30 greatest World Series in MLB history
20. New York Yankees vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 1964
1964 was the New York Yankees’ 22nd World Series appearance in 28 years, capping off the greatest three decades in franchise history. Their opponent, the St. Louis Cardinals, had not made the postseason in 18 years.
The teams split the first two games of the series, both of which were blowouts. The Yankees won Game 3 on a walk-off home run from Mickey Mantle, giving them a 2-1 series lead.
The Cardinals won the following two games, however, putting New York one game away from elimination. The Yankees appeared to take control of the momentum after an 8-3 victory in Game 6, but would fall behind 6-0 in the final game of the series and never recovered. St. Louis won the game and the series for their first championship since 1946.
Cardinals righty Bob Gibson took home MVP honors after a dominant performance on the mound. Gibson recorded a 3.00 ERA, two wins and two complete games, one of which came during the deciding Game 7.
1964 marked the last time that Mantle and Whitey Ford would make the postseason during their Hall of Fame careers, and signified the end of the Yankees’ greatest period in franchise history. They would appear in the World Series 12 years later, but would never repeat the consistent success found by the dynasty of the 1940s, 50s and 60s.
Next: 19. Oakland A's vs. Cincinnati Reds, 1972