The MLB postseason is a platform for unforgettable moments, a time when heroes emerge and legacies are established. However, it has also become a breeding ground for unusual events and quirky incidents.
Throughout baseball’s past, the playoffs and World Series have showcased a range of head-scratchers, entertaining trivia, and phenomena that prompt contemplation. Whether it’s a game that (in a way) had to be replayed, walk-off sacrifice bunts, or the league’s top team failing to qualify for the postseason, the playoffs have certainly generated some eccentric trivia over the years.
Here’s a look at some of these intriguing oddities.
No Home Field Advantage
Most of the contests were not particularly close: The average victory margin in the 2019 World Series was five runs, with three games decided by six or more runs. Ultimately, it turned out that home-field advantage was meaningless. For the Astros, this was unfortunate, as they had more home games in that series compared to the Nationals.
MVP From the Losing Team
Typically, earning a postseason series MVP is a cause for rejoicing, but for certain players, it provided little consolation. There have been four instances in postseason history where a series MVP hailed from the losing team. The most recent case was in 1987, when the Giants’ Jeffrey Leonard secured NLCS MVP honors despite his team suffering a seven-game defeat to the Cardinals. Leonard boasted a .417 batting average, hit four home runs, and achieved a 1.417 OPS, leading all players in each category (minimum 20 plate appearances).
The other losing-team MVPs include Mike Scott of the Astros in the 1986 NLCS, Fred Lynn of the Angels in the 1982 ALCS, and Bobby Richardson of the Yankees in the 1960 World Series.
Bochy’s Bizarre Championship Trend
Bruce Bochy is an anticipated future Hall of Fame manager who has overseen four World Series titles, including a Giants dynasty from 2010-2014 known for its “even-year magic.” However, equally noteworthy is what transpired in the years between Bochy’s championship seasons.
In every occasion when Bochy’s team clinched a championship—three with the Giants and one with the Rangers—the team subsequently failed to qualify for the postseason the following year. Each time, they went from triumph to disappointment. Yet, there’s a twist: Bochy’s championship teams often bounce back, winning another World Series the year after missing the playoffs, as seen with the Giants in 2012 and 2014.
As odd as it may appear, the pattern of win World Series, miss playoffs, win World Series, miss playoffs has been the trajectory for every Bochy championship team since 2010. While it might merely be a coincidence, it certainly looks promising for the 2025 Rangers.
The 1982 NLCS featured a matchup between the Braves and the Cardinals, and Game 1 had an unusual element: It was
played twice. Well, not exactly. But somewhat.
The initial attempt at Game 1 at Busch Stadium saw the Braves leading 1-0 in the fifth inning when rain interrupted the game, halting it before it could be deemed official. During that era, rules specified that a postseason game could only be suspended and resumed later if it had already reached official status. Since this game had not, it was erased from the records, and the Braves and Cardinals faced off again the following day for Game 1, which St. Louis won 7-0. This victory marked the beginning of a three-game sweep that eventually led to their World Series triumph.
In 2009, MLB revised its postseason rainout regulations. If the same circumstances had unfolded in Game 1 today, the initial attempt would have resumed the next day at the exact point of interruption – the bottom of the fifth inning with Atlanta in the lead — despite it not being classified as an official game. Braves fans will forever contemplate this alternate situation.
Throughout postseason history, there have been countless walk-off hits. Additionally, a walk-off walk has occurred once, and a walk-off wild pitch has happened twice. Yet, what about a walk-off sacrifice bunt? Surprisingly, such events have transpired four times.
The most recent instance occurred during Game 3 of the 2014 NLCS between the Giants and Cardinals. In this game, San Francisco’s Grégor Blanco executed a bunt to advance a runner, but St. Louis pitcher Randy Choate made an errant throw to first base, allowing the winning run to cross home plate for the Giants. Thus, it officially counted as a walk-off sacrifice bunt. The other three recorded playoff walk-off sacrifice bunts also resulted from throwing errors to first base.
In the realm of modern postseason baseball, nearly 3,000 double plays have been turned. However, triple plays remain a rare occurrence. Over 124 years of postseason action, only one three-out play has been recorded. This rare event was executed unassisted by Cleveland second baseman Bill Wambsganss in the fifth inning of Game 5 of the 1920 World Series against the Brooklyn Robins. For context, out of more than 1,700 opportunities for a team to utilize a triple play to escape a difficult situation, the 1920 Cleveland team stands alone in achieving this feat.
Nonetheless, Blue Jays fans might argue that this isn’t the only example.
All those interfering catchers
Catcher interference has seen a significant resurgence in postseason play over the past 15 years. Notably, there were no instances of this occurring during the playoffs or World Series from 1985 to 2008. However, since 2009, a total of 14 instances have been recorded, likely due to evolving philosophies regarding how catchers position themselves and receive pitches.
This fact may not be particularly unusual, but it is still intriguing trivia. If tasked with naming the player who holds the highest batting average and on-base percentage in a single postseason series, likely, Lloyd McClendon wouldn’t be among the first 50 names that come to mind.
Despite being a career .244 hitter, McClendon had an extraordinary postseason in 1992. Competing in the NLCS against the Braves, he posted a remarkable .727 batting average and a .750 on-base percentage. Both figures mark the highest for players with at least 16 plate appearances in a single postseason series. Over five games in the series, McClendon collected eight hits,
including a home run and two doubles, alongside four walks.
The exclusive World Series Birthday Home Run club
Among the 35 players from the Modern Era who have made at least one plate appearance in the World Series on their birthday, only one has successfully hit a home run—and he achieved this milestone twice in the same game.
This player was Royals first baseman Willie Aikens, who blasted two homers on his 26th birthday during Game 1 of the 1980 World Series against the Phillies. These birthday home runs were merely the start of an impressive Fall Classic for Aikens, who also hit two more home runs in Game 4 (showcasing 80-grade swagger on the second) and concluded the series with a .400 batting average and a remarkable 1.638 OPS.
In the grand context of postseason history, only four players have managed to hit a home run on their birthday. The most recent was Bryce Harper, who launched a solo home run on his 31st birthday during Game 1 of the 2023 NLCS.
Twice making the final out of the World Series
No player ever wishes to be the one making the last out of the World Series. Even if it occurs without any pressure, with the game already out of reach, that final out will be replayed in highlights for years, serving as a reminder of your role in the conclusion.
The first instance of a series-ending out took place in 1907 when Schmidt’s Tigers faced the Cubs. In the ninth inning, with two down and a runner on first, Schmidt—representing the tying run—topped out to the shortstop, sealing a 2-0 victory for the Cubs and clinching the championship. The following season, Schmidt again faced the Cubs, where he ended Game 5 with a popout to the catcher, allowing the Cubs to repeat as champions.
In 1909, Schmidt and the Tigers reached the World Series once more but lost to the Pirates. However, this time, there was no definitive out for Schmidt to make. Nevertheless, he was on deck when the series concluded.
Team with the most victories misses the playoffs
The 1981 Reds are not remembered for their postseason achievements but rather for something they did not accomplish in that regard. Specifically, they did not play in the postseason, despite holding the best record in all of baseball.
The players’ strike of ’81 led to a unique seasonal structure that divided the year into two halves. The first-place team from each half would then face off in a Division Series to determine who would advance to the LCS. This inadvertently resulted in a notable quirk: Although the Reds boasted the best record for the entire season and were the only team with a .600 or better winning percentage, they failed to win their division in either half. Consequently, Cincinnati had to watch the postseason from home, marking the only time in MLB history that the team with the most victories did not qualify for the playoffs. Nevertheless, the Reds were not alone in their misfortune.
The Cardinals also held the best overall record in their division but similarly did not win either half. Thus, in a season already marked by uniqueness, two of the NL’s top teams were left out of the postseason entirely.
the dance.
Quirky Moments in MLB Postseason History: From Walk-Off Sac Bunts to MVPs of Losing Teams
Unforgettable Quirks of the MLB Postseason
When it comes to Major League Baseball (MLB) postseason history, fans are treated to some of the most unexpected and quirky moments. These instances not only showcase the unpredictability of the game but also highlight the unique personalities and strategies that can emerge in high-pressure situations. In this article, we will explore some of the most memorable oddities in MLB postseason history, including walk-off sac bunts and MVPs from losing teams.
Walk-Off Sac Bunts: A Rare Strategy
Walk-off sac buns are among the rarest occurrences in baseball, especially in the postseason, where every run counts and aggression often reigns supreme. A sac bunt in a walk-off situation requires a perfect blend of strategy and execution.
- What Is a Walk-Off Sac Bunt? A walk-off sac bunt occurs when a batter sacrifices themselves to advance a runner to home plate, resulting in the game-ending run.
- Notable Examples:
| Date | Team | Opponent | Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 6, 1999 | New York Yankees | Texas Rangers | Scott Brosius |
| October 14, 2014 | Kansas City Royals | Los Angeles Angels | Alcides Escobar |
Analysis of Walk-Off Sac Bunts
– **Strategic Decision-Making**: The decision to employ a sac bunt as a walk-off strategy demonstrates a team’s willingness to prioritize team play over individual statistics.
– **Execution Under Pressure**: Successful sac bunts in clutch situations highlight the skill and composure of the batter, as well as the support of teammates.
– **Unexpected Outcomes**: The rarity of this play adds to its charm, often catching both fans and opposing teams off guard.
MVPs of Losing Teams: A Testament to Individual Brilliance
In the history of MLB postseason, there have been instances where players on losing teams have been awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title. This acknowledgment often reflects extraordinary individual performances that stand out despite the team’s overall failure to secure victory.
Memorable MVPs from Losing Teams
Here are some notable examples of MVPs from losing teams during the World Series:
| Year | Player | Team | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Bobby Richardson | New York Yankees | Pittsburgh Pirates |
| 1993 | Paul Molitor | Toronto Blue Jays | Philadelphia Phillies |
| 2001 | Luis Gonzalez | Arizona Diamondbacks | New York Yankees |
Impact of Losing Team MVPs
– **Recognition of Talent**: Awarding an MVP title to a player on a losing team highlights individual brilliance, asserting that greatness can shine even in defeat.
– **Inspiration for Future Generations**: These players become symbols of resilience, motivating future players to strive for excellence regardless of team outcomes.
- **Unique Storylines**: The narratives surrounding these MVPs often add layers of intrigue to the postseason, further enhancing the drama of baseball.
Case Studies: Memorable Quirky Moments
Exploring some specific case studies can help bring to life the quirky moments that baseball fans cherish.
Case Study 1: The 1986 World Series – Bill Buckner
One of the most infamous moments in MLB history occurred during the 1986 World Series when Bill Buckner, playing for the Boston Red Sox, let a ground ball slip through his legs, costing the game. This moment has since become synonymous with postseason blunders.
– **Impact**: This moment haunted Buckner for years, yet he remained a beloved figure in Boston baseball history, demonstrating the complexity of sports narratives.
Case Study 2: The 2001 World Series – The Diamondbacks’ Comeback
The Arizona Diamondbacks faced the New York Yankees in the 2001 World Series, which was notable for its dramatic comeback in Game 7.
– **MVP**: Luis Gonzalez hit a walk-off single against Mariano Rivera, solidifying his place in history as an MVP from a winning team, while the Yankees fell short of another championship.
Practical Tips for Enjoying MLB Postseason Quirks
To fully appreciate the quirky moments in MLB postseason history, consider the following tips:
– **Watch Classic Games**: Check out replays of memorable postseason games to witness these quirky moments in action.
– **Engage with Community**: Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to baseball to exchange stories and trivia about quirky postseason moments.
– **Attend Live Games**: If possible, attend live postseason games to experience the excitement and unpredictability of baseball firsthand.
First-Hand Experiences: Fans Reflect on Quirky Moments
Fans often have personal stories that connect them to these quirky moments. Here are some reflections:
– **A Yankees Fan’s Perspective**: “I’ll never forget the heartbreak of the 2001 World Series. Seeing Gonzalez hit that single was bittersweet. It was a moment of pure joy for Diamondbacks fans but a crushing moment for us.”
– **A Red Sox Fan’s Love for Buckner**: “While Buckner’s error in ’86 was devastating, it brings back a wave of emotions. It was a tough loss, but it also led to the Red Sox’s incredible redemption in 2004.”
By embracing these quirky moments, fans can deepen their love for the game and share in the rich tapestry of MLB postseason history.
Conclusion
In summation, the MLB postseason is filled with quirky moments that enhance the sport’s allure. From walk-off sac bunts to the remarkable achievements of MVPs from losing teams, these stories remind us of the unpredictability and excitement that baseball brings to its fans. Enjoying these moments is what makes being a baseball enthusiast truly special.
