LOS ANGELES – In a historic rivalry, the Yankees and the current NL West-leading Dodgers have faced each other a remarkable 11 times in the World Series. However, it has been a lengthy 42 years since their last postseason encounter.
Could this be the year for a Yankees-Dodgers postseason showdown? The timing seems auspicious as they prepare to clash for the sixth time in the regular season, with the series standing at a balanced 8-8. The stars have aligned for an exciting matchup this weekend.
Before the upcoming three-game series at Dodger Stadium, let’s take a look at a ranking of their most memorable postseason battles:
1947 World Series Game 4: Yankees 4, Dodgers 3
In a pivotal Game 4 at Ebbets Field, Bill Bevens’ remarkable no-hitter bid and the Yankees‘ potential 3-1 series advantage came to a heartbreaking end in the ninth inning. With two outs, pinch-hitter Cookie Lavagetto delivered a clutch two-run double, securing a dramatic victory for the Dodgers.
In a crucial Game 6 at Yankee Stadium, Al Gionfriddo made a memorable catch, possibly saving a home run from Joe DiMaggio with two runners on base. This pivotal play preserved a three-run lead for Brooklyn and contributed to their victory in that game.
1956 World Series Game 5: Yankees 4, Dodgers 3
Following Don Larsen’s historic perfect game in Game 5 at Yankee Stadium, giving the Yankees a 3-2 series lead, the Dodgers managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory in 10 innings during Game 6. However, Yogi Berra‘s outstanding performance, including hitting two home runs, proved instrumental in the Yankees’ Game 7 triumph at Ebbets Field to clinch the series.
Witnessing the joyous scene of her husband leaping into Don Larsen’s arms to celebrate his perfect game, a pregnant Carmen Berra, present in the Yankee Stadium stands, made a heartfelt promise. She vowed to name her unborn child Dale, in honor of Dale Mitchell, who had the unfortunate fate of striking out to conclude Game 5.
1952 World Series Game 6: Yankees 4, Dodgers 3
Returning to Brooklyn with a 3-2 series advantage, the Dodgers had the upper hand. However, the Yankees staged a comeback with a 3-2 victory in Game 6, and it was Billy Martin’s spectacular catch while charging towards Jackie Robinson’s bases-loaded pop fly that preserved their 4-2 lead in Game 7.
1977 World Series Game 4: Yankees 4, Dodgers 2
Reggie Jackson, famously known as “Mr. October,” solidified his title when he crushed three home runs off three different pitchers in the decisive Game 6 at Yankee Stadium.
Manager Billy Martin celebrated his sole World Championship victory, marking the first title under the ownership of George Steinbrenner. This triumph put an end to the Yankees’ World Series title drought, which had persisted since 1963.
1978 World Series Game 4: Yankees 4, Dodgers 2
Due to the tension between Jackson, Steinbrenner, and the Yankees’ substantial 14.5-game deficit in the AL East, Martin’s tenure as manager came to an end. However, the team’s remarkable comeback was highlighted by Bucky Dent‘s memorable playoff home run against Boston.
In a contentious play involving the bases, Reggie Jackson appeared to deliberately obstruct a thrown ball, resulting in a run during the Yankees’ crucial Game 4 triumph in 10 innings, evening the Series.
1941 World Series Game 4: Yankees 4, Dodgers 1
In their inaugural Subway Series, during Game 4, with the Dodgers just one out away from leveling the score, Mickey Owen, the catcher for Brooklyn, failed to secure the third strike on a pitch by Hugh Casey to Tommy Henrich (some speculated if it was a spitball). This lapse resulted in the Yankees staging a remarkable four-run rally and emerging victorious at Ebbets Field.
The Yankees’ dominance continued as they clinched their fifth World Championship in the past six years.
1953 World Series Game 6: Yankees 4, Dodgers 2
Billy Martin, known for his impressive performance in Yankees’ World Series games, showcased his exceptional batting skills once again in this particular series. He maintained a remarkable batting average of .500 (12-for-24), including a double, two triples, and two home runs.
In a decisive moment during Game 6, Billy Martin delivered a clutch performance with a game-winning RBI single off Clem Labine in the bottom of the ninth inning. This pivotal hit secured the victory for the Yankees and ultimately clinched the Series for them.
1981 World Series Game 3: Dodgers 4, Yankees 2
The Yankees experienced a decline following their initial success in Games 1 and 2, both of which were won on their home turf. The series saw Dave Winfield struggle with a 1-for-22 performance, and there were reports of an alleged confrontation between George Steinbrenner and two Dodgers fans in an elevator, adding to the team’s challenges.
Steinbrenner released a statement expressing a genuine apology to Yankees fans for the team’s performance in the World Series.
1949 World Series Game 1: Yankees 4, Dodgers 1
With his clutch performance in Game 1, Tommy Henrich etched his name in history as the first player to deliver a walk-off home run in a World Series. His leadoff blast in the ninth inning sealed a 1-0 victory, spoiling Don Newcombe’s outstanding start for the opposing team.
Casey Stengel’s Yankees embarked on an incredible journey, capturing the first of their remarkable five consecutive World Series championships.
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