The MLB World Series is the premier championship event in professional baseball, marking the conclusion of both the regular season and postseason. It has taken place 118 times since its beginning in 1903, with the latest series occurring in 2023. Typically held in late October, the competition has a best-of-seven format where the first team to secure four victories are declared champion. The New York Yankees lead with a record of 27 World Series titles, while the St. Louis Cardinals are second with 11 championships.
Over its history, the World Series has showcased numerous individual performances. Babe Ruth, regarded as one of baseball’s legendary figures, holds the record for most home runs during World Series play with 15. Furthermore, Reggie Jackson earned the title "Mr. October" due to his performance in the 1977 World Series when he hit three home runs within a single game. Pitching is crucial to success in the World Series. Sandy Koufax achieved a milestone by pitching a complete game shutout during Game 7 of the 1965 World Series, allowing only two hits and striking out ten batters.
Pitcher with the most World Series losses
Whitey Ford is the pitcher who holds the dubious record for the most losses in World Series history. He is a Hall of Famer who played for the New York Yankees in 1950 and from 1953 until 1967. Throughout his career, he recorded eight losses in the World Series. Nonetheless, Ford is also celebrated for his postseason achievements, comprising 10 World Series victories and an outstanding overall performance in championship games, highlighted by a 0.90 ERA during World Series appearances.
Ford is the all-time leader in World Series wins by a starting pitcher with 10 and also leads in losses among starting pitchers with eight. Whitey Ford died on October 8, 2020, at his residence in Lake Success on Long Island at the age of 91, and had been battling dementia for several years before his death. At that time, he was recognized as the second-oldest living member of the Hall of Fame following Tommy Lasorda.
In second place regarding most World Series losses by a pitcher as of the 2023 series is Justin Verlander. He has suffered six defeats while winning only one title as a pitcher. Also, Verlander ranks among just four pitchers in Major League Baseball history to have claimed multiple World Series championships, received multiple Cy Young Awards, thrown several no-hitters, and earned numerous All-Star selections.
Below is the list of pitchers with the most World Series losses:
| Name | World Series Losses |
| Whitey Ford | 8 |
| Justin Verlander | 6 |
| Schoolboy Rowe | 5 |
| Bullet Joe Bush | 5 |
| Rube Marquard | 5 |
| Christy Mathewson | 5 |
| Eddie Plank | 5 |
| Andy Pettitte | 4 |
| Charlie Leibrandt | 4 |
| Dave Stewart | 2 |
Pitcher with the most World Series wins
Whitey Ford holds the record for the most World Series wins by a pitcher, achieving 10 victories while playing for the New York Yankees. Between 1950 and 1964, he appeared in 22 World Series matches, boasting an impressive ERA of 2.71 and amassing 94 strikeouts. Following him closely are Bob Gibson, Allie Reynolds, and Red Ruffing, each with seven wins in their championship series appearances as pitchers.
Below is the list of pitchers with the most World Series wins:
| Name | World Series Wins | World Series Losses |
| Whitey Ford | 10 | 8 |
| Bob Gibson | 7 | 2 |
| Allie Reynolds | 7 | 2 |
| Red Ruffing | 7 | 2 |
| Lefty Gomez | 6 | 0 |
| Waite Hoyt | 6 | 4 |
| Chief Bender | 6 | 4 |
| Andy Pettitte | 5 | 4 |
| Catfish Hunter | 5 | 3 |
| Vic Raschi | 5 | 3 |
FAQs on MLB World Series
A. The first World Series was held in 1903, featuring the Boston Americans (now the Red Sox) and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
A. The World Series is a best-of-seven series, meaning the first team to win four games is declared the champion.
A. Bob Gibson holds the record for the most strikeouts in World Series history, with 92 strikeouts in 9 games.
A. Mickey Mantle has the most home runs in World Series history, hitting 18 home runs as of the 2023 World Series.
