**Who Won MLB World Series MVP: All-Time List**

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Post on Oct 29, 2024

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The Ultimate Guide to MLB World Series MVPs: A Look at the Legends

The World Series MVP award is the pinnacle of individual achievement in baseball. It signifies not only outstanding performance during the championship series, but also a player's impact on their team's ultimate victory. Over the years, the award has been presented to some of the greatest names in the sport, each leaving their own mark on baseball history.

The Early Years: From Ruth to Mantle

The World Series MVP award was first awarded in 1955, but the concept of recognizing the best player in the series existed long before then. Early stars like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Joe DiMaggio all dominated World Series appearances and etched their names into the annals of baseball lore.

1955-1970: The First Two Decades

The first two decades of the official World Series MVP award saw some of the most legendary names in baseball history receive the honor. Here are some key figures from that era:

• 1955: Johnny Mize (New York Yankees) - Mize, a Hall of Famer, led the Yankees to their first World Series win in five years, hitting .429 with 6 RBI.

• 1959: Albie Pearson (Baltimore Orioles) - Pearson, a speedster, stole three bases in Game 4 of the World Series, a feat that would make him the only player to steal three bases in a World Series game until 2002.

• 1961: Whitey Ford (New York Yankees) - Ford, another Hall of Famer, dominated the World Series, going 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA.

• 1964: Bob Gibson (St. Louis Cardinals) - Gibson, a future Hall of Famer, was a dominant force in the World Series, going 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA and 7 strikeouts.

• 1969: Donn Clendenon (New York Mets) - Clendenon, a fan favorite, emerged as a hero for the "Miracle Mets," hitting two home runs in the deciding Game 5.

1970-1990: The Rise of the Bat

The 1970s and 1980s saw the emergence of some of baseball's most prolific hitters, and their dominance was reflected in the World Series MVP selections.

• 1973: Pete Rose (Cincinnati Reds) - Rose, a future Hall of Famer, hit .450 with 4 RBI, cementing his reputation as a clutch player.

• 1975: Carlton Fisk (Boston Red Sox) - Fisk, another future Hall of Famer, won the award after a stellar performance in the 1975 series, including his iconic 12th inning home run in Game 6.

• 1979: Willie Stargell (Pittsburgh Pirates) - Stargell, a Hall of Famer, led the Pirates to victory, hitting .400 with 3 home runs and 7 RBIs.

• 1986: Mike Scioscia (Los Angeles Dodgers) - Scioscia, a key piece of the Dodgers' success, hit .500 with 4 home runs and 8 RBIs.

1990-2010: The Modern Era of Pitching and Power

The 1990s and 2000s saw the emergence of a new breed of pitching talent and power hitters, leading to a more diverse group of World Series MVPs.

• 1995: Bernie Williams (New York Yankees) - Williams, a key contributor to the Yankees' dynasty, hit .474 with 2 home runs and 6 RBIs.

• 2000: Derek Jeter (New York Yankees) - Jeter, a future Hall of Famer and captain of the Yankees, hit .409 with 6 RBIs, including a game-winning single in Game 4.

• 2002: Troy Glaus (Anaheim Angels) - Glaus, a key piece of the Angels' championship run, hit .462 with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs.

• 2005: Jeremy Giambi (Chicago White Sox) - Giambi, a crucial player in the White Sox's improbable run to the World Series, hit .500 with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs.

2010-Present: The New Generation of Stars

The last decade has seen a new generation of stars emerge, each contributing to thrilling World Series runs.

• 2014: Madison Bumgarner (San Francisco Giants) - Bumgarner, a dominant pitcher, went 2-0 with a 0.43 ERA in the series and pitched 5 scoreless innings in Game 7, earning him the award.

• 2016: Ben Zobrist (Chicago Cubs) - Zobrist, a versatile player, hit .563 with 2 home runs and 6 RBIs, helping the Cubs break the "Curse of the Billy Goat."

• 2018: Steve Pearce (Boston Red Sox) - Pearce, a veteran slugger, hit .333 with 3 home runs and 7 RBIs, leading the Red Sox to a World Series victory.

The Future of the World Series MVP Award

The future of the World Series MVP award promises to be just as exciting as the past. As new stars emerge and baseball continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more unforgettable performances in the World Series. The honor of winning the World Series MVP will continue to be a coveted prize for every player, a testament to their skill and dedication to the game.