MLB Playoffs 2015: Which Wild Card teams have won the World Series?

2003 – Florida Marlins

The Florida Marlins were the first team to lay claim to a World Series title after qualifying for the playoffs as a Wild Card. Likewise, they are the only team to do so twice, first in 1997 and again in 2003.

Like the first go-round, the Marlins came into the 2003 World Series as heavy underdogs. After starting the season 16-22, ownership made a quick change to right the ship, firing manager Jeff Torborg and replacing him with Jack McKeon. However, the success of the team was built on a young pitching staff and the timely arrival of two rookies; Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera.

Once again, Florida finished a distant second the Atlanta Braves. The NLDS got things off to a bang for the Marlins, with the tying run being thrown out at the plate and Ivan Rodriguez holding on as he was barrelled over by J.T. Snow to end the series 3-1. The Marlins then were on the receiving end of some of the biggest luck in postseason history, capitalizing on the infamous Steve Bartman play at Wrigley Field to rally in game six of the NLCS and securing their trip to the World Series the next night.

With both the New York Yankees and Marlins battered after tough wins over the Red Sox and Cubs respectively, the Marlins used their youth and pitching to dominate the Yankees in the Fall Classic. Riding the brilliance of Brad Penny and Josh Beckett, including a 5-hit, complete game shut-out by the latter on three days rest, the Marlins laid claim to their second World Series title in six seasons.

Unfortunately, they also shared another large similarity with their 1997 brethren; this was another one and done team.

Next: 2004 - Boston Red Sox