The Rushmore of Baseball Playoff Runs
Here we are: baseball playoffs. It's a time when teams put everything on the line to advance to the next round, with the ultimate goal of winning the World Series. Over the years, there have been some incredible playoff runs that stand above the rest. Today, we're going to take a trip down memory lane and look at the Mount Rushmore of the MLB playoffs - the four best playoff runs in baseball history.
2004 Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox were the first team in baseball history to come back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series. They rallied to win four straight games against their bitter rivals, the New York Yankees, in the American League Championship Series. They then went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series to end their 86-year championship drought. The team was led by pitchers Curt Schilling and Pedro Martinez, along with sluggers Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz.
1998 New York Yankees
The 1998 Yankees won an incredible 114 games during the regular season, and then steamrolled their way through the playoffs. They swept the Texas Rangers in the American League Division Series, before beating the Cleveland Indians in six games in the Championship Series. In the World Series, they swept the San Diego Padres to win their second championship in three years. The team was led by pitchers David Wells and Andy Pettitte, along with sluggers Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams.
1970 Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles had a dominant pitching staff that led them to a World Series title in 1970. They swept the Minnesota Twins in the American League Championship Series, before beating the Cincinnati Reds in five games in the World Series. Pitchers Jim Palmer, Mike Cuellar, and Dave McNally combined for 61 wins during the regular season, and were even more dominant in the playoffs. The team was also led by third baseman Brooks Robinson, who won the American League MVP award that year.
1984 Detroit Tigers
The Tigers had one of the most dominant postseasons in baseball history in 1984. They went 7-1 in the playoffs, sweeping the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship Series, before beating the San Diego Padres in five games in the World Series. Pitcher Jack Morris was the team's MVP, winning all three of his starts in the playoffs, including a 10-inning shutout in the decisive Game 5 of the World Series. The team was also led by outfielders Kirk Gibson and Alan Trammell, who both had incredible seasons.
These four playoff runs are some of the most memorable moments in baseball history. They remind us of the excitement and drama that the playoffs bring, and the incredible effort it takes to win a championship. For baseball fans, these moments are what make the game so special, and they will continue to inspire future generations of players and fans for years to come.