Five World Series overrun by controversy

1973: Oakland A’s vs New York Mets

The Oakland A’s of the early 70s were a true baseball dynasty, winning three consecutive championships from 1972-1974. Despite their success, they were prone to frequent arguments with management as well as each other, often resulting in fistfights in the clubhouse and on the field. Their one common bond was a mutual hatred for owner Charles Finley.

In game 2 of the 1973 World Series against the New York Mets, Oakland second baseman Mike Andrews made two consecutive errors in the 12th inning. The Mets scored four runs and won the game 10-7. After the game, Finley and team physician Dr. Harry Walker coerced Andrews into falsely signing a letter claiming he was injured. Armed with proof of the fabricated injury, Finley placed Andrews on the disabled list and removed him from the World Series roster.

Andrews’ teammates were furious. In a show of solidarity, they taped his number 17 on their jerseys during the off-day practice. The team nearly refused to play game three altogether unless Andrews was reinstated.

"He kept beating me down, and finally I just signed it. -Mike Andrews"

Commissioner Bowie Kuhn ordered Andrews reinstated to the World Series roster before game four, and the A’s won the series in seven games. In the ensuing off-season, Finley followed through on his threats to blackball Andrews, who never played baseball again.