1986 World Series
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| 1986 World Series | |
|---|---|
 Unknown author · Public domain · source | |
| Year | 1986 |
| Champion | New York Mets |
| Champion manager | Davey Johnson |
| Champion games | 108–54, .667, NL East |
| Runnerup | Boston Red Sox |
| Runnerup manager | John McNamara |
| Runnerup games | 95–66, .590, AL East |
| Date | October 18–27 |
| Mvp | Ray Knight |
| Umpires | John Kibler (NL), Jim Evans (AL), Bob Engel (NL), Joe Brinkman (AL), Dutch Rennert (NL), Dale Ford (AL) |
| Television | NBC |
| Announcers | Vin Scully and Joe Garagiola |
1986 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 1986 season. The 83rd edition of the World Series, it was contested between the National League (NL) champion New York Mets and the American League (AL) champion Boston Red Sox. The Mets won the Series four games to three, culminating in a dramatic victory at Shea Stadium that ended the Red Sox's quest for their first title since 1918.
Background
The New York Mets, managed by Davey Johnson, dominated the NL East with a franchise-record 108 wins, led by a deep pitching staff featuring Dwight Gooden and Ron Darling and a powerful lineup including Darryl Strawberry and Gary Carter. The Boston Red Sox, under manager John McNamara, won the AL East behind the formidable batting of Wade Boggs and Jim Rice and the pitching of Roger Clemens, who won the AL Cy Young Award and AL MVP that year. Boston advanced to the Series by defeating the California Angels in a thrilling ALCS, while the Mets overcame the Houston Astros in a tense NLCS.
Summary
The Series opened at Shea Stadium with the Red Sox taking Game 1 behind a strong outing from Bruce Hurst. The Mets evened the series in Game 2, but Boston won Games 3 and 5 at Fenway Park, with Hurst again victorious in the latter, to take a three-games-to-two lead. The pivotal Game 6 at Shea became one of the most infamous games in postseason history. With Boston one strike away from the title in the tenth inning, a series of misplays, including a critical error by first baseman Bill Buckner, allowed the Mets to rally for an improbable 6–5 win. Energized, the Mets rode the momentum to a decisive 8–5 victory in Game 7, with series MVP Ray Knight delivering key hits and Jesse Orosco recording the final out.
Aftermath
The Mets' victory cemented their 1980s dynasty and sparked massive celebrations in New York City. For the Red Sox, the loss extended the "Curse of the Bambino" narrative, deepening the franchise's championship drought. Bill Buckner faced intense criticism and harassment, though teammates like Dave Henderson and McNamara also shared blame for the Game 6 collapse. The Series had lasting cultural impact, featured prominently in works like Ken Burns' documentary Baseball and the ESPN series SportsCentury. Both teams would return to the Fall Classic later, with Boston finally winning in 2004.
See also
* 1986 Major League Baseball season * List of World Series champions * Game 6 of the 1986 World Series * History of the New York Mets * History of the Boston Red Sox
References
Category:1986 World Series Category:New York Mets postseason Category:Boston Red Sox postseason Category:1986 in sports in New York (state) Category:1986 in sports in Massachusetts Category:October 1986 sports events