World Series MVP Winners: A Complete List

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\nThe World Series MVP (Most Valuable Player) Award is an honor given annually to the player deemed to have the most impact on his team's performance in the World Series, which is the championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB). This prestigious award recognizes exceptional performance during baseball's ultimate stage, highlighting a player's contribution to their team's success in winning the championship. This article dives deep into the history of the World Series MVP award, spotlighting some of the most memorable winners and their remarkable achievements.

History of the World Series MVP Award

The World Series MVP Award was first presented in 1955, a direct result of the Sport Magazine readership poll. The inaugural winner was Gil Hodges of the Brooklyn Dodgers, honored for his outstanding performance against the New York Yankees. The award's official recognition by MLB came later, but Hodges's selection set the stage for recognizing individual brilliance on baseball's biggest stage.

Initially, the award was presented by Sport Magazine, giving it a unique connection to sports journalism and fan engagement. This connection emphasized the importance of recognizing players who not only performed well statistically but also captured the imagination of fans and media alike. Over the years, the award has evolved, but its core mission remains the same: to celebrate the player who shines brightest when the stakes are highest.

Notable Firsts and Milestones

Reflecting on the history of the World Series MVP Award, several milestones stand out, marking significant moments in baseball history and the evolution of the award itself. These milestones include:

  • First Winner: Gil Hodges's selection in 1955 was a historic moment, setting the precedent for recognizing outstanding individual performance in the World Series. His contributions to the Brooklyn Dodgers' victory were pivotal and set the standard for future MVP winners.
  • Multiple Winners: Only three players have won the World Series MVP Award multiple times: Sandy Koufax (1963, 1965), Bob Gibson (1964, 1967), and Reggie Jackson (1973, 1977). Their repeated success underscores their dominance and ability to perform under pressure.
  • Unanimous Choices: Several players have been unanimous choices for the award, indicating overwhelming agreement among voters about their outstanding performance. These unanimous selections highlight truly exceptional World Series performances.
  • Players from Losing Teams: In 1960, Bobby Richardson of the New York Yankees was awarded the MVP despite his team losing the World Series. This rare occurrence emphasizes that individual brilliance can be recognized even in defeat.

The Selection Process

The selection process for the World Series MVP has evolved over the years. Initially, the award was decided by a Sport Magazine poll, reflecting the opinions of sports journalists and fans. Today, the winner is chosen by a panel of media members present at the World Series. This panel ensures a balanced and informed decision, taking into account various factors such as batting average, fielding prowess, and overall impact on the game.

The current selection process involves a vote taken at the conclusion of the final game of the World Series. Media members cast their votes based on the entirety of the series, considering not only individual statistics but also the player's influence on key moments and the overall outcome. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that the most deserving player is recognized for their contributions.

List of World Series MVP Winners

Here is a comprehensive list of every World Series MVP winner, starting from the award's inception in 1955. Each entry includes the player's name, the team they played for during the World Series, and the year they won the award.

  • 1955: Gil Hodges, Brooklyn Dodgers
  • 1956: Don Larsen, New York Yankees
  • 1957: Lew Burdette, Milwaukee Braves
  • 1958: Bob Turley, New York Yankees
  • 1959: Larry Sherry, Los Angeles Dodgers
  • 1960: Bobby Richardson, New York Yankees
  • 1961: Whitey Ford, New York Yankees
  • 1962: Ralph Terry, New York Yankees
  • 1963: Sandy Koufax, Los Angeles Dodgers
  • 1964: Bob Gibson, St. Louis Cardinals
  • 1965: Sandy Koufax, Los Angeles Dodgers
  • 1966: Frank Robinson, Baltimore Orioles
  • 1967: Bob Gibson, St. Louis Cardinals
  • 1968: Mickey Lolich, Detroit Tigers
  • 1969: Jerry Koosman, New York Mets
  • 1970: Brooks Robinson, Baltimore Orioles
  • 1971: Roberto Clemente, Pittsburgh Pirates
  • 1972: Gene Tenace, Oakland Athletics
  • 1973: Reggie Jackson, Oakland Athletics
  • 1974: Rollie Fingers, Oakland Athletics
  • 1975: Pete Rose, Cincinnati Reds
  • 1976: Johnny Bench, Cincinnati Reds
  • 1977: Reggie Jackson, New York Yankees
  • 1978: Bucky Dent, New York Yankees
  • 1979: Willie Stargell, Pittsburgh Pirates
  • 1980: Mike Schmidt, Philadelphia Phillies
  • 1981: Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero, and Steve Yeager, Los Angeles Dodgers
  • 1982: Darrell Porter, St. Louis Cardinals
  • 1983: Rick Dempsey, Baltimore Orioles
  • 1984: Alan Trammell, Detroit Tigers
  • 1985: Bret Saberhagen, Kansas City Royals
  • 1986: Ray Knight, New York Mets
  • 1987: Frank Viola, Minnesota Twins
  • 1988: Orel Hershiser, Los Angeles Dodgers
  • 1989: Dave Stewart, Oakland Athletics
  • 1990: José Rijo, Cincinnati Reds
  • 1991: Jack Morris, Minnesota Twins
  • 1992: Pat Borders, Toronto Blue Jays
  • 1993: Paul Molitor, Toronto Blue Jays
  • 1995: Tom Glavine, Atlanta Braves
  • 1996: John Wetteland, New York Yankees
  • 1997: Livan Hernandez, Florida Marlins
  • 1998: Scott Brosius, New York Yankees
  • 1999: Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
  • 2000: Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
  • 2001: Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, Arizona Diamondbacks
  • 2002: Troy Glaus, Anaheim Angels
  • 2003: Josh Beckett, Florida Marlins
  • 2004: Manny Ramirez, Boston Red Sox
  • 2005: Jermaine Dye, Chicago White Sox
  • 2006: David Eckstein, St. Louis Cardinals
  • 2007: Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox
  • 2008: Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies
  • 2009: Hideki Matsui, New York Yankees
  • 2010: Edgar Renteria, San Francisco Giants
  • 2011: David Freese, St. Louis Cardinals
  • 2012: Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants
  • 2013: David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
  • 2014: Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants
  • 2015: Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals
  • 2016: Ben Zobrist, Chicago Cubs
  • 2017: George Springer, Houston Astros
  • 2018: Steve Pearce, Boston Red Sox
  • 2019: Juan Soto, Washington Nationals
  • 2020: Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers
  • 2021: Jorge Soler, Atlanta Braves
  • 2022: Jeremy Peña, Houston Astros
  • 2023: Corey Seager, Texas Rangers

Key Statistics and Facts

  • Most MVPs by Team: The New York Yankees have the most World Series MVP winners with 7.
  • Multiple Winners: Only three players have won the award multiple times: Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, and Reggie Jackson.
  • Pitchers vs. Position Players: Pitchers have won the award a significant number of times, highlighting their crucial role in the World Series.
  • Unanimous Selections: Several players have been unanimous choices, underscoring their dominant performances.

Memorable World Series MVP Performances

Certain World Series MVP performances stand out not only for their statistical achievements but also for their impact on the game and the memories they created. These performances are etched in baseball lore and continue to be celebrated by fans and historians alike.

Bob Gibson, 1967

Bob Gibson's performance in the 1967 World Series is legendary. The St. Louis Cardinals pitcher threw three complete games, including two shutouts, and posted a remarkable 1.00 ERA. His dominance on the mound was a key factor in the Cardinals' victory over the Boston Red Sox. Gibson's ability to consistently deliver under pressure cemented his status as one of the greatest pitchers of all time, and his 1967 World Series performance remains a benchmark for pitching excellence.

Reggie Jackson, 1977

Reggie Jackson's performance in the 1977 World Series earned him the nickname "Mr. October." Playing for the New York Yankees, Jackson hit three home runs in Game 6 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, including three on consecutive pitches. His power hitting and clutch performances throughout the series made him an unforgettable figure in World Series history. Jackson's 1977 performance is often cited as one of the greatest individual displays of offensive firepower in baseball history.

Kirk Gibson, 1988

Though Kirk Gibson did not win the MVP in 1988, his dramatic home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series is still considered one of the most iconic moments in baseball history. Hobbled by injuries, Gibson limped to the plate and hit a game-winning home run against Dennis Eckersley of the Oakland Athletics. This unexpected feat ignited the Los Angeles Dodgers and propelled them to an improbable World Series victory.

Madison Bumgarner, 2014

Madison Bumgarner's performance in the 2014 World Series was one of the most dominant pitching displays in recent memory. The San Francisco Giants pitcher threw a complete-game shutout in Game 5 and then came out of the bullpen in Game 7 to pitch five scoreless innings on two days' rest. His remarkable stamina and effectiveness earned him the MVP award and helped the Giants secure their third World Series title in five years. Bumgarner's 2014 performance is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.

The Impact of Winning the World Series MVP Award

Winning the World Series MVP Award can have a profound impact on a player's career and legacy. The award not only recognizes outstanding performance but also elevates a player's status in baseball history. Here are some of the ways winning the award can impact a player:

  • Enhanced Reputation: The World Series MVP Award significantly enhances a player's reputation, solidifying their place among baseball's elite. The recognition brings increased attention from fans, media, and the baseball community.
  • Career Opportunities: Winning the award can lead to increased career opportunities, such as endorsement deals, broadcasting roles, and coaching positions. The visibility and prestige associated with the award can open doors to various avenues in and outside of baseball.
  • Hall of Fame Consideration: While winning the World Series MVP Award does not guarantee induction into the Hall of Fame, it certainly strengthens a player's case. The award demonstrates a player's ability to perform at the highest level in the most critical moments, which is a key factor in Hall of Fame voting.
  • Lasting Legacy: Perhaps most importantly, winning the World Series MVP Award ensures a lasting legacy in baseball history. The player's name is forever associated with one of the game's greatest achievements, and their performance is remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

The World Series MVP Award is more than just a trophy; it is a symbol of excellence, perseverance, and the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. The players who have won this prestigious award have not only contributed to their team's success but have also created lasting memories for baseball fans around the world. Their performances serve as an inspiration to future generations of players, reminding them that with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of luck, they too can achieve greatness on baseball's biggest stage. So, whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just getting into the game, remember the names on this list, because they represent the best of the best in World Series history.