Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Jeffrey Christo
Rain has a way of turning baseball games into epic tales of endurance and drama. These games, marked by downpours and delays, are etched into baseball lore. Let’s dive into 10 legendary games where rain played a starring role.
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Slip and Slide: 2008 World Series Game 5, Phillies’ Rainy Triumph
In 2008, the Phillies clashed with the Rays in Game 5 of the World Series, which was famously suspended due to relentless rain. The game resumed two days later, with the Phillies securing a 4-3 win to claim their first championship in 28 years. The weather turned the field into a soggy battleground, adding suspense and unpredictability to an already tense matchup.
Muddy Miracle: 1972 World Series, Athletics vs. Reds
The 1972 World Series was marred by rain, with Game 3 postponed due to wet conditions. The Athletics eventually triumphed over the Reds in a series defined by strategic play and challenging weather. Despite the delays, fans witnessed a thrilling showdown that showcased baseball’s resilience.
Puddles and Pennants: 1962 Giants vs. Dodgers Playoff Splash
The 1962 playoff series between the Giants and Dodgers was impacted by rain delays, adding tension to the tightly contested games. The Giants emerged victorious, securing the pennant in a series that tested both teams’ mettle and ability to adapt to the elements.
Stormy Showdown: 1996 ALCS Game 1, Yankees vs. Orioles
Rain delayed the start of the 1996 ALCS between the Yankees and Orioles, adding to the series’ drama. The Yankees, known for their postseason prowess, won the game and ultimately the series, with the weather adding an extra layer of complexity to their path to glory in what ended up being a truly bizarre game for multiple reasons.
Soggy Series: 2004 ALCS, Red Sox vs. Yankees
The 2004 ALCS was a historic battle between the Red Sox and Yankees, with rain postponing Game 3. Game three was rough for the red Sox, as they slipped around watching the Yankees put up 19 runs. Boston’s eventual victory was part of their legendary comeback, known for breaking the Curse of the Bambino and made even more dramatic by the weather interruptions.
Tarp Trouble: 1985 NLCS, Cardinals vs. Dodgers
The 1985 NLCS was marked by a bizarre incident when Cardinals’ base stealer Vince Coleman was injured by an automatic tarp during a rain delay. Despite this setback, the Cardinals won the series, with the tarp incident becoming a memorable and tragic moment in postseason history. The horrible incident derailed Coleman’s career.
Rainy Debut: 1993 Opening Day, Marlins vs. Dodgers
The Florida Marlins’ first-ever game in 1993 was delayed by rain, but it didn’t dampen the excitement of their debut. The Marlins defeated the Dodgers 6-3, with the rain-soaked crowd celebrating the birth of a new franchise and a memorable start to their baseball journey. Veteran Charlie Hough took the mound for the homers and became the oldest opening day starer at 45.
Rainy All-Star: 1971 All-Star Game, Tigers Stadium
The 1971 All-Star Game in Detroit faced heavy rain delays, but the event is remembered for Reggie Jackson’s towering home run well over 500 feet that almost left the stadium. 18 Hall of Famers played in this game. Despite the weather, fans witnessed a thrilling showcase of talent, with the National League winning 6-4 in a game for the ages.
Muddy Marvel: 1925 World Series Game 7, Pirates vs. Senators
The 1925 World Series concluded with a dramatic Game 7 played in muddy, rainy conditions. The Pittsburgh Pirates overcame a 4-0 deficit to defeat the Washington Senators 9-7, with the weather adding to the grit and determination displayed by both teams in this classic finale. Forbes Field was probably the worst conditions ever for a series game, with mud and puddles everywhere.
Epic End: 1997 World Series Game 7, Marlins vs. Indians
Rain threatened to delay Game 7 of the 1997 World Series, but the game proceeded and delivered an epic extra-innings thriller. The Florida Marlins defeated the Cleveland Indians 3-2, securing their first championship in a dramatic finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats as Edgar Renteria lined a walk off single over the pitcher’s glove.