Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
You might be talking with a fan of a certain baseball team, and the topic might turn to championships. They might start with, “Well, we won a championship in …” and then the light might fade in their eyes as they trail off, realizing how many years have passed since the team hoisted the trophy. They are lucky, though. Some of these 14 franchises in this slideshow have never won a World Series.
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Cleveland Indians/Guardians: When TVs Were Black and White
The last time Cleveland celebrated a World Series win, most folks watched games on rabbit-eared black-and-white TVs. The days of Rocky Colavito and radio static have given way to decades of futility with a couple years of hope nestled in between. There was a name change, but the results have remained the same.
Milwaukee Brewers: Beer, Brats, and a Trophy Case Gathering Dust
Brewers fans have mastered the art of tailgating, sausage races, and raising a glass to hope. But since 1970, Milwaukee’s only pennant turned 43 in 2025. Ouch.
San Diego Padres: Sun, Surf, and Zero Champagne Showers
The weather’s perfect and the fish tacos are legendary, but Padres fans are still waiting for that elusive World Series pop. Not even Mr. Padre, Tony Gwynn, could get them a championship.
Colorado Rockies: One Magical “Rocktober” and a Whole Lot of Waiting
For one brilliant month in 2007, “Rocktober” was the talk of baseball as the team won 21 of 22 games to storm into the World Series. Since then, there have been ups and downs, and right now, that roller coaster has plummeted to the depths of the Mariana Trench.
Seattle Mariners: The Only MLB Franchise Still “Ringless”
Grunge, coffee, rain—and a ringless Mariners roster. Seattle’s lone claim to fame is having never even reached the Fall Classic. This is despite having teams with Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez in the lineup at the same time.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Parrots, Pierogis, and a ’70s Flashback
It’s been all disco and dwindling hope since the Pirates’ last title in 1979. The fans are still supportive, but they have every right to question their current ownership.
Baltimore Orioles: From Cal Ripken to Cal Ripken’s Grandkids
The Iron Man’s streak was legendary, but the Orioles’ championship drought might last even longer. Camden Yards still has its magic, but fans are growing older, and the ones who were at that 1983 World Series as kids now have kids of their own.
Detroit Tigers: 1984 Glory Feels Like a VHS Tape Rewind
Kirk Gibson’s fist pump and “Bless You Boys” are frozen in 1984 glory. Not even Justin Verlander could get the team another World Championship.
Minnesota Twins: Metrodome Memories, Trophy Drought Realities
The Twins might play their games at Target Field these days, but if you listen during a lull in a game, you can hear the echoes of the thunderous cheers at the Metrodome. Minnesota’s last champagne shower came in the pre-Internet era, just when AOL was starting to get going. When they finally win, the ghost of Kirby Puckett will smile again.
Oakland Athletics: Moneyball, Yes—Champagne, Nope
The A’s taught baseball how to crunch numbers, but those algorithms still haven’t produced a World Series pop since 1989. Even worse, the A’s will be calling Las Vegas their home in a couple of years. Don’t bet on them winning the Series anytime soon.
Cincinnati Reds: Riverfront Reverie and World Series Droughts
The Big Red Machine ran out of gas in 1990, and the Queen City’s parade route hasn’t seen confetti since. Reds fans still remember Eric Davis and hope for another return soon.
Arizona Diamondbacks: The One-Hit Wonder Still Waiting for an Encore
Arizona’s miracle in 2001 felt like destiny, but the desert’s been dry ever since. The D-backs are still chasing that encore, with a recent trip to the Fall Classic in 2023 only reopening the wound of what could have been.
New York Mets: Miracles, Mookies, and the Agony of Almost
From the Miracle Mets of ’69 to Buckner’s boot and Mookie’s dash, Mets fans are no strangers to drama. The Flushing Faithful go to sleep each night hoping to see another replay of this dash to the mound, only with current Mets players.
Toronto Blue Jays: From Joe Carter’s Leap to Decades of “Just Wait Till Next Year”
Joe Carter’s legendary leaps as he rounds the bases after his series-winning homer in ’93 are still replayed north of the border, but the Blue Jays haven’t come close since. Toronto’s loyal flock keeps the faith and hopes to soon be able to hear cheers echoing around the Rogers Centre.