Introduction
Baseball has been one of Americas favorite sports for many decades and it will continue to be a favorite for many more decades to come. The MLB is made up of two conferences, the American and National Leagues. The National League was founded in 1876 and the American League was founded in 1901. These two leagues joined forces in 1903 to form the Major Baseball League. The MLB is the oldest professional sports league in the US and Canada. In its 116 years of existence there have many teams who have won the World Series. This list will bring you the top 10 teams with the most World Series titles.
10. The Atlanta Braves
The most recent World Series winner checks in at #10, breaking away from a group of teams tied at three wins. With their 2021 WS win, the Braves grabbed their fourth ring along with rings from 1995, 1957, and 1914.
9. The Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers were formed in 1901, the same year as the American League. The Detroit Tigers have enjoyed a rich history of success. In 118 years the Tigers have appeared in the World Series a grand total of 11 times. From those 11 trips to the World Series they have won it four times. Their last trip to the World Series was in 2012. It has been over 30 years since the Detroit Tigers were able win the World Series, last capturing it in 1984. Since 1984 the Tigers have only made it to the World Series two times, 2006 and 2012.
8. Pittsburgh Pirates
Originally formed in 1882 simply as Allegheny in the American Association officially joined the National League in 1887. This makes them one of the oldest franchises in the MLB. They officially became the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1891. Their first World Series appearance was in 1903 which was also the first ever World Series. The Pirates unfortunately lost to the Boston Americans 5 games to 3. In 1909, the Pirates were able to capture their first World Series in their second appearance. From then on, the Pittsburgh Pirates have enjoyed great success in the World Series with a combined record of 5-2. Their .714 win percentage is the best of teams with more than two appearances.
7. Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati was originally formed as the Cincinnati Red Stockings 1882. In 1890 they became the Reds and that lasted until 1954 when they became the Cincinnati Redlegs. That name only lasted for four years when they changed back to the Reds for 1959 season. The Reds first appearance to the World Series was in 1919 when they faced the Chicago White Sox. Cincinnati was able to win their first appearance 5 games to 3. It took the team 20 years to make it to the World Series again and 21 to win. The red were able to capture back to back wins in 1975 and 1976. Their most recent World Series title was 1990 which is also the last time they made the World Series. The Cincinnati Reds were able to win their last three appearances which gives them a total record of 5-9 in the World Series.
6. Los Angeles Dodgers
Coming in at number six on this list is the Los Angeles Dodgers. Originally formed as the Brooklyn Atlantics in 1884, they did not become the LA Dodgers until 1958. The team was based in Brooklyn for many years under many different names. In their history, the Dodgers are tied for second on the list for total World Series appearances at 20. Unfortunately, they have not had as much success in winning the World Series. 1916 was the first time the Dodgers had made the World Series and they lost four games to one against the Red Sox. Actually, the Dodgers did not win the World Series until 1955 which was their 8th appearance in the game. Of their 20 total appearances the Dodger have only won six times, with their last win being 1988 and their last appearance being in 2018.
5. San Francisco Giants
Much like the Dodgers, the Giants were originally from New York, known as the New York Gothams. In 1886, they officially became the New York Giants, which is where they stayed until 1958 when they moved out to San Francisco. The Giants would have made their first World Series appearance in 1904 but due to a dispute between the American and National Leagues, there was no World Series held. Instead the Giants made their first appearance in 1905, the second ever World Series. In this game they defeated the Philadelphia A’s 4 games to 1. Much like the Dodgers, the Giants have made the World Series 20 times. Also, much like the Dodgers, the Giants have struggled only winning eight times. The Giants enjoyed success in the start of the decade winning the World Series in 2010, 2012, and 2014. They also have not made the World Series since 2014.
4. Boston Red Sox
Boston first got their baseball team in 1901 when they were the Boston Americans. In 1908, they officially changed their name to the Boston Red Sox. Boston made their first World Series appearance in 1903 against the Pittsburgh pirates. They went on to win their first appearance five games to three. In 1904, they would have made the World Series but that was the year it was not held. The Red Sox went on to make the World Series in 1912, ’15, ’16, and ’18. They went on to win their first five appearances. Boston went on to make five more appearances but did not win again the World Series again until 2004. As of 2019, the Red Sox have won their last four appearances with the last being in 2018. Overall in 13 appearances the Red Sox have a record of 9-4 in the World Series.
3. Oakland Athletics
During their history, The Athletics have bounced around. Founded in 1901, as the Philadelphia Athletics, they stayed in Philly until 1954. In 1955, they moved to Kansas and then in 1968, they moved to Oakland. The Athletics made their first World Series appearance in 1905 when they lost to the New York Giants four games to one. In 1910, they went on to capture their first World Series in their second appearance. They beat the Cubs four games to one. Oakland has not been back to the World Series since 1990 and have not won the World Series since 1989. Overall in 14 appearances, Oakland has a record of 9-5 in the World Series. Of their nine wins, five of them occurred while in Philly and the other four occurred in Oakland.
2. St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis franchise was formed in 1882 as the St. Louis Brown Stockings. It was not until 1900 that they became the Cardinals, but they have been stationed in St. Louis since their inception. St. Louis made their first World Series appearance in 1926. They went on to beat the New York Yankees, taking them all the way to game seven to determine a winner. St. Louis made the World Series in 1928 and 1930 but did not win again until 1931. 2013 was the last that the Cardinals made the World Series, ultimately losing to the Red Sox four games to two. The Cardinals rank in at number two with 11 wins in 19 World Series appearances, with 2011 being the last time they captured the title.
1. New York Yankees
As if this comes as a big shock the Yankees rank in at number one on this list. Possibly one of the most dominate sport franchises of all time. Originally being the Baltimore Orioles, the Yankees moved to New York in 1903 as the Highlanders. In 1913 they officially became the Yankees. The Yankees made their first World Series appearance in 1921, losing to the New York Giants five games to three. Actually losing their first two appearances in ’21 and’ 22, they finally won in 1923. In that game, they beat the Giants four games to two, and a dynasty was born. Over the span on 1930-1960, the New York Yankees won an amazing 15 World Series. Overall the Yankees have the most appearances (40) and most wins (27) in the World Series. Their last win and appearance was in 2009.
