The MLB World Series is the championship in Major League Baseball, where the champions of the American League and the National League compete against each other. It has been played since 1903 and takes place in October, earning it the nickname "Fall Classic." The series follows a best-of-seven format, and the team that wins four games first is declared the World Series champions.
The winning team is honored with the Commissioner's Trophy, and the players, coaches, and staff members often receive World Series rings as a symbol of their victory. It is customary for the winning team to visit the White House and meet the President of the United States. As of 2023, 119 World Series have been played, with American League teams winning 68 times and National League teams winning on 51 occasions. The New York Yankees hold the record for the most appearances in the World Series, with 40, and they have won 27 times, the most of any team in the major North American professional sports leagues.
MLB teams without MLB Series Championship
Several MLB teams have yet to win a World Series Championship despite their efforts and long-standing presence in Major League Baseball. These teams have experienced varying levels of success and heartbreak, having reached the World Series but falling short of securing the coveted title. Some have faced lengthy postseason droughts, while others have come close but were ultimately defeated in the championship series.
Below is a table listing these teams along with the number of their World Series appearances:
Team | World Series Appearances |
Milwaukee Brewers | 1 (1982) |
San Diego Padres | 2 (1984, 1998) |
Seattle Mariners | 0 (No appearances) |
Tampa Bay Rays | 2 (2008, 2020) |
Colorado Rockies | 1 (2007) |
MLB teams with the most MLB Series Championship
Some MLB teams have established themselves as dominant forces in baseball history, amassing multiple World Series Championships and solidifying their legacy as the sport's most successful franchises.
The New York Yankees stand out as the most successful team, having won 27 World Series titles, far ahead of any other team. Their dominance spanned various eras, in the 1920s, 1950s, and late 1990s. Following the Yankees, the St. Louis Cardinals hold the second-most championships with 11 titles, making them the most successful team in the National League.
The Oakland Athletics and Boston Red Sox are next, each with nine and nine titles, respectively. Other franchises with multiple championships include the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Team | World Series Championships |
New York Yankees | 27 |
St. Louis Cardinals | 11 |
Oakland Athletics | 9 |
Boston Red Sox | 9 |
San Francisco Giants | 8 |
Los Angeles Dodgers | 7 |
FAQs on MLB Series
A. The MLB World Series began in 1903, marking the first official championship series between the AL and NL.
A. The New York Yankees have won the most MLB World Series titles, with 27 championships.
A. The MLB World Series uses a best-of-seven format, where the first team to win four games becomes the champion.
A. The MLB World Series is usually played in late October, which is why it’s often referred to as the "Fall Classic."
A. The Boston Americans (now the Boston Red Sox) won the first MLB World Series in 1903 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.