The 10 Greatest Comebacks in MLB History: When Miracles Happen On the Diamond
Baseball is a game that’s often filled with tension, heartbreak, and—yes—triumph. When it comes to dramatic comebacks, few sports offer the kind of jaw-dropping reversals that can be found in Major League Baseball (MLB). Whether it’s in the regular season or on the sport’s biggest stage—the World Series—baseball has delivered some of the most remarkable comeback stories ever witnessed in the realm of athletics.
Let’s look back at ten of the greatest comebacks in MLB history, moments that reminded us why we never leave the stadium early and why we never stop believing in the impossible.
No Data1. 2004 ALCS: Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees
No list about MLB comebacks would be complete without mentioning the 2004 ALCS. Down 3-0 in the series, the Boston Red Sox faced elimination at the hands of their arch-rivals, the New York Yankees. But then, something magical happened. The Red Sox clawed back, winning four consecutive games, effectively pulling off the greatest comeback in baseball playoff history. This paved the way for their first World Series title in 86 years, breaking the infamous “Curse of the Bambino.”
2. 1992 NLCS: Atlanta Braves vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
In Game 7 of the 1992 NLCS, the Atlanta Braves staged an improbable comeback that’s still talked about today. Down 2-0 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, Francisco Cabrera hit a single that brought in two runs, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory and sending the Braves to the World Series. The play forever etched Cabrera, a relatively unknown utility player, into MLB folklore.
3. 1986 World Series: New York Mets vs. Boston Red Sox
Known for Bill Buckner’s infamous error at first base, Game 6 of the 1986 World Series was a study in never giving up. The New York Mets, down to their final out, rallied to win the game in extra innings and ultimately the series. This comeback further cemented the Red Sox’s “Curse of the Bambino,” which would last until 2004.
4. 1929 World Series: Philadelphia Athletics vs. Chicago Cubs
Game 4 of the 1929 World Series is a classic that showcases baseball’s unpredictable nature. The Athletics scored an unbelievable 10 runs in the seventh inning to come back from an 8-0 deficit, beating the Cubs 10-8. This set the stage for Philadelphia’s eventual World Series win.
5. 2001 World Series: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Yankees
In a post-9/11 America, the Yankees appeared to be destined for victory, leading 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth of Game 7. But Arizona fought back. Luis Gonzalez’s walk-off bloop single against the indomitable Mariano Rivera completed a comeback that captivated the nation.
6. 2014 AL Wild Card: Kansas City Royals vs. Oakland Athletics
The Royals were down 7-3 going into the eighth inning. But a series of hits, steals, and a game-tying home run by Nori Aoki ignited a late-game surge that culminated in a 12-inning 9-8 victory. This game signaled the Royals’ return to postseason prominence after a 29-year absence.
7. 2008 ALCS: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox
In a role reversal from 2004, the 2008 ALCS saw the Tampa Bay Rays make their own history. Down 7-0 in the seventh inning of Game 5, the Rays stormed back to win 8-7, eventually clinching the ALCS and making their first-ever World Series appearance.
8. 1951 National League Pennant: New York Giants vs. Brooklyn Dodgers
Known as the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” Bobby Thomson’s dramatic three-run homer capped a late-season comeback by the Giants to win the National League pennant. They had trailed the Dodgers by 13 games in mid-August but made an astounding recovery to set up this iconic moment.
9. 1986 ALCS: Boston Red Sox vs. California Angels
In Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS, the Red Sox were down to their last strike, trailing 5-4 in the ninth inning. Dave Henderson hit a go-ahead two-run homer, turning the tables and leading Boston to an eventual World Series berth, though they fell short in the infamous series against the Mets.
10. 1968 World Series: Detroit Tigers vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Down 3-1 in the series, the Tigers clawed back to take the next three games, including a 13-1 thrashing in Game 6 and a 4-1 victory in Game 7. This was an emotional triumph for a city recovering from riots and social unrest.
The Soul of the Game
These comebacks remind us that baseball is never just about scores, stats, or championships—it’s about the heartbeat of the players and the fans. It’s about moments of struggle and redemption that echo through time. The narrative of each game is shaped by the unexpected, by the impossible becoming possible.
And so, as another MLB season unfolds, we find ourselves once again on the edge of our seats, waiting for that next great comeback to happen. After all, in baseball, it ain’t over till it’s over.