13. Boston Red Sox vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 1946
In 1946, the Boston Red Sox reached their first World Series in 28 years, where they would face the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Red Sox recorded one of the winningest seasons in MLB history that year, posting a 104-50 record. They were led by Ted Williams, who had won the American League MVP award after recording a .342 batting average, .497 on-base percentage, 123 RBI and 38 home runs.
Williams suffered an elbow injury during a practice game just before the series, however, something that would play a major role in the outcome. Refusing to be sidelined with an injury, the legendary outfielder played through the pain. Visibly affected, he went on to hit a disappointing .200 on the series, recording zero extra-base hits.
With Boston’s star player ailing, the Cardinals were able to push the series to a decisive seventh game. The Red Sox fell behind early, but tied the game in the top of the eighth on a two-out, two-RBI double from outfielder Dom DiMaggio.
St. Louis would take the lead on a Harry Walker double in the bottom half of the inning, though, and left the tying run stranded on third base in the top of the ninth to clinch their third World Series title of the decade.
Next: 12. Boston Red Sox vs. New York Giants, 1912