Last Updated: August 27th, 2024 by Jake Cain
Baseball has a knack for creating unforgettable moments, and some of the most thrilling come when a team stages an incredible comeback. Whether it’s overcoming a huge deficit late in the game or battling back in a playoff series, these comebacks showcase the resilience and determination that define the sport.
Fans love the drama and excitement that a great comeback brings to the game. From regular season games to World Series matchups, the history of baseball is filled with numerous examples of teams defying the odds.
These remarkable turnarounds not only capture the essence of baseball’s unpredictability but also leave fans talking about them for years to come. This article dives into the best 20 comebacks in baseball history, celebrating the moments that made fans leap from their seats in disbelief and joy.
Cleveland Indians vs. Seattle Mariners (2001) – 12-Run Comeback
On August 5, 2001, fans witnessed one of the greatest comebacks in MLB history when the Cleveland Indians overcame a 12-run deficit to defeat the Seattle Mariners.
Entering the 7th inning, the Indians were trailing 14-2. Fans were beginning to lose hope, but the team staged an improbable rally.
The Indians scored three runs in the 7th, four in the 8th, and five in the 9th, tying the game 14-14. In the 11th inning, they sealed the epic comeback, winning 15-14.
For more details, visit this Box Score.
Philadelphia Athletics vs. Cleveland (1925) – 12-Run Comeback
In one of the most memorable games of the 1925 season, the Philadelphia Athletics faced an uphill battle against Cleveland. Down 15-3 in the eighth inning, things looked bleak.
The Athletics didn’t give up, though, launching an incredible 12-run rally to tie the game. Connie Mack’s squad showed incredible resilience.
The fans at Shibe Park went wild as the Athletics clawed back. It was a game that highlighted the unpredictable nature of baseball and the never-say-die attitude of the Philadelphia team.
Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox (1911) – 12-Run Comeback
In 1911, the Detroit Tigers pulled off one of the most astonishing comebacks in baseball history. Down by 12 runs against the Chicago White Sox, the Tigers managed to rally back to win the game.
Led by Ty Cobb, the Tigers showcased their grit and determination. Cobb’s performance included key hits that sparked the comeback.
The White Sox were left stunned as the Tigers chipped away at their lead, silencing the Chicago crowd in the process.
Houston Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals (1994) – 11-Run Comeback
In 1994, the Houston Astros pulled off an unforgettable 11-run comeback against the St. Louis Cardinals. Down 11-0, things looked bleak for the Astros, but they started chipping away at the lead.
Fans watched in disbelief as Houston’s bats came alive. Hit after hit, the Astros tied the game.
Finally, a game-winning hit sealed the incredible comeback, etching this game into baseball history. For more on the Astros, visit Baseball-Reference’s Houston Astros history.
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (1989) – 10-Run Comeback
On June 8, 1989, the Philadelphia Phillies pulled off an incredible 10-run comeback against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was one of those nights where fans who left early regretted it. The game, played at Veterans Stadium, looked hopeless for the Phillies as they trailed 10-0.
Remarkably, the Phillies turned the game around and won 15-11. It was one of the biggest comebacks in MLB history. For detailed stats from that game, check out the box score.
Texas Rangers vs. Detroit Tigers (2004) – 10-Run Comeback
In 2004, the Texas Rangers pulled off one of the most thrilling comebacks in MLB history against the Detroit Tigers.
Down 10 runs, they rallied in epic fashion. The Rangers scored 10 runs in a single inning, tying the game and eventually winning 16-15.
It was a rollercoaster for the fans, who witnessed sheer determination and resilience from the Rangers. This game is still fondly remembered by many baseball enthusiasts.
Seattle Mariners vs. San Diego Padres (2016) – 10-Run Comeback
On June 2, 2016, the Seattle Mariners pulled off one of the craziest comebacks in baseball history. Down 12-2 to the San Diego Padres in the 5th inning, things looked bleak for Mariners fans.
Then, magic happened. The Mariners exploded with a 10-run 7th inning, tying the game at 12-12. It was capped by a clutch grand slam from Kyle Seager.
The Mariners completed the comeback with a 16-13 victory, leaving everyone in awe of this unforgettable 10-run comeback. Read more.
Philadelphia Athletics vs. Chicago Cubs (1929, World Series Game 4) – 8-Run Postseason Comeback
October 12, 1929, witnessed one of the most thrilling comebacks in baseball history. The Philadelphia Athletics were down 8-0 against the Chicago Cubs in Game 4 of the World Series.
Then, in a whirlwind, the A’s exploded with 10 runs in a single inning. This astounding rally turned the game on its head, securing a 10-8 victory for Philadelphia.
The Cubs couldn’t recover, and the Athletics took a decisive step towards winning the 1929 World Series. This game remains a benchmark for unbelievable postseason comebacks.
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays (2008, ALCS Game 5) – 7-Run Postseason Comeback
In Game 5 of the 2008 ALCS, the Boston Red Sox were up against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays had a significant 7-0 lead by the seventh inning.
The Red Sox fans at Fenway were feeling a bit grim, but the team didn’t give up. They staged an incredible comeback, scoring 8 runs over the final three innings.
This included a game-winning single by J.D. Drew in the ninth inning, securing an 8-7 victory. This comeback remains one of the most memorable moments in postseason history.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Washington Nationals (2012, NLDS Game 5) – 6-Run Postseason Comeback
In one of the most thrilling comebacks in postseason history, the St. Louis Cardinals rallied from a 6-0 deficit against the Washington Nationals. Fans at Nationals Park were stunned as the Cardinals clawed their way back into the game. By the end of it, the Cardinals emerged victorious with a 9-7 win.
The game is often remembered for the controversial “infield fly rule” call in the eighth inning. That call proved crucial for the Cardinals, helping them stay alive and eventually win the series. This comeback exemplified the resilience and tenacity that define October baseball.
New York Yankees vs. Atlanta Braves (1996, World Series Game 4) – 6-Run Postseason Comeback
In Game 4 of the 1996 World Series, the New York Yankees pulled off a thrilling comeback. Down 6-0 to the Atlanta Braves, the Yankees stunned everyone by rallying back to tie the game.
Jim Leyritz’s three-run homer in the eighth inning was a key moment. It brought the Yankees back into the game and electrified their fans.
The game ultimately went into extra innings. The Yankees won it in the tenth inning, showcasing one of the most memorable comebacks in World Series history.
For more details visit 1996 World Series Game 1.
Detroit Tigers vs. Milwaukee Brewers (1901) – 9-Run Ninth-Inning Comeback
On April 25, 1901, the Detroit Tigers staged one of the most incredible comebacks in baseball history. They faced the Milwaukee Brewers and were down nine runs entering the ninth inning.
A mix of timely hitting and Brewers’ errors allowed the Tigers to score ten runs in the bottom of the ninth, winning 14-13.
Over 10,000 fans at Bennett Park witnessed this remarkable feat, which still stands as the biggest ninth-inning comeback in Major League Baseball history. For more details, check out the story of the game.
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (1990) – 8-Run Ninth-Inning Comeback
The Philadelphia Phillies pulled off a legendary comeback against the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 21, 1990. Down 11-3 going into the ninth inning, fans at Dodger Stadium thought their team had it in the bag.
The Phillies shocked everyone by scoring nine runs in the final inning, ultimately winning the game 12-11. It was an incredible display of tenacity and never giving up, even when the odds looked impossible.
For more details, check out the game summary.
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees (2004, ALCS) – 3-0 Series Comeback
In 2004, the Boston Red Sox pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in baseball history. Down 3-0 in the ALCS against the New York Yankees, they were on the brink of elimination.
Game 4 saw the Red Sox make a thrilling recovery with a 6-4 win in extra innings. Dave Roberts’ stolen base was a crucial moment. The momentum continued as Boston won the next three games, clinching the series 4-3.
Fans still talk about this comeback as one of the most exciting in the sport. The 2004 ALCS proved that anything is possible in baseball.
Kansas City Royals vs. Houston Astros (2015, ALDS Game 4) – 4-Run Postseason Comeback
In Game 4 of the 2015 ALDS, the Kansas City Royals pulled off an incredible comeback against the Houston Astros. Down by 4 runs in the eighth inning, the Royals managed to rally and score 5 runs, stunning the Astros and their fans.
Lorenzo Cain and Eric Hosmer were pivotal, with Cain’s single and Hosmer’s two-run double igniting the surge. This comeback, against all odds, became a defining moment of the Royals’ postseason run.
The Royals’ resilience in this game exemplified their never-give-up mentality, leading them to ultimately win the series. Their grit and determination were on full display.
Jose Rijo – Comeback after 4 Major Surgeries
Jose Rijo’s story in baseball is nothing short of incredible. After breaking into MLB with the New York Yankees in 1984, he showed promise but faced some tough years ahead.
His time with the Cincinnati Reds is where he made his mark, especially during the 1990 World Series. Yet, injuries plagued him, leading to four major surgeries.
Most players would have hung up their cleats, but Rijo had other plans. Defying the odds, he returned in 2001, almost a decade after his last game. His comeback stands as one of the most inspiring in baseball history.
Learn more about Jose Rijo’s career.
Rick Ankiel – From Pitcher to Hitter
Rick Ankiel started his Major League Baseball career as a pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals. He showed promise early on but struggled significantly with control issues.
Instead of giving up, Ankiel made a dramatic switch to become a center fielder. This unusual transition from pitcher to hitter brought him new success in the MLB.
His ability to reinvent himself and succeed in a completely new position is still talked about among baseball fans. Ankiel’s story remains one of the most inspiring comebacks in baseball history.
Dave Dravecky – Return After Cancer
In a heartwarming moment for baseball fans, Dave Dravecky made his return to the mound after battling cancer. The left-handed pitcher, who played for the San Francisco Giants, had been diagnosed with a tumor in his pitching arm.
After undergoing surgery, he miraculously returned in August 1989. In his first game back, he earned a win, showcasing his unyielding spirit and determination. Tragically, in his second start, his arm snapped while delivering a pitch, a somber end to his fight to continue playing.
His story remains one of inspiration and courage, symbolizing the relentless spirit of ballplayers.
For more details, check out Dave Dravecky.
Eddie Waitkus – Return After Being Shot
Eddie Waitkus, a first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, went through a harrowing experience on June 14, 1949. After a game in Chicago, he was shot by an obsessed fan at the Edgewater Beach Hotel. This shocking event put his life and career in jeopardy.
Remarkably, Waitkus made a strong comeback to baseball just ten months later. On April 18, 1950, he returned to the field, showing an incredible resilience that inspired many. He batted .306 that year, helping the Phillies become legitimate contenders for the pennant.
His return to first base after such a traumatic incident is one of the most memorable comebacks in baseball history. For more details about his journey, check out this detailed account.
Lou Brissie – War Hero to MLB Pitcher
Lou Brissie’s journey from war hero to MLB pitcher is nothing short of incredible. Serving in World War II, he suffered severe injuries from an artillery shell. Doctors doubted he’d walk again, let alone play baseball.
Defying the odds, Brissie made a remarkable recovery. He returned to pitch for the Philadelphia Athletics. His determination and resilience made him an inspiring figure in baseball history. His legacy as both a war hero and pitcher continues to inspire fans.