Ten Best World Series Since 1975

We are probably going to have a lot to say about the 2025 MLB season.  The quality of play throughout the playoffs, the excellence of the World Series, and the meaning of this season to Dodger and Blue Jay fans, all justify more coverage than usual.  But to begin with, let's place this World Series in context.  Tim Kurkjian, who has covered the last 44 World Series, said last night that it was the best one he has covered.  Of course, I believe that the 1975 Classic, between the Reds and Red Sox, is the best World Series ever played.  I would still rank that Series above this one, in large part due to the cultural significance of the Big Red Machine and Red Sox Nation.  The Red Sox play a big role in Field of Dreams, and Game Six of the 1975 Series drives a critical plot point in Good Will Hunting, and I don't expect this World Series to have that type of cultural cachet -- although I could see it having a big impact on Canadians of a certain age.

But what about since 1975?  What are the ten best World Series since Carl Yastrzemski flew out to end that Series.  Here is my list:

1.  2025.  We'll be discussing this Series further.

2.  2001.  The last stand of the last great Yankee dynasty.  That series had a lot in common with this one, except that the D-Backs (unlike the Blue Jays) got their game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth.

3.  1986.  Another Boston classic, and I always found that Mets team to be uniquely charismatic.

4.  2016.  The Cubs finally break the curse, although the curse remains for Cleveland.

5.  1991.  A series that was extremely beloved at the time, and Game Seven remains a classic for the ages.

6.  2011.  A great series that would have gotten a lot more cultural attention if folks in Dallas cared very much about the Rangers.

7.  2014.  The Bruce Bochy Giants were a wonderful team, and in my opinion, this was their greatest moment.

8.  1997.  If there were any Florida Marlins fans -- or if Cleveland had won this series -- this excellent contest would get more credit.

9.  1979.  We Are Family!  A fitting end to a wonderful decade of baseball.

10.  1985.  Yes, the Cardinals should have won it in six games.  But the Dodgers shouldn't have pitched to Jack Clark in Game Six of the N.L.C.S.  You have to take the bad with the good.