the nickname “Mr. October.” He went 9-for-20, hitting five home runs and leading the Yankees to victory. In Game 6, he hit three homers, becoming only the second player in history to do so in a World Series clincher.
1963 World Series (Dodgers Sweep 4-0)
The Dodgers dominated the Yankees, allowing just four runs in the series. Sandy Koufax’s brilliance earned him MVP honors after two complete-game performances, where he struck out 23 batters in 18 innings. Don Drysdale’s shutout in Game 3 further solidified the Dodgers’ dominance.
1956 World Series (Yankees Win 4-3)
The Yankees captured the 1956 title after a decisive 9-0 victory in Game 7 at Ebbets Field. Yogi Berra’s two home runs and Bill Skowron’s grand slam highlighted the game, with Berra’s overall stellar performance earning him a spot in history.
1955 World Series (Dodgers Win 4-3)
The Dodgers broke the home-team winning trend with a 2-0 Game 7 victory at Yankee Stadium, thanks to Gil Hodges’ game-winning hits. Duke Snider also shined, delivering four home runs and seven RBIs across the series.
1953 World Series (Yankees Win 4-2)
Billy Martin led the Yankees with a .500 batting average, hitting two homers and clinching the title with a walk-off single in Game 6. Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra contributed key hits, securing the championship.
1952 World Series (Yankees Win 4-3)
The Yankees won a tight Game 7, 4-2, thanks to Mickey Mantle’s crucial homer. The series saw outstanding performances from Yogi Berra and Johnny Mize, who combined for five home runs.
1949 World Series (Yankees Win 4-1)
The Yankees claimed their victory after back-to-back 1-0 games at Yankee Stadium and then three straight wins at Ebbets Field, including Joe DiMaggio’s decisive home run in Game 5.
1947 World Series (Yankees Win 4-3)
In a thrilling series, the Yankees took an early lead, but the Dodgers bounced back. Despite their efforts, the Yankees clinched the title in Game 7 with a 5-2 win, aided by DiMaggio and Berra’s home runs.
1941 World Series (Yankees Win 4-1)
In their first World Series meeting, the Yankees dominated the Dodgers with strong pitching, including complete-game performances from Red Ruffing, Marius Russo, and Tiny Bonham.
The Yankees-Dodgers rivalry is a defining aspect of MLB history, and their upcoming showdown is set to be another unforgettable chapter in baseball’s most frequent Fall Classic matchup.
