The Major League Baseball (MLB) postseason is a time when heroes are made and legends are born. As the regular season concludes, the intensity of the game reaches new heights, and players seize the opportunity to etch their names in baseball history with extraordinary performances.
In this article, we revisit some of the most memorable moments in MLB postseason history, highlighting the heart-stopping drama, unforgettable feats, and iconic plays that have defined Octobers for generations of fans.
"The Shot Heard 'Round the World" (1951)
One of the most legendary moments in MLB history occurred during the 1951 National League pennant race. In a three-game playoff between the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers, Bobby Thomson of the Giants hit a walk-off home run off Ralph Branca, securing the pennant for the Giants. The radio call by announcer Russ Hodges — "The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant!" — became an iconic piece of baseball lore.
Bill Mazeroski's Walk-Off Home Run (1960)
In Game 7 of the 1960 World Series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees, Bill Mazeroski delivered one of the most dramatic moments in baseball history. With the score tied in the bottom of the ninth inning, Mazeroski launched a walk-off home run over the left-field wall, giving the Pirates a 10-9 victory and their first World Series championship in 35 years.
Kirk Gibson's Dramatic Homer (1988)
Kirk Gibson's hobbling, fist-pumping trot around the bases in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series is etched in baseball immortality. With two outs in the ninth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers trailing the Oakland Athletics, Gibson, injured and unable to start the game, stepped up as a pinch hitter. On a 3-2 count, he connected with a two-run, walk-off home run, igniting a euphoric celebration and setting the tone for an unexpected Dodgers championship.
Derek Jeter's "Mr. November" Moment (2001)
In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the 2001 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks took on profound significance. In Game 4, Derek Jeter earned his nickname "Mr. November" when he hit a game-winning home run in extra innings, becoming the first player to hit a home run in the month of November in MLB history.
David Freese's Heroics (2011)
The 2011 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers featured a series of heart-stopping moments. In Game 6, with the Cardinals down to their final strike, David Freese hit a game-tying, two-run triple in the ninth inning. He then delivered a walk-off home run in the 11th inning, forcing a Game 7 that the Cardinals ultimately won to clinch the championship.
Madison Bumgarner's Historic Relief Performance (2014)
In Game 7 of the 2014 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Kansas City Royals, Madison Bumgarner turned in a performance for the ages. The Giants' ace pitched five shutout innings in relief, securing a 3-2 victory and earning the World Series MVP award. Bumgarner's resilience and dominance on the biggest stage left an indelible mark on postseason history.