7 World Series controversies that rocked the MLB world ft. Astros sign-stealing scandal

The 2024 World Series is slated to start on Friday and will see two of the most popular teams in the league vy for the crown. The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers will send their star-studded lineups to battle it out for MLB supremacy.

The matchup between Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge might be a dream scenario for baseball fans (and perhaps the MLB as well). Despite the prestige of the World Series, there have been a number of controversies that have etched their place in the history of the MLB's biggest prize.

7 World Series controversies that left their mark in history

#7 - Elrod Hendricks' Phantom Tag

The Baltimore Orioles may have won the title in 1970 in a convincing 4-1 fashion, but it is a blown call at the plate that lives on. As Cincinnati Reds outfielder Bernie Carbo was attempting to score a play at home, the view of umpire Ken Burkhart was obstructed by Orioles catcher Elrod Hendricks.

While Burkhart had called Carbo out on the play, it was later revealed that Hendricks had tagged him with an empty glove as he was holding the ball in his barehand. The Reds disputed the decision but the call stood.

#6 - Blown Call Gives Royals a Victory

Blown calls are nothing new in the MLB. In 1985, a blown call may have resulted in the Kansas City Royals winning it all. The St. Louis Cardinals had taken a 3-2 series lead into Game 6 and had a 1-0 lead in the 9th inning.

The Royals turned to Jorge Orta to hit off the bench. Orta slashed a rather weak ball toward second base and he hustled to first. The ball was picked up and thrown to the pitch covering base on what seemed to be a clear out. Instead, Orta was called safe and the Royals were able to come back and win it all.

#5 - Jon Lester's Cheating Accusations

After decades of failure, the Boston Red Sox found themselves back at the top of the MLB mountain in the 2000s. While they were able to snap the "Curse of the Bambino" in 2004, when it came to the 2013 championship, cheating accusations involving pitcher Jon Lester stole the headlines.

Lester was dominant in two starts against the St. Louis Cardinals, however, there was suspicion about his use of a foreign substance. While Lester denied the accusations, there are still some who believe that his 0.59 ERA in the World Series was thanks to the help of a banned substance.

#4 - Reggie Jackson Blocks Throw

New York Yankees legend Reggie Jackson may forever be known as "Mr. October" for his elite postseason performances, however, during the 1978 finals against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he was not exactly beloved. During an important fourth game of the series, Jackson, who was forced out at second base, seemingly intentionally stuck out his hip to block the throw to first base.

The incident led to a chorus of boos, as well as a run to score for the Yankees. The controversial blocked throw changed the course of the series, with the Bronx Bombers going on to win the title.

#3 - 1994 World Series Cancelled

The 1994 season is not one that will be remembered fondly in the history books. After the collecting bargaining agreement expired, the players at the time went on strike, resulting in the season coming to an abrupt end in August, causing the entire postseason to be canceled.

#2 - Houston Astros Sign-Stealing Scandal

The reputation of the Houston Astros organization suffered a major blow in 2019 when news of a sign-stealing scandal broke. Former Astros pitcher Mike Fiers came forward and admitted that the club had been stealing signs from opposing teams throughout the season. The Astros went on to win the 2017 World Series, however, the legitimacy has been questioned ever since.

#1 - The Black Sox Scandal

Without question, the Black Sox Scandal remains one of the biggest controversies not only in World Series history but the sport as a whole. The infamous scandal saw eight members of the Chicago White Sox accused of intentionally losing the 1919 World Series.

As a result, several of those involved, including "Shoeless Joe" Jackson have been held out of the Hall of Fame. The scandal has been used in a number of pop culture references ever since, including the hit film Field of Dreams.