Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
Baseball history has given us countless memorable moments, but some playoff series stand above the rest. From impossible comebacks to legendary performances, these 10 series represent the pinnacle of October baseball, showcasing the drama and intensity that make postseason baseball unforgettable.
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2004 ALCS: The Greatest Comeback in Baseball History
Down 3-0 to their arch-rivals, the Boston Red Sox completed the impossible. Dave Roberts’ stolen base sparked a miraculous comeback in Game 4, followed by Curt Schilling’s legendary “Bloody Sock” performance in Game 6. Boston dominated Game 7, winning 10-3 to become the first team to overcome a 3-0 playoff deficit, ending the 86-year “Curse of the Bambino” and forever changing baseball’s greatest rivalry.
1975 World Series: The Big Red Machine vs. Boston’s Carlton Fisk
This classic series featured five one-run games and three extra-inning contests. Carlton Fisk’s iconic wave-it-fair home run in Game 6 remains one of baseball’s most memorable moments. The Big Red Machine, led by Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Joe Morgan, ultimately prevailed in a thrilling Game 7, securing a 4-3 victory and cementing their dynasty.
1991 World Series: Morris vs. Smoltz in Game 7
The 1991 Series featured five one-run games and culminated in Jack Morris’s legendary 10-inning shutout in Game 7. Kirby Puckett’s walk-off homer in Game 6 and the classic pitching duel between Morris and John Smoltz in the finale made this worst-to-first matchup an instant classic, with the Twins prevailing in one of the greatest Game 7s ever played.
2016 World Series: Cubs End 108-Year Drought
The Chicago Cubs finally ended their historic championship drought in dramatic fashion. After falling behind 3-1, they rallied to force Game 7, which featured a rain delay and extra innings. Ben Zobrist’s go-ahead double in the 10th inning secured an 8-7 victory, ending the longest championship drought in North American sports history.
1986 World Series: Behind the Buckner Play
Game 6’s infamous Bill Buckner error highlighted an incredible series. The Mets, down to their final out and trailing by two runs, mounted an improbable comeback. Three consecutive singles, a wild pitch, and Mookie Wilson’s ground ball through Buckner’s legs set up New York’s Game 7 victory, extending Boston’s championship drought.
2001 World Series: Diamondbacks Dethrone Yankees Dynasty
Against the emotional backdrop of post-9/11 New York, this series delivered three walk-off wins and showcased dominant pitching from Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling. Luis Gonzalez’s bloop single off Mariano Rivera in Game 7 ended the Yankees’ dynasty and gave Arizona their first championship in just their fourth season.
1960 World Series: Mazeroski’s Historic Homer
Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off home run in Game 7 remains the only Series-ending blast in Game 7 history. Despite being outscored 55-27, the Pirates won all their games by narrow margins. The dramatic 10-9 finale capped a series where David truly defeated Goliath, as the underdog Pirates conquered the mighty Yankees.
2011 World Series: Cardinals’ Miraculous Game 6
The Cardinals, down to their final strike twice in Game 6, survived through David Freese’s triple and walk-off homer. St. Louis completed their improbable comeback in Game 7, denying Texas their first championship. The series featured Albert Pujols’s three-homer game and remains one of the most dramatic comebacks in baseball history.
1980 NLCS: Phillies Finally Break Through
This five-game masterpiece featured four extra-inning contests and the Phillies’ first pennant since 1950. Game 5’s 10-inning thriller saw Philadelphia overcome a 5-2 deficit in the 8th inning. Garry Maddox’s double drove in Del Unser for the series-winning run, leading to the Phillies’ first World Series championship. Hall of Famers Steve Carlton, Nolan Ryan, and Mike Schmidt showcased their talents throughout.
1995 ALDS: The Double Saves Seattle Baseball
This five-game classic did more than just advance the Mariners – it saved baseball in Seattle. Edgar Martinez’s “The Double” drove home Ken Griffey Jr. to win the series in dramatic fashion, creating one of baseball’s most iconic moments. The series’ excitement helped convince voters to approve funding for what became Safeco Field, ensuring the Mariners’ future in Seattle.