The 275 Best Teams in MLB History

 Through 2022.

I'm using pythagorean record with a bonus given for pennants and World Series wins; ELO, and a time adjustment.  All prior rankings are superseded by this one.  World Series era (1903-).  It's 275 to allow for a 256 team tournament, a play in for the 16th seed and the last 3 who didn't make it. Negro League teams have pythags, but not ELO rankings and are not included.

1. 1939 Yankees World Champions

2. 1906 Cubs NL Champs

3. 1927 Yankees World Champions

4. 2020 Dodgers World Champions

5. 1942 Cards World Champions

6. 1998 Yankees World Champions

7. 1909 Pirates World Champions

8.     2022 Astros World Champions

9.     2022 Dodgers Lost NLDS

10. 1905 Giants World Champions

11. 1907 Cubs World Champions

12. 1911 A’s World Champions

13. 1970 Orioles World Champions

14. 1937 Yankees World Champions

15. 1942 Yankees AL Champs

16. 1936 Yankees World Champions

17. 1909 Cubs 2nd in NL

18. 1932 Yankees World Champions

19. 1929 A’s World Champions

20. 1975 Reds World Champions

21. 2018 Red Sox World Champions

22. 1944 Cards World Champions

23. 1976 Reds World Champions

24. 1953 Yankees World Champions

25. 1938 Yankees World Champions

26. 1908 Cubs World Champions 

27. 2019 Astros AL Champs

28. 1912 Red Sox World Champions

29. 2021 Dodgers Lost in NLCS

30. 1919 Reds World Champions

31. 1961 Yankees World Champions

32. 1954 Indians AL Champs

33. 1904 Giants NL Champs

34. 2016 Cubs World Champions

35. 2007 Red Sox World Champions

36. 1943 Cards NL Champs

37. 1950 Yankees World Champions

38. 1948 Indians World Champions

39. 2018 Astros Lost in ALCS

40. 1917 White Sox World Champions

41. 2002 Angels World Champions

42. 2017 Indians Lost in ALDS

43. 1910 A’s World Champions

44. 1935 Tigers World Champions

45. 1986 Mets World Champions

46. 1995 Indians AL Champs

47. 1915 Red Sox World Champions

48. 1971 Orioles AL Champs

49. 1928 Yankees World Champions

50. 1935 Cubs NL Champs

51. 1947 Yankees World Champions

52. 1956 Yankees World Champions

53. 2019 Dodgers Lost NLDS

54. 1941 Yankees World Champions

55. 1912 Giants NL Champs

56. 1953 Dodgers NL Champs

57. 2013 Red Sox World Champions

58. 1969 Orioles AL Champs

59. 1954 Yankees 2nd in AL

60. 2001 Mariners Lost ALCS

61. 1931 Cards World Champions

62. 1920 Indians World Champions

63. 1968 Tigers World Champions

64. 1905 Cubs 3rd in NL

65. 1921 Giants World Champions

66. 2004 Red Sox World Champions  

67. 1910 Cubs NL Champs

68. 1952 Yankees World Champions

69. 1999 Yankees World Champions

70. 1931 A’s AL Champs

71. 2009 Yankees World Champions

72. 1911 Giants NL Champs

73. 1931 Yankees 2nd in AL

74. 1954 Giants World Champions

75. 2001 A’s Lost ALDS

76. 1930 A’s World Champions

77. 1923 Yankees World Champions

78. 1998 Braves Lost NLCS

79. 1951 Yankees World Champions

80. 1984 Tigers World Champions

81. 1914 A’s AL Champs

82. 1978 Yankees World Champions

83. 1949 Yankees World Champions

84. 1946 Cards World Champions

85. 1989 A’s World Champions

86. 1993 Braves Lost NLCS

87. 1940 Reds World Champions

88. 2019 Nationals World Champions  

89. 1942 Dodgers 2nd in NL

90. 1903 Americans/Red Sox World Champions

91. 1943 Yankees World Champions

92. 1983 Orioles World Champions

93. 1974 Dodgers NL Champs

94. 1957 Yankees AL Champs

95. 2017 Astros World Champions

96. 1913 A’s World Champions

97. 1921 Yankees AL Champs  

98. 1908 Giants 2nd in NL

99. 1979 Pirates World Champions   

100. 1949 Red Sox 2nd in AL

101. 1957 Braves World Champions

102 1925 Pirates World Champions

103. 1971 Pirates World Champions

104. 1977 Yankees World Champions

105. 1949 Dodgers NL Champs

106. 2017 Dodgers NL Champs

107. 1922 Giants World Champions

108. 2021 Braves World Champions

109. 2021 Giants Lost NLDS

110. 1948 Yankees 3rd in AL

111. 1988 Mets Lost NLCS

112. 1906 White Sox World Champions

113. 1945 Cubs NL Champs

114. 1914 Braves World Champions    

115. 1909 Tigers AL Champs

116. 1955 Dodgers World Champions

117. 1998 Astros Lost NLDS

118. 1934 Tigers AL Champs

119. 1995 Braves World Champions

120. 1928 A’s 2nd in AL

121. 1997 Braves Lost NLCS

122. 1999 Braves NL Champs

123. 2004 Cards NL Champs

124. 1932 A’s 2nd in AL

125. 1909 A’s 2nd in AL

126. 2018 Dodgers NL Champs

127. 2002 Giants NL Champs

128. 1917 Giants NL Champs

129. 1955 Yankees AL Champs

130. 2019 Yankees Lost ALCS

131. 1935 Cards 2nd in NL 

132. 2011 Yankees Lost ALDS

133. 2011 Phillies Lost NLDS

134. 2022 Yankees Lost ALCS

135. 2011 Rangers AL Champs

136. 1979 Orioles AL Champs

137. 1977 Dodgers NL Champs

138. 1941 Dodgers NL Champs

139. 1967 Cards World Champions

140. 2021 Rays Lost ALDS

141. 2021 Astros AL Champs

142. 2001 DBacks World Champions

143. 2017 Yankees Lost ALCS

144. 1945 Cardinals 2nd in NL

145. 1973 Orioles Lost ALCS

146. 1913 Giants NL Champs

147. 1912 Pirates 2nd in NL

148. 1933 Senators/Twins AL Champs

149. 1922 Browns/Orioles 2nd in AL

150. 1958 Yankees World Champions

151. 1997 Yankees Lost ALDS

152. 1990 A’s AL Champs

153. 1972 A’s World Champions

154. 1988 A’s AL Champs

155. 2022 Braves Lost NLDS

156. 1924 Giants NL Champs

157. 1963 Yankees AL Champs

158. 1930 Cards AL Champs

159. 1980 Orioles 2nd AL East

160. 2013 Cards NL Champs

161. 2005 White Sox World Champions

162. 1966 Orioles World Champions

163. 1974 A’s World Champions

164. 1985 Yankees 2nd AL East

165. 1950  Red Sox  3rd in AL

166. 1942 Red Sox 2nd in AL

167. 1920 Yankees 3rd in AL

168. 2010 Giants World Champions

169. 1915 Tigers 2nd in AL

170. 1969 Mets World Champions

171. 1924 Senators/Twins World Champions

172. 2015 Jays Lost ALCS

173. 1954 White Sox 3rd in AL

174. 1934 Cards World Champions

175. 1903 Pirates NL Champs  

176. 1964 Yankees AL Champs

177. 1981 Dodgers World Champions

178. 1999 DBacks Lost NLDS

179. 1972 Pirates Lost NLCS

180. 2020 Rays AL Champs

181. 2003 Yankees AL Champs

182. 1935 Yankees 2nd in AL

183. 1921 Indians 2nd in AL

184. 2008 Phillies World Champions

185. 1948 Red Sox 2nd in AL

186. 1908 Pirates 2nd in NL

187. 1916 Red Sox World Champions

188. 1926 Cards World Champions

189. 1994 Expos 1st NL East

190. 1962 Yankees World Champions

191. 1951 Giants NL Champs

192. 1977 Phillies Lost NLCS

193. 1985 Cards NL Champs

194. 1973 A’s World Champions

195. 1993 Jays World Champions

196. 1948 Braves NL Champs 

197. 1972 Reds NL Champs

198. 1987 Jays 2nd AL East

199. 1946 Red Sox AL Champs

200. 1918 Cubs AL Champs

201. 1977 Royals Lost ALCS

202. 2018 Yankees Lost ALDS

203. 1958 Braves NL Champs

204. 1915 White Sox 3rd in AL

205. 1963 Dodgers World Champions

206. 2005 Cards Lost NLCS

207. 1951 Dodgers 2nd in NL

208. 2002 Yankees Lost ALDS

209. 1934 Giants 2nd in NL

210. 1933 Giants World Champions

211. 1904 Red Sox AL Champs

212. 2015 Royals World Champions

213. 1929 Cubs NL Champs

214. 1965 Twins AL Champs

215. 1978 Dodgers NL Champs

216. 1905 White Sox 2nd in AL

217. 1922 Yankees AL Champs

218. 1965 Dodgers World Champions

219. 1934 Yankees 2nd in AL

220. 1996 Braves NL Champs

221. 1952 Dodgers NL Champs

222. 1962 Giants NL Champs

223. 1925 Senators/Twins AL Champs

224. 1906 Pirates 3rd in NL

225. 1923 Giants NL Champs

226. 1994 White Sox 1st in AL Central

227. 1937 Giants NL Champs

228. 1930 Senators/Twins 2nd in AL

229. 1982 Brewers AL Champs

230. 1952 Indians  2nd in AL

231. 1920 Giants 2nd in NL

232. 1964 White Sox 2nd in AL

233. 1940 Tigers AL Champs

234. 1928 Cards NL Champs

235. 1988 Dodgers World Champions

236. 1956 Dodgers NL Champs

237. 1992 Jays World Champions

238. 1992 Braves NL Champions

239. 1985 Jays Lost ALCS

240. 1936 Cubs 2nd in NL

241. 1929 Giants 3rd in NL

242. 2016 Red Sox Lost ALDS

243. 1981 Yankees AL Champs

244. 1910 Giants 2nd in NL

245. 1927 Pirates NL Champs

246. 1919 Giants 2nd in NL

247. 1931 Giants 2nd in NL

248. 2013 Tigers Lost ALCS

249. 2002 Braves Lost NLDS

250. 1990 Mets 2nd NL East

251. 1963 Twins 3rd in AL

252. 1945 Tigers World Champions

253. 1957 White Sox 2nd in AL

254. 1911 Cubs 2nd NL

255. 1976 Phillies Lost NLCS

256. 1939 Reds NL Champs

257. 1918 Red Sox World Champions

258. 1991 Twins World Champions

259. 1955 White Sox 3rd in AL

260. 2003 Mariners 2nd AL West

261. 1960 Pirates World Champions

262. 1915 Phillies NL Champs

263. 1919 White Sox AL Champs

264. 1905 A’s AL Champs

265. 1906 Naps/Indians 3rd in AL

266. 1907 Tigers AL Champs

267. 1976 Yankees AL Champs

268. 2022 Mets Lost NL WS

269. 1920 Robins/Dodgers NL Champs

270. 1982 Cards World Champions

271. 1904 Naps/Indians 4th in AL

272. 1993 Giants 2nd NL West

273. 1990 Reds World Champions

274. 1963 White Sox 2nd in AL

275. 1904 Reds 3rd in NL

2020: Top 20 Television Shows

  Jan-Mar

Apri-Jun

Jul-Sep

Oct-Dec

1. Better Call Saul (AMC)

2. Desus &Mero (Showtime)

3. All In With Chris Hayes (MSNBC)

4. Fargo (FX)

5. Ted Lasso (Apple+)

6. Better Things (FX)

7. Ozark (Netflix)

8. Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)

9. Tiger King (Netflix)

10. Cheer (Netflix)

11. High Maintenance (HBO)

12. Happy Endings (YouTube)

13. Gone in the Dark (HBO)

14. Last Chance U (Netflix)

15. Industry (HBO)

16. PEN15 (Hulu)

17. I May Destroy You (HBO)

18. Survivor:Winners At War (CBS)

19. Upload (Amazon Prime)

20. Last Dance (ESPN)

I've been doing this since 2012.  Here are the top 5s:

2012: 1. Mad Men 2. Breaking Bad 3. 30 Rock 4. Girls 5. Parks and Rec

2013: 1. Mad Men 2. Breaking Bad 3. Arrested Development 4. Veep 5. Orange is the New Black

2014: 1. Mad Men 2. Transparent 3. High Maintenance 4. Please Like Me 5. The Americans

2015: 1. Mad Men 2. Fargo 3. Veep 4. Louie 5. Better Call Saul

2016: 1. Fleabag 2. Please Like Me 3. Better Call Saul 4. The Americans 5. Veep

2017: 1. The Deuce 2. American Vandal 3. Baskets 4. Better Call Saul 5. Ozark

2018: 1. Basketball: A Love Story 2. Better Call Saul 3. Succession 4. The Americans 5. Atlanta

2019: 1. Succession 2. Fleabag 3. The Righteous Gemstones 4. Euphoria 5. Pen15

2020: 1. Better Call Saul 2. Desus&Mero 3. All In With Chris Hayes 4. Fargo 5. Ted Lasso

2020 Best Television Shows: Oct-Dec

 Jan-Mar

Apri-Jun

Jul-Sep

1. Fargo (FX)

2. Ted Lasso (Apple+)

3. Industry (HBO)

4. PEN15 (Hulu)

5. I May Destroy You (HBO)

6. The Reagans (Showtime)

7. How to With John Wilson (HBO)

8. The Comedy Store (Showtime)

9. My Next Guest Needs No Introduction (Netflix)

10. The Morning Show (Apple+)

The 4th quarter of the year can be a catch up period, which is why The Morning Show is here (it's a bit of a mess, but I really enjoyed watching it). Letterman's Netflix show and a Showtime documentary of which he was a part are next on the list.  The John Wilson show is a good companion piece for (the superior) Nathan For You.  The Reagans got Reagan right (if insufficiently appreciates his damage). Full disclosure, I'm still working through I May Destroy You; if it's a month from now I may edit the Best Shows of the Year final list to reflect that.  Industry is in a similar position, but I'm further along. The current seasons of PEN and Fargo give what you'd expect, PEN was similarly strong in season one and Fargo, as a franchise, has been around the top of the list twice before.  Ted Lasso was a really good hearted show in a way that filled a need in 2020. 

2020 Athlete of the Year

 December

Patrick Mahomes.  

In the strangest ever sports year - the Athlete of the Year is the most conventional choice possible, the Super Bowl winning QB.  30 years after Joe Montana won the first Athlete of the Year, the award once again returns to the glamor position in US Sport, Super Bowl Champion QB1.  

Here were the runners-up (2) Mookie Betts (3) Sabrina Ionescu

And the rest:

January-Joe Burrow

February - Damien Williams

April- Chu-Yu Hsien

May-Manuel Neuer

June-Robert Lewandowski

July-Cristiano Ronaldo

September - Anthony Davis

October- Corey Seager

December - Devonta Smith

I've been doing this as long as I can remember, the full records exist from 1990 forward; here's the history:

1990: Joe Montana  

1991: Michael Jordan

1992: Mario Lemieux

1993: Michael Jordan

1994: George Foreman  

1995: Hakeem Olajuwon

1996: Michael Jordan

1997: Tiger Woods

1998: Mark McGwire

1999: Tiger Woods   

2000: Tiger Woods

2001: Barry Bonds

2002: Barry Bonds

2003: Lance Armstrong

2004: Peyton Manning   

2005: Reggie Bush

2006: Roger Federer

2007: Tom Brady

2008: Usain Bolt

2009: Manny Pacquiao  

2010: Maya Moore

2011: Aaron Rodgers

2012: LeBron James

2013: LeBron James

2014: Madison Bumgarner  

2015: Serena Williams  

2016: Michael Phelps 

2017: Tom Brady  

2018: Breanna Stewart 

2019: Megan Rapinoe  

2020: Patrick Mahomes

December, 2020 Athlete of the Month

 November

Devonta Smith.  Runners-up: Najee Harris, Trey Sermon, Alvin Kamara

And so it ends.  Tomorrow - one of these 12 will be the 2020 Athlete of the Year.  

January-Joe Burrow

February - Damien Williams

March -Sabrina Ionescu

April- Chu-Yu Hsien

May-Manuel Neuer

June-Robert Lewandowski

July-Cristiano Ronaldo

August-Mookie Betts

September - Anthony Davis

October- Corey Seager

November - Patrick Mahomes

December - Devonta Smith

2020-2021 NBA: Top 75 Players

 Top 75 NBA Players, 2020-2021 (real world, not a fantasy projection)

NBA Regular Season Starts Today - here's my projection for the top 75 Players.

1. G.Antetokounmpo PF Bucks 

2. J.Harden SG Rockets 

3. K.Leonard SF Clips 

4. L.James SF Lakers 

5. N.Jokic C Nuggets 

6. A.Davis PF Lakers 

7. L.Doncic PG Mavs 

8. S.Curry PG GSW 

9. D.Lillard PG Blazers 

10. J.Tatum SF Celtics 

11. J.Butler SF Wolves 

12. P.George SG Clips 

13. J.Embiid C Sixers 

14. K-A. Towns C Wolves 

15. R.Gobert C Jazz 

16. B.Simmons PG Sixers 

17. K.Lowry PG Raptors 

18. K.Irving PG Nets 

19. K.Durant PF Nets 

20. C.Paul PG Suns 

21. J.Murray PG Nuggets 

22. J.Holiday PG Bucks 

23. K.Walker PG Celtics 

24. K.Middleton SF Bucks 

25. Z.Williamson PF Pelicans 

26. R.Covington PF Blazers 

27. C.Capela C Hawks 

28. P.Siakam PF Raptors 

29. K.Porzingis PF Mavs 

30. T.Young PG Hawks 

31. B.Beal SG Wizards 

32. J.Brown SG Celtics 

33. M.Smart SG Celtics 

34. D.Booker SG Suns 

35. B.Adebayo C Heat 

36. N.Vucevic C Magic 

37. D.Fox PG Kings 

38. D.Mitchell SG Jazz 

39. Lo.Ball PG Pelicans 

40. F.Van Vleet SG Raptors 

41. D.DiVncenzo SG Bucks 

42. E.Bledsoe SG Pelicans 

43. D.Graham SG Hornets 

44. CJ McCollum Blazers SG 

45. V.Oladipo SG Pacers 

46. S.Gilgeous-Alexander SF Thunder 

47. J.Morant PG Grizzlies

48. R.Westbrook PG Wizards

49.   D.Green SG Sixers

50. Mik. Bridges PF Suns 

51. D.Robinson SF Heat

52. D.Ayton C Suns 

53. D.Favors C Jazz 

54. J.Poetl C Spurs 

55. R.Rubio PG Wolves 

56. P.Beverley PG Clips 

57. K.Oubre SF GSW 

58. M.Porter SF Nuggets 

59. M.Robinson C Knicks 

60. H.Whiteside C Kings 

61. J.Nurkic C Blazers 

62. C.Wood PF Rockets 

63. D.Gallinari PF Hawks 

64. M.Thybulle SF Sixers 

65. A.Drummond C Cavs 

66. J.Valanciunas C Grizzlies 

67. B.Ingram SF Pelicans

68. N.Bjelica SF Kings 

69. D.Green PF Warriors

70. D.Sabonis PF Pacers

71. T.Harris PF Sixers

72. J.Collins PF Hawks

73. D.White SG Sprus 

74. M.Conley PG Jazz

75. D.Russell PG Wolves

2020-21 NBA Predictions

 

East

1. Milwaukee 47-25

2. Boston 44-28

3. Philadelphia 43-29

4. Toronto 42-30

5. Miami 42-30

6. Brooklyn 41-31

7. Indiana 37-35

8. Atlanta 37-35

9. Orlando 33-39

10.Washington 31-41

11. Chicago 27-45

12. Charlotte 25-47

13. Cleveland 23-49

14. New York 22-50

15. Detroit 20-52

West

1.LAL  45-27

2.LAC  45-27

3.Denver 43-29

4.Dallas 43-29

5.Utah 41-31

6.Phoenix 41-31

7.Portland 40-32

8.Houston 40-32

9.N Orleans 37-35

10.Minnesota 36-36

11.Memphis 35-37

12.GSW 34-38

13.S Antonio 33-39

14.Sacramento 32-40

15.OKC 23-49

NBA Finals: Bucks over Lakers

2020-21 College Bowl Predictions

Dec. 21

Myrtle Beach Bowl
Appalachian State over North Texas  (Win)
Brooks Stadium (Conway, South Carolina)
2:30 p.m.

Dec. 22

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Tulane over Nevada  (Loss)
Albertsons Stadium (Boise, Idaho)
3:30 p.m. 

RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl (Loss)
UCF over BYU 
FAU Stadium (Boca Raton, Florida)
7 p.m.

Dec. 23
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Georgia Southern over Louisiana Tech   (Win)
Mercedes-Benz Superdome (New Orleans)
3 p.m. 

Montgomery Bowl
Memphis over Florida Atlantic  (Win)
Cramton Bowl (Montgomery, Alabama)
7 p.m.

Dec. 24

New Mexico Bowl
Houston over Hawai'i  (Loss)
Toyota Stadium (Frisco, Texas)
3:30 p.m.

Dec. 25

Camellia Bowl
Buffalo over Marshall (Win)
Cramton Bowl (Montgomery, Alabama)
2:30 p.m. 

Dec. 26

Cure Bowl
Coastal Carolina over Liberty (Loss)
Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
Noon 

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Louisiana over UTSA  (win)
Gerald J. Ford Stadium (Dallas)
3:30 p.m. 

LendingTree Bowl
Georgia State overWestern Kentucky (win)
Ladd-Peebles Stadium (Mobile, Alabama)
3:30 p.m. 

Dec. 29

Cheez-It Bowl
Oklahoma State over Miami (win)
Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
5:30pm 

Valero Alamo Bowl
Texas over Colorado (win)
Alamodome (San Antonio)
9 p.m. 

Dec. 30

Duke's Mayo Bowl
Wisconsin over Wake Forest (win)
Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Noon 

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (win)
Oklahoma over Florida
AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
8 p.m. 

Dec. 31
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (loss)
Tulsa over Mississippi State
Amon G. Carter Stadium (Fort Worth, Texas)
Noon 

Arizona Bowl
San Jose State over Ball St (loss)
Arizona Stadium (Tucson, Arizona)
2 p.m.

AutoZone Liberty Bowl
West Virginia over Army (win)
Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium (Memphis, Tennessee)
4 p.m. 

Jan. 1
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
Georgia over Cincinnati (win)
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
Noon 

Vrbo Citrus Bowl
Northwestern over Auburn (win)
Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
1 p.m. 

College Football Playoff Semifinal at The Rose Bowl Game Presented by Capital One
Alabama over Notre Dame (win)
AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
 4 p.m. 

College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl
Clemson over Ohio St (loss)
Mercedes-Benz Superdome (New Orleans)
8 p.m. 

Jan. 2

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

Kentucky over NC St (win)

TIAA Bank Field (Jacksonville, Florida)

Noon 

Outback Bowl
Indiana over Ole Miss (loss)
Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Florida)
12:30 p.m.

PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
Iowa State over Oregon (win)
State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Arizona)
4 p.m. 

Capital One Orange Bowl
Texas A&M over North Carolina (win)
Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)
8 p.m. 

Jan 11

College Football Playoff National Championship Presented by AT&T

Alabama over Clemson

Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)
Jan. 11: 8 p.m. 

128 Team MLB Tournament: Final Four: 1938 World Champion New York Yankees v. AL Champion 2019 Houston Astros

 Astros v. Orioles

#24. 1938 World Champion New York Yankees v. #26. 2019 AL Champion Houston Astros

The 1939 Yankees were the top overall seed in the tournament, bounced after 2 games.  6 rounds and 7 months later the 1938 Yankees, basically the same team but with Lou Gehrig, are in the World Series.  

They face one of the more dominant teams of recent vintage, possibly the best 21st century team that didn't win the World Series, the 2019 Astros, 20-3 in the tournament.

One of these two teams is about to win this whole thing.  

Astros 107-57 (Pythag 107-55) Mgr AJ Hinch (5th AL MoY)

1st in AL West

d. Rays 3-2 in ALDS

d. Yankees 4-2 in ALCS (MVP-Jose Altuve)

lost to Nationals 4-3 in World Series

d. #103 1948 Yankees 2-0 (MVP-Michael Brantley)

d. #90   1949 Red Sox 3-0 (MVP-Yuli Gurriel)

d. #122  1999 Braves 3-0 (MVP- Carlos Correa/Josh Reddick)

d. #54    1954 Yankees 4-0 (MVP-Michael Brantley)

d. #98    2017 Dodgers 4-2 (MVP-Michael Brantley/Jose Altuve)

d. #54    1969 Orioles 4-1 (MVP-Carlos Correa)

All-Stars: OF Michael Brantley, 3B Alex Bregman (2nd AL MVP) SP Gerrit Cole (2nd AL Cy Young) RP Ryan Pressly, OF George Springer, SP Justin Verlander (AL Cy Young)

Third straight 100 win season, best record in MLB. Everyone fired in offseason for sign stealing. First team ever to both lead in most pitching Ks and fewest hitting Ks.

Yankees 99-53 (Pythag 97-55) Mgr Joe McCarthy

Won AL Pennant

d. Cubs 4-0 to win World Series

d. #105 1957 Braves 2-0 (MVP-Joe Gordon)

d. #41   2019 Dodgers 3-1 (MVP-Frankie Crosetti/Joe Gordon)

d. #56   2001 Mariners 3-1 (MVP-Joe DiMaggio/Bill Dickey)

d. #40   1995 Indians 4-1   (MVP Joe DiMaggio)

d. #97   1977 Yankees 4-3  (MVP-Spud Chandler/Red Rolfe)

d. #6     1998 Yankees 4-3  (MVP-Joe DiMaggio/Red Rolfe)

All-Stars Bill Dickey (2nd AL MVP)  Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Lefty Gomez, Johnny Murphy, Red Rolfe, Red Ruffing (4th AL MVP)

Hall of Fame: Bill Dickey, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Lefty Gomez, Joe Gordon, Red Ruffing, Joe McCarthy

Another Joe McCarthy team, third straight World Championship for the Yankees, it hadn't been done before.  They win it again next year.  Won the AL by 9.5.  

Astros-AJ Hinch

CF Springer (29)     150  6.5  

3B Bregman (25)    162  9.2

SS Correa (24)        137  3.3

2B Altuve (29)        131  3.7

1B Gurriel (35)        126  3.8

LF Brantley (32) (LH)    126   3.9

C Chirinos (35)       105   2.8

RF Reddick (32)  (LH)   89   1.6

P Verlander (36)      179   7.6 

Bench

DH Alvarez (22) (LH)    173  3.8

CF Marisnick (28)   80    1.4 

1B White (28)   72

3B Diaz (28)  114

2B Kemp (27) (LH)  88

SS Straw (24)  92

SP Cole (28)         185  7.5

SP3 Miley (32)   (LH)    116  1.6

SP4 Greinke (35) 154

Yankees-Joe McCarthy

CF DiMaggio (23)  139  5.9

1B Gehrig (35)  (LH)  132   4

C Dickey (31)  (LH)   143    5.6 

RF Henrich (25) (LH) 120   3.4

2B Gordon (23)   109   3.9

3B Rolfe (29)  (LH)    107    4.1

LF Selkirk (30) (LH)   99    1.3

SS Crosetti (27)   89    4.4

P Ruffing (33)     138   6.1

Bench

DH Powell (29) 76

C Glenn (29) 67

2B Knickerbocker (26) 73

LF Hoag (30) 75  

SP2 Gomez (29) (LH) 136   4.6

SP3 Chandler (30) 113

P Pearson (29)    115

Lineups:

C-Dickey over Chironis (Yankees 1 Astros 0)

1B-Gehrig over Gurriel (Yankees 2 Astros 0)

2B-Push 

SS-Crosetti over Correa (Yankees 3 Astros 0)

3B Bregman over Rolfe (Yankees 3 Astros 1)

LF-Brantley over Selkirk (Yankees 3 Astros 2)

CF-Springer over DiMaggio (Yankees 3 Astros 3)

RF-Henrich over Marisnick/Reddick (Yankees 4 Astros 3)

DH-Alvarez over Powell/Hoag (Yankees 4 Astros 4)

SP1-Verlander over Ruffing (Astros 5 Yankees 4)

SP2-Cole over Gomez (Astros 6 Yankees 4)

SP3-Push

SP4-Greinke over Pearson (Astros 7 Yankees 4)

Pen Astros

WAR: the lineups are even, but Houston's pitching staff just runs all over New York's, the Yanks have home field, the seeding is essentially identical - the Astros have been unstoppable in the tournament and they are favored to close the deal here.  

GAME ONE

1st: And here we go.  Red Ruffing stands on the Yankee Stadium mound.  33 year old RH, won 21 games this year.  Plays until he's 42 and is in the Hall of Fame.  Ruffing will retire with 273 wins, 231 as a Yankee for 15 seasons.  From 1932-46, Ruffing had an ERA+ over 100 ever year.  He died in 1986 at the age of 80.  He gives up a leadoff single to George Springer. An out later Carlos Correa singles and Houston's got a first inning threat - but Ruffing keeps them off the board.  

1st: Justin Verlander gets the ball for the Astros. 36 year old RH, won 21 games this year. Through 2020, Verlander's a 16 year vet. He's led the AL in Ks five times, including this year. At 36 years old, his career best ERA+ was this year, 179. He led MLB in H/9 this year at 5.5, that's his career low for a full season.  Verlander's K/BB rate jumped dramatically in Houston, in 13 seasons in Detroit his best mark never cracked 5 -- in four Houston seasons through 2020, he's never been below 7.  Verlander has 226 career wins through 2020 and is on his way to the Hall of Fame. He gets two -- and then Bill Dickey - who had 3 first inning home runs in the last series -- does it again -- Dickey homers to dead center and the Yankees score the first run of the series.  Astros 0 Yankees 1

2nd: 1-2-3

2nd: Red Rolfe singles with one out.  Rolfe's 29 - his best season is next year when he has a 130 OPS+, leads the AL in doubles, leads MLB in hits. He plays his full 10 year career in New York and will retire with a career .289/.360/.413 slashline. Rolfe dies young, at 60, in 1969.  That's all for the Yanks.

3rd: Josh Reddick singles to right center.  32 this year, his best year with the bat looks to be two years prior in 2017, his highest OPS+ (130) the only season he hit .300 (.314) his best ever slugging percentage (.484). He also led all MLB in sacrifices that season.  That's all.

3rd: Lou Gehrig singles with 2 out.  Gehrig's last game is April of next season, then his famous speech that summer. He's 37 when he dies in 1941. He led the AL in RBI 5 times and in OBP five times - retired 7 homers short of 500.  1934 is maybe his best year with the bat - he won the triple crown, in fact led the entire majors in the triple crown categories. Also OBP/slugging/total bases/OPS and had the best OPS+ of his career at 207. That's it.

4th: Yuli Gurriel singles with 2 out. Gurriel's 35, in his 4th big league season, through 2020, he's spent his whole MLB career in Houston with a career slashline of .287/.324/.468. 2019 is the best year of his career driven by a spike in slugging %. That's it.

4th: Joe Gordon doubles with 1 out. 23 year old rookie; he'll retire as a Hall of Famer after 7 seasons as a Yankee and 4 in Cleveland. 9 time All Star.  His big year is coming in '42 - he won the MVP, almost reached the 3/4/5 slashline, .322/.409/.491 (that's almost 60 points north of his career batting average). Gordon died in 1978, at 63.  Red Rolfe singles and there are runners on the corners.  George Selkirk doubles -- that's going to clear the bases -- 2 runs score and then Frankie Crosetti singles home Selkirk.  The Yankees are hitting Verlander here in game one; they are underdogs here - they were underdogs against the '98 Yankees in the last round, but it's 4-0 in game one. Astros 0 Yankees 4

5th: Reddick singles with one out. That's all.  Yanks in control of game one.

5th: Tommy Henrich walks with 2 out.  Henrich's 25, in his second season. Spends his full 11 season career in pinstripes. His OPS+ cleared 100 every year, his career mark is 132.  His top year with the bat is 1948 when he's 35 after his war stint.  Led MLB in runs, led AL in triples. career highs in doubles, RBI, batting average, slugging, OPS+.  Henrich died in 2009, living until the age of 96. Joe Gordon then doubles Henrich home - the Yanks in clear command today.  Astros 0 Yankees 5

6th: Ruffing gets one - then Carlos Correa homers to center.  Correa was co-MVP in the third round and MVP for Houston in their pennant win over Baltimore.  Correa's 24 and it's already his 5th big league season. Through 2020 his slashline is .276/.353/.480. Astros 1 Yankees 5

6th: Verlander gets 2 - and then Ruffing helps himself with a homer to center. Ruffing hit 3 homers this year and 36 for his career. Ruffing could hit, used as a pinch hitter, had 7 seasons with OPS+ over 100.  Astros 1 Yankees 6

7th: 1-2-3

7th: Henrich's hit with 2 outs, that's all.

8th: Yordan Alvarez comes off the bench to hit for Verlander and homers to right. Alvarez is a 22 year old Rookie of the Year.  He only played 2 games in 2020, so this is his whole career to date.  2 outs later Correa walks and that's the end of the day for Ruffing.  29 year old RH Johnny Murphy enters, he led the AL in saves 4 times in his 13 season career (12 in pinstripes) this year was his first time accomplishing that. He retires with 107 saves, 93 wins. Died in 1970 at 61 and is buried in the Bronx.  Born in New York.  High school in New York.  Went to Fordham.  Played all but his final season in New York.  Buried in the Bronx.  He ends it.  Astros 2 Yankees 6

8th: Will Harris enters for the Astros. 34 year old RH, this is the last of his 5 Houston seasons.  Through 2020, Harris has a career ERA+ of 145. This is his best year, 1.50 ERA, 309 ERA+. Rolfe doubles. That's all.  

9th: Murphy stays on to finish - walks Michael Brantley with 1 out, but that's all.

Easy game for the Yankees - Dickey homered in the first and they just rolled through game one.  Ruffing goes 7+ and homers.  

Astros 2

Yankees 6

WP Ruffing

LP Verlander

Gehrig 1x

Dickey 1x/HR

Henrich 2x

Gordon 2x/2doubles

Rolfe 3x/double

Selkirk 1x/double

Crosetti 1x

Springer 1x

Correa 3x/HR
Gurriel 1x

Brantley 1x

Reddick 2x

Alvarez 1x/HR

RF Springer (29)     150  6.5  

3B Bregman (25)    162  9.2

SS Correa (24)        137  3.3

2B Altuve (29)        131  3.7

1B Gurriel (35)        126  3.8

LF Brantley (32) (LH)    126   3.9

C Chirinos (35)       105   2.8

CF Marisnick (28)   80    1.4 

SP Cole (28)         185  7.5

CF DiMaggio (23)  139  5.9

1B Gehrig (35)  (LH)  132   4

C Dickey (31)  (LH)   143    5.6 

RF Henrich (25) (LH) 120   3.4

2B Gordon (23)   109   3.9

3B Rolfe (29)  (LH)    107    4.1

LF Selkirk (30) (LH)   99    1.3

SS Crosetti (27)   89    4.4

SP2 Gomez (29) (LH) 136   4.6

GAME TWO

1st: Houston came in as solid favorites but Game One was an easy Yankee win - Lefty Gomez looks to keep that going today. 29 years old. Hall of Famer. He's on a run of 7 straight All Star games, next year is the last.  He spends all 14 years minus the last 4 innings of his MLB career in pinstripes.  He led the AL in Ks three times in his career; the last time was last season and that was probably his best.  In '37, Gomez led the AL in wins, FIP, K/9 and K/BB and led all MLB in ERA, shutouts, Ks, ERA+, H/9.  George Springer singles and swipes second and scores on an Alex Bregman base hit.  Houston comes out immediately and plates a run. Astros 1 Yankees 0

1st: 80+ years from now, Gerrit Cole will be in pinstripes on the Yankee Stadium mound, but he's the enemy here, looking to even up this series. 28 year old RH. This is his second and last year in Houston after 5 in Pittsburgh.  To date, it's his best season.  2nd in the Cy Young, 10th in the MVP. Led MLB in K/9, K and ERA+. Led AL in ERA and FIP, it's the only 20 win season of his career to date.  Gehrig singles with 1 out. After the second out Tommy Henrich bombs a two run homer to left -- the Yankees - the Yankees are not interested in hearing that they are underdogs, they homered in the first in game one and do it again here.  Astros 1 Yankees 2

2nd: 1-2-3

2nd: Red Rolfe singles. That's all.

3rd: 1-2-3, 9 straight for Gomez

3rd: Bill Dickey walks with 2 out - Dickey's 31, he's in a 9 season stretch of All Star appearances, interrupted only by military service.  1936-39 is the heart of his career, 4 top 6 MVP finishes, only 4 years of his career with 20+ homers, only 4 years of his career with 100+ RBI. Only 4 years of his career with an OPS over .900. Career slashline, after 17 seasons, all behind the plate for the Yankees, .313/.382/.486. Dickey's in the Hall of Fame.  Died in '93 at the age of 86. Tommy Henrich then drives in his third run of the day with a double - Dickey rumbles all the way from first and it's Astros 1 Yankees 3

4th: Carlos Correa walks. Two Yankee errors and a wild pitch later and he's crossing the plate - Houston gets a gift. Jake Marisnick singles but that's all the damage. Astros 2 Yankees 3

4th: George Selkirk walks with 1 out.  The Canadian left fielder is 30, plays his entire 9 year career in pinstripes.  This is not a great season, plays in fewer than a hundred games, his OPS+ the year before was 156 and next year it will be 148 -- but this year it's just 99 and you won't see him in the game 3 lineup against a lefty.  He dies in 1987, age 79. That's all.

5th: Correa singles with 2 out -- and he's going to come around to score the tying run on an Jose Altuve double.  Altuve's 29, through 2020 he's had a decade long career all in Houston.  2016-17 might turn out to be his high water mark.  Led the AL in hits and batting average both seasons, 3rd in the MVP in '16 and won it in '17. 155 and 160 OPS+. His current career slashline is .311/.361/.458.  Astros 3 Yankees 3

5th: After an out, Gehrig and Dickey single back to back and Henrich walks. Yankees have the bases loaded.  Cole gets the second out -- but Rolfe hits a 2 run single and the Yankees, relentless so far against this top level Astros pitching, go back in front.  Astros 3 Yankees 5

6th: Michael Brantley's aboard on an error.  The left fielder is 32, spent a decade in Clevelannd and this is his first year as an Astro.  2014 looks to be his career year, career best marks in BA/OBP/SLG. His current career slashline is .297/.354/.440. Chirinos follows with a double and the Astros are in business.  Gomez gets one and then Hinch goes to the bench - Yordan Alvarez will be the DH in Houston, in game one he pinch homered - and he hits a blast here that Joe DiMaggio miraculously catches, saving extra bases - but it scores a run,  Astros 4 Yankees 5

6th: Will Harris comes on, Hinch going to rely on his pen the rest of the way. Frankie Crosetti singles. 27 years old now, he spends his entire 17 year career in pinstripes.  Died at the age of 91 in 2002.  Part of the San Francisco crew on this club with Gomez and DiMaggio.  2 outs later he's at second base and scores on a Gehrig single.  Astros 4 Yankees 6

7th: Johnny Murphy takes the ball for McCarthy.  He gets an out then walks Correa/Altuve. But that's all.

7th: Hector Rondon takes the ball for Houston, he's 31, RH, in his second and last year in Houston. 2015 was his big year as the Cubs closer, 30 saves and a 1.67 ERA.  He gets one -- and there's Henrich again -- his second homer of the day - this one to the right field corner, Henrich blasted 22 this year, 2 today and the Yanks are 6 outs from heading to Houston having beaten both Verlander and Cole. Rondon gets one and then Rolfe singles -- and Selkirk probably wraps this game up with a homer to right center!  It is jubilation in Yankee Stadium - they were 2 outs from elimination in the prior round - solid underdogs against this Astros juggernaut -- but they have come out with some old man strength and just whupped this Astro pitching.  Astros 4 Yankees 9

8th: Ivy Andrews now for New York. 31 year old RH. Andrews broke in with the Yanks in '31, moved on to Red Sox, Browns, Indians, came back to New York last year and this is his final year in the bigs.  He goes out on a high note, career best ERA, career best ERA+, Andrews dies in 1970, age 63.  Marisnick singles with one away, he's at second after the second out and scores on a Springer single.  Astros 5 Yankees 9

8th: Ryan Pressly for the Astros. 30 year old RH, made his only All Star team this year, although last year (only in 23 innings pitched) he had a 0.77 ERA.  Pressly's had a really strong bullpen career - in 8 seasons he's never started a game, and never closed until 2020 when he had a dozen saves in the short season.  Gehrig walks with one out and thats all.

9th: Joe Beggs to finish the game.  27 year old rookie RH, this is his only Yankee campaign. He will spend most of his career in Cincinnati and has some strong years during the war, from '42-46 his ERA is always below 2.50.  Beggs dies in 1983 at 72. Altuve singles with one out but that's the end.

Houston just kicked everyone's ass for 6 rounds - and they've gotten slapped around the first two games of the series, but now they head home and look to regroup.

Astros 5

Yankees 9

WP Gomez

LP Cole

Gehrig 5x

Dickey 3x/HR

Henrich 6x/2 HR, double, 4 game 2 RBI

Gordon 2x/2doubles

Rolfe 6x/double

Selkirk 3x/double, HR

Crosetti 2x

Springer 3x

Correa 6x/HR
Gurriel 1x

Brantley 1x

Reddick 2x

Alvarez 1x/HR

Bregman 1x

Altuve 3x/double

Chirinos 1x/double

Marisnick 2x

CF DiMaggio (23)  139  5.9

1B Gehrig (35)  (LH)  132   4

C Dickey (31)  (LH)   143    5.6 

RF Henrich (25) (LH) 120   3.4

2B Gordon (23)   109   3.9

3B Rolfe (29)  (LH)    107    4.1

SS Crosetti (27)   89    4.4

DH Powell (29) 76

LF Hoag (30) 75  

SP3 Chandler (30) 113

CF Springer (29)     150  6.5  

3B Bregman (25)    162  9.2

DH Alvarez (22) (LH)    173  3.8

SS Correa (24)        137  3.3

2B Altuve (29)        131  3.7

1B Gurriel (35)        126  3.8

LF Brantley (32) (LH)    126   3.9

C Chirinos (35)       105   2.8

RF Reddick (32)  (LH)   89   1.6

SP3 Miley (32)   (LH)    116  1.6

GAME THREE

1st: Minute Maid Park, the Astros have run through six rounds without breathing hard and now their backs are right up against the wall, Wade Miley in a virtual must win.  32 year old lefty in his only season in Houston. Through 2020, Miley's had a ten year career and played for 7 clubs.  2018 with Milwaukee is the clear standout. 2.57 ERA.  His career ERA plus has now dropped below 100.  He gets two, then walks Dickey, Henrich had the huge game 2 and he singles. That's all.

1st: Spud Chandler has a two game to none lead as he stands on the mound in Houston. 30 year old RH. Spent his full 11 year career with the Yankees. He's 5 years from his MVP season, in '43 Chandler won 20 with a 1.64 ERA. Chandler was 82 when he died in 1990. 1-2-3

2nd: Red Rolfe singles. Frankie Crosetti singles. Miley escapes.

2nd: Carlos Correa walks. That's it.

3rd: 1-2-3

3rd: 1-2-3, Chandler's yet to allow a hit.

4th: Henrich stays hot, another single.  2 outs later Crosetti has another single and that's it.

4th: Alex Bregman homers to left - Houston's on the board and these Astro fans are roaring.  Yordan Alvarez reaches on an error, Correa walks, Altuve doubles home a run and a Gurriel groundout plates another.  After the second out Chirinos singles home one more - big inning for the Astros.  Yankees 0 Astros 4

5th: With two outs Gehrig walks and Dickey singles and thats it.  

5th: Chandler gets two and then Yordan Alvarez hits his second homer of the series - Houston's rolling in game 3.  Yankees 0 Astros 5

6th: Collin McHugh takes over for Miley; Hinch turning the game over to the pen, even with the shutout.  32 year old RH. McHugh didn't pitch in the bigs in 2020 and was just okay in 2019 - he was terrific back in 2018, a 1.99 ERA in 72 innings.  1-2-3

6th: Altuve singles.  Gurriel singles.  Brantley singles and now it's 6-0.  This one is out of hand and it's time to start thinking about game 4.  Yankees 0 Astros 6

7th: 1-2-3

7th: Wes Ferrell for the Yanks.  Ferrell's ERA is over 8, this is a white flag move.  30 year old RH, he had several strong years with the Indians and Red Sox, he won 25 games with Boston in '35 and finished 2nd in the MVP. Ferrell died in 1976, he was 68. Bregman singles with one out. That's all.

8th: McHugh stays on for the third inning - Gehrig walks, 2 outs later Gordon walks - Rolfe doubles both of them home and that brings on Will Harris, pitching in each game of the series.  He walks Crosetti AND THEN JAKE POWELL HITS A 3 RUN HOMER AND THE YANKEES ARE RIGHT BACK IN THE GAME!  Jake Powell hit 2 homers all season - but with 2 outs here he hits a 3 run jack that just falls over the left field wall and out of nowhere the Yankees trail just 6-5!  Yankees 5 Astros 6

8th: Johnny Murphy on for New York, the crowd still in shock. After an out he walks Gurriel and Brantley, but that's all and we go to the 9th.

9th: Roberto Osuna for Houston.  24 year old RH closer.  Led the AL in saves this year.  

Joe DiMaggio -- HOMERS TO RIGHT CENTER!  DiMaggio had been hitless - just hadn't gotten on track at all in this series - but just as he did against Rivera in the pennant clincher - DiMaggio homers in the 9th to tie this score.  Yankees 6 Astros 6

9th: Ivy Andrews now for the Yankees. 

Reddick flies to right.

Springer singles.  

Bregman walks -- and the winning run is in scoring position; the Astros have blown a 6-0 lead, can they still find a way to take this game?  

Alvarez grounds to short - flip to Gordon for one -- onto first --- safe.  

That leaves men on the corners and 2 out.  Winning run standing at third - crowd on its feet -

CARLOS CORREA HITS A BOMB - DEEP TO CENTER FIELD - A 3 RUN GAME WINNING----NO!  JOE DIMAGGIO FULLY EXTENDS OVER THE CENTER FIELD WALL TO MAKE AN ALL TIME CATCH - BRINGING BACK A HOME RUN AND THE GAME REMAINS TIED!

The great DiMaggio homered in the top of the 9th and made a game saving catch in the bottom of the 9th and we head to the 10th.

10th: Osuna stays on, Joe Gordon singles. Rolfe flies to left.  Crosetti strikes out on a hit and run - Gordon though it safe at second, that puts the go ahead run in scoring position for the Yanks with Powell coming to the plate after hitting that 3 run jack in the 8th. Hector Rondon gets the call from Hinch. Powell grounds to third to end it.

10th: Joe Beggs is the new Yankee pitcher.  1-2-3

11th: The Astros lose game 1-2, come home, blow a 6-0 lead - then have DiMaggio pull back a walk off home run over the center field wall and we're in the 11th.  New York is looking for the kill shot.  Rondon stays on and gives up a base hit to Myril Hoag.  DiMaggio grounds to second - flip to short for one -- onto first - DiMaggio beats it out.  Gehrig walks.

That gives the Yanks 2 on, 1 out.  Bill Dickey and Tommy Henrich coming to the plate.

Dickey grounds to Altuve - flip to short -- onto first --- double play to end the inning.

11th: Beggs stays on.  Chirinos singles.  Reddick foul pop...Gehrig tumbles into the dugout to make a helluva play.  Springer flies harmlessly to left. Bregman grounds to third -- Rolfe throws to first.  And we head to the 12th.

12th: Ryan Pressly now for the Astros.  Their 7th inning of relief - Hinch went to the pen early and now they just have to grit it out.  Henrich singles.  Gordon grounds to short -- flip to second for one - onto first...safe.  Pressly hits Rolfe and here we go.  

2 on.  1 out.  Once again the Yanks have action.

Crosetti grounds to short - flip to second for one -- no play at first.  

Runners on the corners.  2 out.  Powell flies to right -- Reddick's got it.  

12th: 28 year old RH Steve Sundra is the last Yankee reliever, if the game goes past him expect to see the 5th starter, Bump Hadley.  Yup, other than Gomez, everyone on the Yankee staff is RH. Sundra walks Alvarez.  Sundra walks Correa.  

2 on, nobody out -- the Houston crowd is up and roaring - winning run in scoring position.  

ALTUVE BOUNCES A SINGLE TO LEFT CENTER - ALVAREZ COMING AROUND THIRD -- HOAG'S THROW HOME....IS LATE!  THE ASTROS TAKE GAME 3!

Yankees 6

Astros 7

WP Pressly

LP Sundra

It took a few innings longer than it looked like for much of the game - but in the end, it is the Astros, they take game 3 and are now a game away from tying this thing up.

Springer 4x

Correa 9x/HR
Gurriel 3x

Brantley 3x

Reddick 2x

Alvarez 3x/2HR, 3 game 3 runs scored

Bregman 4x/HR

Altuve 6x/2double

Chirinos 3x/double

Marisnick 2x

Gehrig 8x

Dickey 5x/HR

Henrich 9x/2 HR, double, 4 game 2 RBI

Gordon 4x/2doubles

Rolfe 9x/2double

Selkirk 3x/double, HR

Crosetti 5x

DiMaggio 1x/HR

Powell 1x/HR, 3 game 3 RBI

Hoag 1x

CF DiMaggio (23)  139  5.9

1B Gehrig (35)  (LH)  132   4

C Dickey (31)  (LH)   143    5.6 

RF Henrich (25) (LH) 120   3.4

2B Gordon (23)   109   3.9

3B Rolfe (29)  (LH)    107    4.1

LF Selkirk (30) (LH)   99    1.3

SS Crosetti (27)   89    4.4

DH Powell (29) 76

P Pearson (29)    115

CF Springer (29)     150  6.5  

3B Bregman (25)    162  9.2

DH Alvarez (22) (LH)    173  3.8

SS Correa (24)        137  3.3

2B Altuve (29)        131  3.7

1B Gurriel (35)        126  3.8

LF Brantley (32) (LH)    126   3.9

C Chirinos (35)       105   2.8

RF Reddick (32)  (LH)   89   1.6

SP4 Greinke (35) 154

GAME FOUR

1st: Nothing but home team wins in the first 3 games of the World Series - Zack Greinke looks to continue that trend for the Astros today. 35 year old RH. Greinke's 2015 in LA was maybe his best ever season - second in the Cy Young (he won it in '09) 19-3, 1.66, led MLB in ERA+ and WHIP. Through 2020, Greinke has 208 wins.  He gets one and then Lou Gehrig launches a monster shot to right field  In his last full season - Gehrig hits an absolute rocket to put the Yanks on top.  Dickey singles and after the second out he scores on a Joe Gordon double. Rolfe singles, that's it. Yanks off and running.  Yankees 2 Astros 0

1st: Monte Pearson handed that early lead. 29 year old RH. Another Yankee from Northern California. He will retire with exactly 100 wins and exactly a 4.00 ERA. He dies in '78 at the age of 69. Alex Bregman doubles with one out, after the second out Carlos Correa singles him home.  Jose Altuve walks and then Yuli Gurriel hits a 3 run homer that just drops over the wall in left center - Houston has scored 4 in the first and this sold out crowd loves it.  Yankees 2 Astros 4

2nd: 1-2-3

2nd: Robinson Chirinos doubles. He and Gurriel are both 35, this is the only season he spends in Houston. Reddick then reaches on an error and Houston has men on the corners. After an out, Bregman singles, scoring the Astros 5th run.  Yankees 2 Astros 5

3rd: Greinke gets 2 and then Tommy Henrich hits his third homer of the series to get a run back for the Yanks. Gordon singles, that's all.  Yankees 3 Astros 5

3rd: Gurriel singles with one out and Brantley sends him to third with a base hit.  Pearson really getting hit today. After the second out Reddick singles, it scores a run and chases Pearson.  Wes Ferrell on for McCarthy. Yankees 3 Astros 6

4th: Jake Powell doubles with 2 out and that's all.

4th: Yordan Alvarez hits a one out homer to right center -- now this is the Houston team we've seen the entire tournament, just battering the opposition into submission. Correa singles and that's it for Ferrell, Steve Sundra comes on.  He gets the second, then Gurriel singles, his third hit of the day, that's all.  Yankees 3 Astros 7

5th: Dickey walks with 1 out. That's all.

5th: Reddick walks with 1 out. Springer singles. Bregman singles and the Astros have another run. Yankees 3 Astros 8

6th: Selkirk singles with 1 out. That's it.

6th: Gurriel singles with one out.  4 hits on the day. After the second, Chirinos walks. And then Reddick doubles both home -- that's 10 - the Astros are about to tie this series.  Joe Beggs comes on - Springer singles and that's it.  Yankees 3 Astros 10

7th: Greinke's done, Hinch will get the next 9 from the pen.  Joe Smith is first.  DiMaggio greets him with a double. An out later he scores on a Dickey base hit. Quick hook from Hinch, Will Harris is on again. That's it.  Yankees 4 Astros 10

7th: Alvarez doubles.  Correa doubles.  That's 11. Johnny Murphy is on again for McCarthy. That's all. Yankees 4 Astros 11

8th: Rolfe singles. That's it.

8th: Reddick doubles with one out.  That's it.  

9th: Jose Urquidy is a 24 year old RH, this could be his tourney debut.  3.95 ERA in 41 innings. DiMaggio singles. An out later Dickey singles, Henrich singles to score a run. After the second out Rolfe singles for another.  Selkirk then singles for a third - this deficit is too great, but New York is making a run. Hinch can't wait any longer - Roberto Osuna is brought on and he ends it.

19 Astros hits gives them game 4 -- we have one more in Houston, all tied at 2.

Yankees 7

Astros 11

WP Greinke

LP Pearson

Springer 6x

Correa 12x/HR, double
Gurriel 7x/HR, 3 gm 4 RBI

Brantley 4x

Reddick 5x/2 double, 3gm4 RBI

Alvarez 5x/3HR, double 3 game 3 runs scored

Bregman 7x/HR, double

Altuve 7x/2double

Chirinos 5x/3double

Marisnick 2x

Gehrig 9x/HR

Dickey 8x/HR

Henrich 11x/3 HR, double, 4 game 2 RBI

Gordon 6x/3doubles

Rolfe 12x/2double

Selkirk 5x/double, HR

Crosetti 5x

DiMaggio 3x/HR, double

Powell 2x/HR, double 3 game 3 RBI

Hoag 1x

CF DiMaggio (23)  139  5.9

1B Gehrig (35)  (LH)  132   4

C Dickey (31)  (LH)   143    5.6 

RF Henrich (25) (LH) 120   3.4

2B Gordon (23)   109   3.9

3B Rolfe (29)  (LH)    107    4.1

LF Selkirk (30) (LH)   99    1.3

SS Crosetti (27)   89    4.4

DH Powell (29) 76

P Ruffing (33)     138   6.1

CF Springer (29)     150  6.5  

3B Bregman (25)    162  9.2

DH Alvarez (22) (LH)    173  3.8

SS Correa (24)        137  3.3

2B Altuve (29)        131  3.7

1B Gurriel (35)        126  3.8

LF Brantley (32) (LH)    126   3.9

C Chirinos (35)       105   2.8

RF Reddick (32)  (LH)   89   1.6

P Verlander (36)      179   7.6 

GAME FIVE

1st: Final game of the tournament in Houston, final game anywhere outside of the Bronx. Biggest game yet - from 128 teams down to 2 and we're all deadlocked as we reach game 5.  Justin Verlander for the Astros. He gets one and then The Iron Horse - 35 year old Lou Gehrig, almost literally on his last legs - triples - after the second out it's Tommy Henrich who singles to send him home.  Gehrig's now reached 10 times/Henrich 12.  Yankees 1 Astros 0

1st: Red Ruffing pitched for the Yankees for 15 years and this is his final outing.  He gets one and then Alex Bregman singles. Yordan Alvarez walks, he and Henrich each have 3 homers.  Ruffing gets through it.

2nd: 1-2-3

2nd: Yuli Gurriel reaches via error, an out later Robinson Chirinos singles. Again, Ruffing escapes.

3rd: After an out -- it's Gehrig - he bombs a homer deep into the right field stands - a moon rocket by Gehrig who has tripled and homered here in game 5 - the legendary Gehrig powering the Yankees in the crucial game 5. Yankees 2 Astros 0

3rd: Yordan Alvarez walks with 2 out. Ruffing then loses Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve singles home a run. Yankees 2 Astros 1

4th: Rolfe hits a 1 out single. Thats it. 

4th: Brantley walks.  That's it.

5th: Joe DiMaggio singles with one out.  The Yankee Clipper is 23 - why was the 1939 team seeded #1 overall?  One reason is DiMaggio hit .381 and won the MVP. DiMaggio has a 189 OPS+ next year, that will be his career high. After 13 seasons, he retires with this slashline; .325/.398/.579. That's all.

5th: 1-2-3, Ruffing's allowed just 3 hits.

6th: 1-2-3

6th: Altuve walks. An out later Brantley doubles and Houston's got 2 in scoring position, trailing by a run.  Big, big, big spot here.  Ruffing gets the next 2 and we head to the 7th, Yanks clinging to the 2-1 lead.

7th: Selkirk singles. But that's all.  

7th: Can the Yankees find 9 more outs to get back home needing just a win to take this whole thing?  Bregman singles with one out and then Ruffing hits Alvarez.  Once again - 2 on and one out, that's the story of the day for the Astros.  Ruffing gets the second out -- AND JOSE ALTUVE HITS A 3 RUN HOMER TO RIGHT!  Glee - Just Absolute Glee in Minute Maid - Glee in the Astros dugout - Jose Altuve puts the Astros in front with a 3 run home run with 2 outs in the 7th inning.  Ruffing is gone, Johnny Murphy enters, the innings ends.  Yankees 2 Astros 4

8th: Verlander now - just 6 outs away from giving his team the 3-2 lead, he gets one and then gives up a Gehrig base hit.  Gehrig a double away from a cycle.  An out later Henrich walks - 2 on, 2 out -- but Verlander gets out of it and Houston's 3 outs from the 3-2 lead.  

8th: Reddick singles with 2 out, Springer follows with a single - Murphy gets out of it.

9th: Roberto Osuna comes on for Verlander.  

Rolfe flies to center.

Selkirk grounds to first.

Crosetti grounds to short - Correa to first.  Ballgame.

Jose Altuve hits a 3 run home run with 2 outs in the 7th, turning a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead; it's now a 4-2 win and the Astros sweep all 3 at home to take a 3-2 series lead.

Yankees 2

Astros 4

WP Verlander

LP Ruffing

Sv Osuna

Springer 7x

Correa 13x/HR, double
Gurriel 7x/HR, 3 gm 4 RBI

Brantley 6x/double

Reddick 6x/2 double, 3gm4 RBI

Alvarez 8x/3HR, double 3 game 3 runs scored

Bregman 9x/HR, double

Altuve 10x/2double, HR, 4 game 5 RBI

Chirinos 6x/3double

Marisnick 2x

Gehrig 12x/2HR, triple

Dickey 8x/HR

Henrich 13x/3 HR, double, 4 game 2 RBI

Gordon 6x/3doubles

Rolfe 13x/2double

Selkirk 6x/double, HR

Crosetti 5x

DiMaggio 4x/HR, double

Powell 2x/HR, double 3 game 3 RBI

Hoag 1x

RF Springer (29)     150  6.5  

3B Bregman (25)    162  9.2

SS Correa (24)        137  3.3

2B Altuve (29)        131  3.7

1B Gurriel (35)        126  3.8

LF Brantley (32) (LH)    126   3.9

C Chirinos (35)       105   2.8

CF Marisnick (28)   80    1.4 

SP Cole (28)         185  7.5

CF DiMaggio (23)  139  5.9

1B Gehrig (35)  (LH)  132   4

C Dickey (31)  (LH)   143    5.6 

RF Henrich (25) (LH) 120   3.4

2B Gordon (23)   109   3.9

3B Rolfe (29)  (LH)    107    4.1

LF Selkirk (30) (LH)   99    1.3

SS Crosetti (27)   89    4.4

SP2 Gomez (29) (LH) 136   4.6

GAME SIX

1st: Is this the final game of the tournament? Or will it all end in a Game 7?  Lefty Gomez and a sold out Yankee Stadium hopes its the latter.  Bregman walks with one out, he's reached base 10 times - but that's all Gomez allows and he strikes out 2.

1st: Gerrit Cole stands on a very, very hostile mound today.  27 outs from the World Championship that eluded this 2019 Astros squad.  Cole strikes out DiMaggio and Gehrig to begin the game and then Dickey singles.  9 times aboard for the Yankee catcher. It ends here.

2nd: Michael Brantley singles with one out.  That's all.

2nd: 1-2-3, Cole strikes out Gordon and Selkirk.

3rd: Bregman again draws a walk, this time with 2 out, but Gomez is safely through 3.

3rd: Cole hits Crosetti, who pretty clearly made no effort to avoid that one.  Gomez bunts him over and the Yanks have a man in scoring position with their two legends coming to the plate.  Again - Cole strikes out DiMaggio and Gehrig back to back -- Wow, wow, wow -- Cole has 6 Ks through 3.

4th: Gurriel singles with one out. Gomez strands him.

4th: Joe Gordon stakes a 2 out double; first extra base hit of the day - Gordon's 4th double of the series and the Yanks again have a man in scoring position in this elimination game 6. This time they come through - Red Rolfe singles to right -- Gordon comes around to score - Rolfe has reached 14 times to lead both squads and its New York who dents the plate first.  Selkirk walks - 2 more on - but Cole gets his 7th K to end it.

5th: 1-2-3 -- as strong as Cole has been, Gomez is right there with him.

5th: Gehrig singles with 2 out.  13 times on base for Gehrig.  Dickey follows with a base hit that sends Gehrig to third and there are men on the corners.  Cole strikes out Henrich, 8 Ks and we go to the 6th.

6th: Bregman walks again.  Correa singles.  Altuve walks and here we go.  Gomez in the jackpot now - bases loaded - nobody out - Yanks up 1-0 in a game they must win.  

Yankee infield in.  

Gurriel rocks a hard ground ball -- right at Rolfe -- he throws to the plate for one -- onto first-  DOUBLE PLAY!  A 5-2-3 Double play -- just a great play by both Rolfe to cleanly field a scorching ground ball and then Dickey to whip the ball over to first to get Gurriel.  

Brantley walks.  

Bases loaded again.  2 out.  

Chirinos hot ground ball -- full dive by Crosetti - he's up - onto first -- GOT HIM!

That's the big spot in the series -- the big spot in the tournament - Lefty Gomez gets great plays from Rolfe and Crosetti - and he slips out of a bases loaded, nobody out jam in the 6th inning to hold on to the 1-0 lead.

6th: Rolfe doubles with one out.  Rolfe has the only RBI of the day - made a helluva defensive play in the top of the inning - and now is in scoring position. Selkirk walks and then a Chirinos passed ball moves everyone up a base and now New York has 2 in scoring position with 1 away.  But Cole gets through it, getting his 9th K.

7th: McCarthy goes to the pen.  Johnny Murphy one more time.  He gets one then walks Yordan Alvarez, hitting for Cole. Murphy gets the next 2 and the Yanks are 6 outs away now from forcing a game 7.

7th: Will Harris on for Houston. 1-2-3

8th: Just 3 Astro hits today.  Gurriel walks with one away -- but that's all and now the Yanks are 3 outs from forcing game 7.

8th: Harris gets one, then Gordon singles and Rolfe walks.  Can the Yanks add an insurance run?  Hector Rondon comes on for Houston -- and Selkirk singles home a run!  Selkirk singles home Gordon and now it's 2-0 Yankees!  Crosetti flies to left -- that's plenty to score Rolfe, it's 3-0 New York.  Bill Knickerbocker comes off the bench for McCarthy to hit for Murphy, 26 year old RH bat -- he singles -- that's all - but the Yanks get some breathing room.  Astros 0 Yankees 3

9th: Ivy Andrews is on, 3 outs from forcing game 7.

Every man, woman, child in New York City on their feet.  

Marisnick flies to center.

Kyle Tucker's got a left handed bat and he comes off the bench - flies to center.

Springer grounds to Crosetti - routine throw to first -- ballgame.

The Yankees do it.  3 pitches combine on a 3 hit shutout and - the tournament will end in the only way it could have ended -- Game Seven at Yankee Stadium.

Astros 0

Yankees 3

WP Gomez

LP Cole

Sv Andrews

Gehrig 13x/2HR, triple

Dickey 10x/HR

Henrich 13x/3 HR, double, 4 game 2 RBI

Gordon 8x/4doubles

Rolfe 16x/3double

Selkirk 9x/double, HR

Crosetti 5x

DiMaggio 4x/HR, double

Powell 2x/HR, double 3 game 3 RBI

Hoag 1x

Springer 7x

Correa 14x/HR, double
Gurriel 9x/HR, 3 gm 4 RBI

Brantley 8x/double

Reddick 6x/2 double, 3gm4 RBI

Alvarez 9x/3HR, double 3 game 3 runs scored

Bregman 12x/HR, double

Altuve 11x/2double, HR, 4 game 5 RBI

Chirinos 6x/3double

Marisnick 2x

CF Springer (29)     150  6.5  

3B Bregman (25)    162  9.2

SS Correa (24)        137  3.3

2B Altuve (29)        131  3.7

1B Gurriel (35)        126  3.8

LF Brantley (32) (LH)    126   3.9

C Chirinos (35)       105   2.8

RF Reddick (32)  (LH)   89   1.6

SP3 Miley (32)   (LH)    116  1.6

CF DiMaggio (23)  139  5.9

1B Gehrig (35)  (LH)  132   4

C Dickey (31)  (LH)   143    5.6 

RF Henrich (25) (LH) 120   3.4

2B Gordon (23)   109   3.9

3B Rolfe (29)  (LH)    107    4.1

SS Crosetti (27)   89    4.4

LF Selkirk (30) (LH)   99    1.3

SP3 Hadley (33) 127

GAME SEVEN

1st: It all comes down to this.  Could it have ended any other way?  

Joe McCarthy pulls a surprise in the final game of the World Series - the Yankees go with their 5th starter, Bump Hadley, 33 year old RH, 9-8, 3.60. 16 year big leaguer, career record under .500.  Just 58 years old when he died in '63. "Just a hunch" McCarthy said when asked about the decision.  In the first - it looks like maybe it's error as Alex Bregman hits a 1 out homer.  Bregman hits his 2nd home run of the series and Houston jumps on top.  Astros 1 Yankees 0

1st: Wade Miley for the Astros. He walks Gehrig with one out, that's 14 times on base for Gehrig. That's it.

2nd: Robinson Chirinos singles with 2 out, that's all.

2nd: 1-2-3

3rd: 1-2-3

3rd: George Selkirk walks - Hadley bunts him over and the tying run is in scoring position.  The Great DiMaggio has largely struggled in the series - reaching base just 4 times, but in this spot - he puts New York in front with a majestic home run to right center -- DiMaggio sets this place on fire with a 2 run homer that gives the Yanks the lead.  Gehrig follows with a single - 15 times on base for Gehrig.  After the second out Tommy Henrich singles, 14 times on base for the right fielder.  Miley escapes further damage.  Astros 1 Yankees 2

4th: 1-2-3, Hadley sets down 7 straight.

4th: Miley gets one -- and then Frankie Crosetti homers to left.  9 home runs all season - but the Yankee shortstop catches one here and now it's 3-1.  Astros 1 Yankees 3

5th: Chirinos singles with one away -- but that's all Hadley allows - huge, huge roar as he comes off the mound by this sold out crowd - Bump Hadley has come out of the bullpen to start game 5 and he is through 5 innings.  

5th: Miley gets one -- and then Lou Gehrig bombs a homer into the deepest part of the right field stands - that might be a 500 foot shot -- Gehrig is at the end of his career - near the end of his life -- and he his his 3rd home run of the series - the applause deafens as he reaches home plate -- Gehrig gives the Yankees the 4-1 lead, he and DiMaggio both homering in the final game of the tournament.  Astros 1 Yankees 4

6th: Bregman singles with one out and Altuve singles with 2 out.  But again Hadley escapes - and now the Yankees are 9 outs from the title - Bump Hadley is shutting down the vaunted Houston Astros.  

6th: Gordon singles - that's it.  We head to the 7th inning - Game Seven of the World Series to end this tournament.  

7th: Astros need to get going.  Michael Brantley singles.  

       Chirinos strikes out.  

       Reddick walks.  Astros have two on now and just one away.  Action in the Yankee pen.

       Yordan Alvarez comes off the bench to hit for Miley - he's got 3 homers in the series and only started 3 games.  He's the potential tying run.  Big - big - big spot.

He lines hard - a bullet - but Gehrig fully extends to snare the ball before it goes into right field.  Helluva play by the 35 year old first baseman.  And now there are 2 out.  

Springer grounds to short - routine for Crosetti -- Bump Hadley allows just 1 run through 7 innings and New York is 6 outs from the Championship and the crowd roars - roars its approval.

7th: Will Harris on for Houston  McCarthy sends Hadley to the plate -- but then removes him for Myril Hoag, a pinch hitter - allowing Hadley to accept the deafening applause from this crowd - Yankee fans across the generations, from Ruth to Rivera, from Mantle to LeMahieu - rising as one in appreciation for Bump Hadley's big game 7 performance.  

Hoag grounds to short.

DiMaggio, maybe his final plate appearance, grounds to short.

AND THEN GEHRIG DOES IT AGAIN.  Lou Gehrig - Lou Gehrig will be dead in 3 years - Lou Gehrig hits his second homer of the day - a blast to dead center field -- grown men are weeping - fully sobbing as Gehrig crosses the plate - the New York Yankees extend their lead.  

Dickey walks.

Henrich reaches via error.

Gordon singles - all of this with 2 outs, the bases are loaded.  Hector Rondon comes on for Houston, you have to think even one more run puts this one on ice.  RED ROLFE SINGLES TO RIGHT CENTER -- DICKEY WILL SCORE -- -- HENRICH WILL SCORE----the Yankees go up 7-1 here in the 7th inning - the Yankees now running away with Game 7 of the World Series. Crosetti flies to center - this one sure looks over.  Astros 1 Yankees 7

8th: Wes Ferrell for the Yanks - the first pitch is a Bregman single and the second pitch is a Correa homer that cuts the deficit to 7-3. Ferrell's gone - Johnny Murphy comes on and its his job to get these last 6 outs.  

Altuve flies to left.

Gurriel grounds to first.

Brantley grounds to second.  The Yankees are 3 outs from the title.  Astros 3 Yankees 7

8th: Rondon stays on.

Selkirk strikes out.

Murphy hits for himself and he grounds to short.

DiMaggio grounds to short.  

9th: Johnny Murphy comes back out to the mound.  29 year old RH. Born in New York.  High school in the Bronx.  Went to Fordham.  12 of his 13 big league seasons in pinstripes.  Buried in the Bronx at the same cemetary as Herman Melville, Irving Berlin and Miles Davis.  And he is on to get these last 3 outs.

Chirinos grounds to short.  Crosetti to first.  One away.

Reddick flies to right.  Henrich's got it.  Two away.

Kyle Tucker, 22 years old - off the bench to hit.  

Tucker grounds to second.  Gordon up - Gordon to first -- Gehrig has it and it's over.

THE 1938 NEW YORK YANKEES ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!

Jubilation at Yankee Stadium - the New York Yankees take games 6 and 7 at home and upset the Houston Astros to win the tournament - to win the ultimate World Series.

Astros 4

Yankees 7

WP Hadley

LP Miley

Sv Murphy

Bump Hadley - huge hero today; the Yankee fifth starter gets the call and comes up big - DiMaggio homered today and Lou Gehrig homered twice.  

Gehrig 17x/4HR, triple

Dickey 11x/HR

Henrich 14x/3 HR, double, 4 game 2 RBI

Gordon 10x/4doubles

Rolfe 17x/3double

Selkirk 10x/double, HR

There's only one choice for MVP - Lou Gehrig is the greatest first baseman of all time and in one final great moment, he reaches base 17 times in the series, with 4 homers including 2 in Game Seven.  The tournament comes to a close with Lou Gehrig leading the 1938 New York Yankees to the World Championship!