The Legacy of World Series MVPs
The World Series is baseball's ultimate stage, where the two league champions clash for the sport's most coveted prize. But amidst the drama and excitement, there's another distinction: the World Series MVP. This honor goes to the player (or players) who shone the brightest during the Fall Classic, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament's history.
The first World Series MVP was awarded in 1955, and since then, the coveted award has become a badge of honor for the game's finest. However, only a select few players have etched their names into the record books multiple times.
The Elite Few: Double World Series MVPs
Four extraordinary players have reached the pinnacle of World Series excellence by claiming the MVP trophy on two separate occasions. These legendary figures are:
- Sandy Koufax (1963 and 1965): The dominant pitcher, Koufax, known for his electrifying fastball, single-handedly guided the Los Angeles Dodgers to victory in both 1963 and 1965.
- Bob Gibson (1964 and 1967): Gibson's legendary pitching prowess and dominance on the mound led the St. Louis Cardinals to World Series triumphs in 1964 and 1967. He is often regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
- Reggie Jackson (1973 and 1977): Known as “Mr. October,” Jackson, with his towering home runs and clutch hitting, etched his name in World Series folklore, winning the MVP award in 1973 and 1977.
- Corey Seager (2020 and 2023): The versatile shortstop, Seager, has recently added his name to this elite group, showcasing his brilliance in the 2020 and 2023 World Series.
A Unique Distinction: Shared Glory
In the annals of World Series history, only two years have seen multiple players awarded the MVP honor. These exceptional years are:
- 1981: The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed victory, but the MVP award was shared among three players, Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero, and Steve Yeager. This unusual occurrence was a testament to the team's collective effort and dominance throughout the series.
- 2001: In the first World Series since the tragic events of September 11th, the Arizona Diamondbacks emerged victorious. The MVP award was shared by two pitching legends, Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson, whose brilliance on the mound helped secure the Diamondbacks' championship.
A Glimpse Through Time: The Complete World Series MVP Roster
The World Series MVP award holds a special place in the heart of baseball. Here's a complete list of all the players who have earned this prestigious distinction, from 1955 to the present day:
Year | Winner | Team
---|---|--- 2023 | Corey Seager | Texas Rangers 2022 | Jeremy Pena | Houston Astros 2021 | Jorge Soler | Atlanta Braves 2020 | Corey Seager | Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 | Stephen Strasburg | Washington Nationals 2018 | Steve Pearce | Boston Red Sox 2017 | George Springer | Houston Astros 2016 | Ben Zobrist | Chicago Cubs 2015 | Salvador Perez | Kansas City Royals 2014 | Madison Bumgarner | San Francisco Giants 2013 | David Ortiz | Boston Red Sox 2012 | Pablo Sandoval | San Francisco Giants 2011 | David Freese | St. Louis Cardinals 2010 | Edgar Renteria | San Francisco Giants 2009 | Hideki Matsui | New York Yankees 2008 | Cole Hamels | Philadelphia Phillies 2007 | Mike Lowell | Boston Red Sox 2006 | David Eckstein | St. Louis Cardinals 2005 | Jermaine Dye | Chicago White Sox 2004 | Manny Ramirez | Boston Red Sox 2003 | Josh Beckett | Florida Marlins 2002 | Troy Glaus | Anaheim Angels 2001 | Curt Schilling, Randy Johnson | Arizona Diamondbacks 2000 | Derek Jeter | New York Yankees 1999 | Mariano Rivera | New York Yankees 1998 | Scott Brosius | New York Yankees 1997 | Livan Hernandez | Florida Marlins 1996 | John Wetteland | New York Yankees 1995 | Tom Glavine | Atlanta Braves 1993 | Paul Molitor | Toronto Blue Jays 1992 | Pat Borders | Toronto Blue Jays 1991 | Jack Morris | Minnesota Twins 1990 | Jose Rijo | Cincinnati Reds 1989 | Dave Stewart | Oakland Athletics 1988 | Orel Hershiser | Los Angeles Dodgers 1987 | Frank Viola | Minnesota Twins 1986 | Ray Knight | New York Mets 1985 | Bret Saberhagen | Kansas City Royals 1984 | Alan Trammell | Detroit Tigers 1983 | Rick Dempsey | Baltimore Orioles 1982 | Darrell Porter | St. Louis Cardinals 1981 | Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero, Steve Yeager | Los Angeles Dodgers 1980 | Mike Schmidt | Philadelphia Phillies 1979 | Willie Stargell | Pittsburgh Pirates 1978 | Bucky Dent | New York Yankees 1977 | Reggie Jackson | New York Yankees 1976 | Johnny Bench | Cincinnati Reds 1975 | Pete Rose | Cincinnati Reds 1974 | Rollie Fingers | Oakland Athletics 1973 | Reggie Jackson | Oakland Athletics 1972 | Gene Tenace | Oakland Athletics 1971 | Roberto Clemente | Pittsburgh Pirates 1970 | Brooks Robinson | Baltimore Orioles 1969 | Donn Clendenon | New York Mets 1968 | Mickey Lolich | Detroit Tigers 1967 | Bob Gibson | St. Louis Cardinals 1966 | Frank Robinson | Baltimore Orioles 1965 | Sandy Koufax | Los Angeles Dodgers 1964 | Bob Gibson | St. Louis Cardinals 1963 | Sandy Koufax | Los Angeles Dodgers 1962 | Ralph Terry | New York Yankees 1961 | Whitey Ford | New York Yankees 1960 | Bobby Richardson | New York Yankees 1959 | Larry Sherry | Los Angeles Dodgers 1958 | Bob Turley | New York Yankees 1957 | Lew Burdette | Milwaukee Braves 1956 | Don Larsen | New York Yankees 1955 | Johnny Podres | Brooklyn Dodgers
A Lasting Legacy: The Impact of World Series MVPs
The World Series MVP award is not just a symbol of individual excellence; it's a reflection of a player's contribution to their team's success during the most crucial stretch of the season. These players, through their outstanding performances, have etched their names in baseball history, forever reminding us of the magic and passion that make this sport so captivating.
The World Series MVP award transcends the individual; it represents the culmination of a team's journey, the ultimate prize in baseball. As we continue to witness the evolution of the game, the legacy of these legendary MVPs will undoubtedly inspire future generations of players, pushing them to strive for greatness and leave their own unique mark on baseball's grand stage.
