The most memorable moments for each team in MLB history

Every Major League Baseball team has at least one moment that stands out above the rest. Whether positive or negative, there are those moments that every MLB fan remembers whenever a team is mentioned.

But which moments stand the test of time? Which moments are truly ingrained in the memories of MLB fans when a specific team is mentioned? Let’s take a look at the most memorable moments in each team’s history.

The most memorable moments for every MLB team

Baltimore Orioles – Cal Ripken breaks Lou Gehrig’s record

No one thought anything of it when Cal Ripken set foot on the diamond on May 30, 1982. That would be the last game he would miss until September 20, 1998 when Ryan Minor became an answer to a trivia question. When Ripken broke Gehrig’s consecutive game streak on September 6, 1995, the sport was still reeling from the strike and canceled World Series. Ripken, and his run to history, may well have been the first step towards saving the game.

Boston Red Sox – Selling Babe Ruth

The Boston Red Sox were one of the best teams in MLB over their first two decades of existence while the Yankees never reached the postseason. Then Harry Frazee took over, desperately needed money and sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees for $100,000 and a $300,000 loan. That move changed the fortunes of both franchises as the Yankees quickly became a dynasty and the Red Sox would not win another championship until 2004 as the Curse of the Bambino took on a life of its own.

New York Yankees – Lou Gehrig’s speech

One could have understood if Lou Gehrig felt bitterness as he was betrayed by his body. The Iron Horse had broken down, ravaged by the incurable disease that would come to bear his name. Instead, on July 4, 1939, Gehrig gave what has come to be known as MLB’s Gettysburg Address, a moment that will forever live on as one of the most remembered moments in the history of the game.

Tampa Bay Rays – Game 162

The Rays were dead in the water. Trailing the Yankees 7-0 and with the Red Sox ahead of the Orioles, the 2011 season was over. Instead, the Rays fought back, with Evan Longoria’s three run blast bringing Tampa Bay within a run. Then, with the Rays down to their last strike, Dan Johnson, who was hitting .108 at the time, belted a game tying homer. Longoria’s game winning shot almost felt anti-climatic at that point, and when the Red Sox lost, the Rays found themselves back in the postseason with the type of game that will live on forever.

Toronto Blue Jays – Joe Carter walks off the World Series

The Toronto Blue Jays were already the first team outside the United States to win the World Series and were looking for a repeat in 1993. They appeared to have that second title in hand as they led 5-1 heading into the seventh inning of Game Six, only to see the Phillies put up five runs to take the lead. That just set outfielder Joe Carter up for one of the greatest moments in World Series history as he took closer Mitch Williams’ 2-2 pitch deep for a walk-off three run homer. As announcer Tom Cheek said at the time: “Touch ‘em all Joe, you’ll never hit a bigger home run in your life.”

Houston Astros – Asterisk no more

The Houston Astros had won the World Series in 2017, a title that had been tarnished by AstroGate and jokes about trash cans and buzzers. Those jokes were put to rest in 2022 as the Astros won a second title, defeating the Phillies in six games. Dusty Baker finally earned that elusive title, Justin Verlander won a game in the series, and the stigma of AstroGate has been washed away.

Los Angeles Angels – A no-hitter to honor a fallen teammate

Tyler Skaggs had unexpectedly passed away on July 1, 2019, the victim of an opioid overdose. His passing hit his teammates and the franchise hard, with tributes around Angel Stadium in their first home game after his passing. However, the greatest tribute came on the mound when Taylor Cole and Felix Pena fired a combined no-hitter on July 12, the day before Skaggs would have turned 28 years old. The Angels scored seven in the first inning, and 13 in the game, as 7/13 would have been his birthday. It was the perfect ending for an emotional day.

Oakland A’s – The Man of Steal sets the record

It was a matter of time before Rickey Henderson chased down Lou Brock for the stolen base title. That moment came on May 1, 1991, when Henderson swiped third base for the 939th steal of his illustrious career. The images of Henderson ripping third base out of the ground, and his speech when he proclaimed himself the greatest, will be a part of his enduring legacy and the most memorable moment of his four stints with the A’s.

Seattle Mariners – The double

Back in 1995, the Mariners made the postseason for the first time in franchise history. Their reward – facing the Yankees in the ALDS. It was not a surprise when the Yankees won the first two games of the series, but the Mariners fought back to force Game Five. The Yankees took a 4-2 lead in Game Five, but the Mariners scored two in the eighth to force extra innings. After the Yankees scored a run in the top of the 11th, a bunt single by Alex Cora and a Ken Griffey Jr. single to short right set the stage for Edgar Martinez, who lined a game winning double down the left field line. Not only did the Mariners advance in the postseason for the first time, but that play is considered to be key in keeping the franchise in Seattle.

Texas Rangers – Rougned Odor rocks Jose Bautista

Rougned Odor taking exception to a hard slide from Jose Bautista will live on in infamy. Bautista slid hard into second in an attempt to break up a double play, something that Odor took offense to. The Rangers second baseman first shoved Bautista, then belted him in the jaw with an overhand right, knocking the Blue Jays’ outfielder’s glasses off and briefly staggering him. To Bautista’s credit, he stayed on his feet and was ready to square up before a benches clearing brawl broke out, separating the combatants. Odor eventually received an eight game suspension for his actions, although it was reduced to seven on appeal.

Atlanta Braves – Hank Aaron hits 715

Babe Ruth’s home run record was once thought to be unbreakable. That is, until a kid from Mobile, Alabama came to the majors and just kept hitting homers. He had 713 homers at the end of the 1973 season, putting him on the cusp of history. He received racist letters and death threats throughout the chase, yet he remained undeterred. Aaron tied the record on Opening Day in 1974, and then, on April 8, belted the record setting homer against Al Downing. As Aaron circled the bases, he was congratulated by a pair of 17 year olds who ran onto the field, celebrating as he broke one of the untouchable records in MLB history.

Miami Marlins – Jose Fernandez passes away in boat accident

Jose Fernandez was supposed to be the ace for the Miami Marlins, the hometown kid that the franchise would build around. He was on the verge of stardom when tragedy struck in the early morning on September 25, 2016. The boat Fernandez and two friends were on crashed into a rock jetty at 65 MPH, killing all three in a pre-dawn accident. It may be fair to say that the Marlins have not recovered from Fernandez’s loss as they have reached the postseason just once in the following years.

New York Mets – Mookie Wilson’s ground ball

It was over – the Red Sox had a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the tenth and were ready to end the Curse of the Bambino. Then it all fell apart. Calvin Schiraldi could not find the zone, wild pitches ensued, and the Mets tied the game. Then Mookie Wilson hit a slow grounder to first that should have allowed the Red Sox to escape. Instead, the ball slipped through Bill Buckner’s legs, allowing Ray Knight to score the winning run. The Mets would take Game Seven, winning their second championship and extending the Curse of the Bambino for another year.

Philadelphia Phillies – Ya gotta believe!

The Philadelphia Phillies entered the 1980 season as the only one of the original 16 MLB teams not to win a World Series. They have only captured two NL pennants, with the last one coming in 1950. That all changed in 1980 as a star studded cast rallied together, surprising the NL West winning Astros in the NLCS. The Royals, then a juggernaut in the AL, were their World Series opponent, and despite the series being tied at two games apiece, the Phillies refused to give in. Facing elimination, the Royals loaded the bases in the top of the ninth with one out, with Frank White popping up foul. Pete Rose was right there when the ball tipped off of Bob Boone’s glove, snaring the pop for the second out. Willie Wilson’s strikeout ended the threat, and for the first time in franchise history, the Phillies were champions.

Washington Nationals – Max Scherzer strikes out 20 batters

Only three pitchers in MLB history had struck out 20 batters heading into Max Scherzer’s outing on May 11, 2016. It seemed as though it would stay that way in the ninth, as Scherzer entered the inning with 18 strikeouts. A leadoff homer from J.D. Martinez cut the Nationals lead to one, and after Victor Martinez singled, it would have been understandable if Scherzer’s night was over. Instead, he found another gear, striking out Miguel Cabrera and Justin Upton for the first two outs of the inning. James McCann grounded out to end the game, with Scherzer cementing his place in history.

Chicago Cubs – The Bartman Incident

The Curse of the Billy Goat was about to end. The Chicago Cubs head a 3-0 with five outs to go in Game Six of the 2003 NLCS when Luis Castillo hit a lazy fly ball foul down the left field line. Left fielder Moises Alou and nearby fans all reached for the ball, with the ball hitting Steve Bartman’s hands before falling harmlessly. Bouyed by that newfound life, the Marlins scored eight runs, destroyed the still shell shocked Cubs in Game Seven, and went on to win their second World Series. Bartman, meanwhile, became vilified although he was not the only person reaching for the ball. He was finally forgiven after the 2016 World Series, with the Cubs even giving him his own World Series ring.

Cincinnati Reds – Johnny Vander Meer fires consecutive no-hitters

Johnny Vander Meer was making just his 30th career start when he fired a no-hitter on June 11. The infamously wild youngster had his command that day, walking just three batters while striking out four in his gem. That was not the case in his next start on June 15, as he fought his command virtually all game. However, he also had not given up a hit, heading out to the mound for the ninth with a chance at history. Vander Meer walked the first three batters he faced, but after a mound visit from manager Bill McKechnie, he was able to find his command once more to retire the final three batters and become the only MLB pitcher to fire consecutive no-hitters.

Milwaukee Brewers – Cecil Cooper makes amends

The 1982 ALCS had not gone well for Cecil Cooper, especially in Game Five. He had been 2-19 during the season, and his mental error, when he tagged Bobby Grich with an empty glove while holding the ball in his other hand, gave the Angels a 3-1 lead. Then, with the bases loaded with two outs in the seventh, Cooper came to bat with the Brewers trailing 3-2. He lined a 1-1 pitch to left, scoring two runs to give the Brewers the lead and send them to their first, and only World Series appearance. Sometimes, the baseball gods even things out.

Pittsburgh Pirates – Bill Mazeroski has his Hall of Fame moment

The Pittsburgh Pirates were outclassed in the 1960 World Series. Although the series was tied at three games apiece, the Yankees were a powerhouse and had outscored the Pirates 46-17. Game seven was expected to be a formality. Instead, it was a slugfest, with the Yankees and Pirates trading blows over the final two innings. Tied at nine heading into the bottom of the ninth, Bill Mazeroski belted Ralph Terry’s 1-0 offering to left for the first walk-off homer in a Game Seven in World Series history. While he was a solid defensive second baseman and a ten time All Star, he will be forever remembered for that moment.

St. Louis Cardinals – Enos Slaughter and his Mad Dash

Enos Slaughter had a solid career, eventually ending up in the MLB Hall of Fame. However, his greatest moment came in the 1946 World Series. He was on first with two outs in the bottom of the eighth, the score tied 3-3, when he took off for second. Harry Walker lined a base hit into left center, with Leon Culberson throwing the ball to cut off man Johnny Pesky, who expected Slaughter to stop at third. Instead, he blew through the stop sign, sliding in safe with the winning run as Pesky had a moment of hesitation due to the surprise of Slaughter’s dash. That would be the winning run, sending the Cardinals to sixth World Series title and third of the decade.

Arizona Diamondbacks – Luis Gonzalez proves Mariano Rivera was mortal

The Yankees were a juggernaut in the late 1990s and into the 2000s. They had won three consecutive World Series, and four of the previous five, heading into 2001. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, were in their fourth year of existence. Down by a run with two outs in the ninth against Mariano Rivera, Tony Womack doubled in the game tying run. A hit batter brought up Luis Gonzalez, who flaired a base hit to center to give the Diamondbacks their first, and so far only, World Series title.

Colorado Rockies – Matt Holliday touches home

The Rockies were dead in the water before a surge in September brought them to the cusp of a playoff berth, leading to Game 163 against the Padres. The Padres took an 8-6 lead into the bottom of the 13th before Trevor Hoffman had a rare meltdown. Consecutive doubles to lead off the inning cut the lead to one, with Matt Holliday tying the game on his triple to right. After an intentional walk to Todd Helton, Jamey Carroll hit a fly ball to deep right, with Holliday heading home. He crashed chin first towards home plate and was ruled safe, his hand touching the plate before he was tagged out. Replays were inconclusive, allowing the run to stand as the Rockies would storm through the National League playoffs en route to the World Series.

Los Angeles Dodgers – Jackie Robinson makes his debut

The color barrier had unofficially existed for 63 years, with Fleet and Welday Walker being forced out of MLB due to Cap Anson and his racist views. That barrier was shattered on April 15, 1947, when Jackie Robinson made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Although he was hitless, he scored the game winning run after reaching on an error. Robinson proved himself in the subsequent weeks, even in the face of extreme prejudice, paving the way for Larry Doby and Satchel Paige to head to Cleveland. By the time he retired, all but three teams had integrated, as Robinson showed that black players were every bit as good as white players.

San Diego Padres – the chase for .400

No MLB player has hit .400 since Ted Williams in 1941. Tony Gwynn may have done so had the player’s strike not ended the 1994 season. He had been on a tear at the time, collecting hits in 14 of the final 15 games of the season. He had a .433 batting average over those final 15 games, finishing the season with a .394 batting average. As Gwynn never dipped below a .356 batting average after April 21, he may have made history if the labor stoppage had not ended his run.

San Francisco Giants – The Catch

The Giants were set to face the Indians in the 1954 World Series, a matchup where Cleveland was heavily favored. With the game tied 2-2 in the top of the eighth, and runners on first and second, Vic Wertz hit a drive to deep center that appeared poised to give the Indians the lead. Instead, Willie Mays sprinted back and kept running, making what may be the most famous catch in World Series history as he snared the ball with a running, over the shoulder catch. His subsequent throw led to Larry Doby staying at third as he had taken off when the ball was hit. The Giants escaped the inning unscathed and won the game 5-2 in extra innings en route to sweeping the Indians.