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Fast Facts from the Diamond: MLB World Series Lookback

Fast Facts from the Diamond: MLB World Series Lookback

Nov 3, 2022

The MLB World Series has dominated the news, with the Astros and Phillies facing off in the 2022 iteration of the Fall Classic. No matter the outcome, both these teams — and the classic fall series itself — have storied histories behind them. So, without further ado, here are some fun facts and interesting trivia about the Phillies, the Astros and the MLB World Series. 


All About the World Series 

  • While the annual World Series began in 1903 between the National League and American League, other post-season championship games were played in the late 1800s. 
  • The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Boston Pilgrims were the first two teams that played in the official series.
  • Babe Ruth was the only baserunner caught stealing during a World Series game. In Game 7 of the 1926 World Series, Ruth made a run for second base at the bottom of the ninth. 
  • The longest-ever game in the World Series was Game 3 in 2018. The Dodgers and Red Sox played for a whopping seven hours and 20 minutes. 
  • The first night games in the MLB World Series didn’t happen until 1971. Mickey Mantle still holds the record for most World Series home runs (18). 

Game 3 of the 1989 championships was postponed by 11 days after an earthquake rattled the Bay area.

Astros batter swinging Creator: Elsa | Credit: Getty Images

Phillies Trivia

  • When the Phillies became a team, they went by both the Quakers and the Phillies. It wasn’t until 1890 that they officially became the Phillies.
  • Despite that naming blip, the team is the oldest one to keep its original name across any sport.
  • In 1980, the Phillies won the World Series for the very first time, against the Royals.
  • The Phillies shared a city with the Athletics from 1901 to 1954. The rival teams squared off in a City Series exhibition of games. So much for brotherly love.
  • The Phillies’ only other MLB World Series win was in 2008 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Fast Astros Facts

  • The Astros franchise didn’t begin until 1962. They were originally called the Colt .45s.
  • In 1965, the team moved from Colt Stadium to the Astrodome and changed their name to the Astros — a more appropriate moniker reflective of Houston’s role in the space race.
  • Willie Mays hit his 500th home run in the Astrodome playing against the team.
  • The Astros won their first World Series in 2005 and also won in 2017, 2019 and 2021.

Get Your MLB World Series Gear

Whether you’re riding the high of a win, mourning a loss or waiting on your team’s turn at the championships, be sure to stock up on all your World Series apparel and MLB gear at Hibbett | City Gear.

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