Unveiling the Top 25 Greatest MLB Teams in History

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. 1989 Athletics: A Powerhouse Team
3. 1968 Tigers: Overcoming the Odds
4. 1995 Braves: Winning Against All Odds
5. 1969 Mets: The Miracle Season
6. 1967 Cardinals: Dominating on All Fronts
7. 2018 Red Sox: Boston's Finest Championship Team
8. 1939 Yankees: Lou Gehrig's Last Season
9. 1976 Reds: The Unbeaten Post-season Team
10. 1927 Yankees: The Murderers Row
11. 1998 Yankees: Three-Peat Champions
12. 1986 Mets: A Comeback for the Ages
13. 1970 Orioles: Determined to Win
14. 1975 Reds: Back-to-Back Champions
15. Conclusion

Article

The Greatest Teams in MLB History

From the early days of baseball to the present, the MLB has seen its fair share of phenomenal teams. While all teams strive for greatness, only a select few manage to set themselves apart and etch their names in MLB history. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the greatest teams that have graced the MLB and left a lasting impression on fans worldwide. These teams have not only dominated the regular season but have also showcased unparalleled skills and resilience in the playoffs. So, grab a seat as we dive into the brilliance of these legendary teams.

1. 1989 Athletics: A Powerhouse Team

At number 14 on our list, we have the 1989 Athletics. This club had all the makings of an all-time great, even if they only managed to secure 99 victories during the regular season. Led by power hitters Mark McGuire and Dave Parker, the Athletics displayed their championship power. In the postseason, Ricky Henderson's brilliance and lightning-fast speed on the base paths were on full display. The pitching rotation, headlined by Dave Stewart, Mike Moore, and Storm Davis, was a force to be reckoned with. They each had impressive seasons, with 21, 19, and 19 wins respectively. And let's not forget Dennis Eckersley, who contributed 33 saves. The 1989 Athletics were a complete and well-rounded team, ultimately sweeping the Giants in the World Series and capturing the championship.

2. 1968 Tigers: Overcoming the Odds

Next up, we have the 1968 Tigers at number 13 on our list. This team overcame great odds to secure their place among the greatest MLB teams of all time. Denny McLain was the standout player that season, winning a remarkable 31 games and earning both the Cy Young and MVP awards. The rest of Detroit's rotation was equally impressive, setting the bar high with a combined 103 victories during the regular season. Offensively, the Tigers had a solid lineup, though it lacked superstars. Despite this, they managed to overcome a 3-1 deficit against the reigning World Series champions, the St. Louis Cardinals. The 1968 Tigers are remembered fondly for their remarkable postseason performance and are considered one of the top MLB teams of all time.

3. 1995 Braves: Winning Against All Odds

Moving on to number 12, we have the 1995 Braves. Although they only managed to win 90 games during the regular season, the Braves proved that they were a force to be reckoned with. Greg Maddux led the way for Atlanta with an outstanding season, going 19-2 with a 1.63 ERA and 10 complete games. The Braves' rotation was deep and well-matched, with Tom Glavine and John Smoltz also enjoying successful seasons. With an 11-3 record in the playoffs, the Braves showed their determination to win. Despite facing tough competition, they emerged victorious and captured the World Series title. The 1995 Braves exemplified the power of resilience and teamwork in the face of adversity.

4. 1969 Mets: The Miracle Season

Taking the number 11 spot on our list is the 1969 Mets, famously known as the "Miracle Mets." This team's season was far from miraculous, as it required tremendous effort and skill to overcome the odds. Led by a youthful Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, and Jerry Kuzman, the Mets showcased one of the most dominant pitching rotations of the era. The combination of their exceptional pitching and outstanding performances at the plate led them to defeat the Orioles in five games and secure the World Series title. The 1969 Mets will always be remembered as a team that defied expectations and triumphed against all odds.

5. 1967 Cardinals: Dominating on All Fronts

At number 10, we have the 1967 Cardinals. This team had it all. Led by Hall of Famers Bob Gibson, Steve Carlton, and Lou Brock, the Cardinals showcased exceptional talent in both pitching and hitting. Bob Gibson and Orlando Cepeda won the MVP award that year. The Cardinals finished the regular season with an impressive 101 victories. In the World Series, they faced off against the Boston Red Sox in a thrilling seven-game battle. Despite the challenge, the Cardinals emerged victorious, solidifying their place among the greatest MLB teams of all time.

6. 2018 Red Sox: Boston's Finest Championship Team

The 2018 Red Sox claim the number nine spot on our list and were the finest among Boston's championship-winning teams. With an impressive regular season record of 108 wins, the Red Sox dominated their opponents both at the plate and on the mound. JD Martinez and Mookie Betts were standouts, with Betts earning the MVP award and the batting crown. Pitcher Chris Sale displayed exceptional skill on the mound. In the playoffs, the Red Sox went 11-3, defeating three top-tier opponents, including two teams with 100-win seasons. The 2018 Red Sox were a well-rounded team that displayed their dominance in both the regular season and the playoffs.

7. 1939 Yankees: Lou Gehrig's Last Season

Heading back to the past, the number eight spot on our list goes to the 1939 Yankees. Although this was Lou Gehrig's last season due to illness, the Yankees showcased exceptional talent and teamwork. Joe DiMaggio and Charlie Keller had outstanding campaigns at the plate, with DiMaggio leading the way with a batting average of .381 and 30 home runs. The pitching staff, despite Gehrig's absence, proved to be superior, helping the Yankees secure 106 regular-season wins. In the World Series, they defeated the Reds by a commanding score of 20-8, further solidifying their place among the greatest MLB teams ever.

8. 1976 Reds: The Unbeaten Post-season Team

At number seven, we have the 1976 Reds, a team that stands as one of the finest MLB teams ever. This Reds squad comprised great players, including Joe Morgan, Pete Rose, and Ken Griffey. The team won 102 games during the regular season, securing a spot in the postseason. Once there, they achieved an incredible feat by becoming the first and only team since the introduction of divisional play to go unbeaten in the postseason. The 1976 Reds swept both the Phillies and the Yankees to secure their place in history. This exceptional postseason performance solidifies their status as a legendary team.

9. 1927 Yankees: The Murderers' Row

It's impossible to talk about the greatest MLB teams without mentioning the 1927 Yankees. Claiming the number six spot on our list, the 1927 Yankees not only had one of the best seasons in franchise history but also featured one of the most powerful lineups ever assembled, earning them the name "Murderers' Row." With players like Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth smashing home runs and setting records, the Yankees displayed an unparalleled offensive prowess. The team's pitching staff surpassed expectations as well, resulting in an impressive 110 regular-season wins. The 1927 Yankees displayed a perfect balance of pitching and hitting, sweeping the Pirates in the World Series and securing their place in history.

10. 1998 Yankees: Three-Peat Champions

The 1998 Yankees, the first of three consecutive championship teams, claim the number five spot on our list. This squad stands out as one of the finest MLB teams in history. With six players hitting at least 19 home runs and four regular players batting over .300, the Yankees had a deep and well-balanced lineup. The pitching staff, with five starters having at least 12 victories, including David Cone with 20 wins, showcased their might on the mound. With a dominant record of 114 wins in the regular season, the Yankees maintained their dominance in the playoffs, going 11-2 and sweeping the Padres in the World Series. The 1998 Yankees were an unstoppable force that left a lasting impact on the MLB.

11. 1986 Mets: A Comeback for the Ages

Ranked at number four, the 1986 Mets are remembered for their iconic Game 6 comeback in the World Series. Although they were one out away from losing, the Mets managed to rally and secure the win, adding to their reputation as one of the greatest MLB teams in history. The Mets won the division by an impressive 21.5 games, essentially deciding the National League East by June. While lacking many superstars in their starting lineup, the Mets had a deep team and a bench that provided crucial support. On the mound, pitchers Dwight Gooden, Ron Darling, and Bob Ojeda each won at least 15 games, complementing the team's offensive prowess. The 1986 Mets showcased the power of resilience and determination, making them one of the most complete teams in MLB history.

12. 1970 Orioles: Determined to Win

At number three, we have the 1970 Orioles. After their loss in the previous year's World Series, the Orioles were determined to win. Led by Frank Robinson and Boog Powell, the Orioles showcased a potent offensive lineup. On the pitching front, three members of the rotation won at least 20 games each, establishing the strength of their pitching staff. The Orioles finished the regular season with a remarkable 108 wins, handily clinching the AL East with a 15-game lead. In the World Series, they faced off against the Reds and emerged victorious in just five games, outscoring their opponents 27-10. The 1970 Orioles were a dominant force that left an indelible mark in MLB history.

13. 1975 Reds: Back-to-Back Champions

Taking the number two spot on our list, we have the 1975 Reds. After winning the World Series in the previous year, the Reds returned stronger than ever. They became one of the greatest MLB teams ever. With a second-best home record in MLB history, the Reds showcased their strength both at the plate and on the mound. Joe Morgan, Pete Rose, and the pitching staff, with three pitchers winning at least 15 games, performed exceptionally well. The Reds won 108 games in total, finishing the season with a commanding 20-game lead in the NL West. Although pushed to seven games in the World Series by the Red Sox, they ultimately emerged as champions. The 1975 Reds were a dominant and well-rounded team that left an indelible mark in MLB history.

14. 1961 Yankees: Unparalleled Dominance

Finally, we arrive at the number one spot on our list, which belongs to the 1961 Yankees. This team stands out as one of the greatest MLB teams in franchise history. The season is particularly remembered for Roger Maris's record-breaking 61 home runs, surpassing Babe Ruth's single-season record. Maris, along with Mickey Mantle, formed an incredibly deadly batting duo. The Yankees finished the season with an outstanding 109 victories, showcasing their dominance. Despite facing tough competition, the Yankees swept the Reds in the World Series, firmly establishing their place as one of the greatest MLB teams ever assembled.

FAQs

Q: Which team has won the most World Series titles? A: The New York Yankees hold the record for the most World Series titles, with a total of 27 championships.

Q: How many games are played in the World Series? A: The World Series is a best-of-seven series, meaning the first team to win four games is crowned the champion.

Q: Who is the greatest player to have played for one of these teams? A: It's difficult to pinpoint one greatest player as each team had its share of exceptional talent. However, players like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Joe DiMaggio are often regarded as among the greatest to have ever played the game.

Q: Have any of these teams faced any controversies or scandals? A: While some of these teams have faced their fair share of controversies, such as the 1998 Yankees being linked to performance-enhancing drugs, their achievements on the field remain remarkable.

Q: Are any of these teams still active in the MLB? A: Many of the teams mentioned in this list are still active in the MLB. However, they may not have the same level of dominance or success as they did during their respective championship-winning seasons.