Do Wild Card Teams Win the World Series?

This week marks the first week of the 2016 MLB playoffs, with the Baltimore Orioles playing against the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League wild card game this Tuesday. We’re guessing that a lot of people will be rooting for the Orioles since they defeated the much hated New York Yankees on Sunday, ending the Yankees’ wild card bid for the playoffs. Do wild card teams ever win the World Series? In the past twenty years, five wild card teams have won:

1997 Florida Marlins

The Marlins go down in history as the first wild card team to win the World Series, defeating the Cleveland Indians.

2002 Anaheim Angels

The 2002 World Series teams are unique in that they were both wild card teams. The Angels defeated the San Francisco Giants after taking Game 6 and Game 7.

2003 Florida Marlins

Not only were the Marlins the first wild card team to win the World Series, but they are the only wild card team to win the World Series twice.

2004 Boston Red Sox

In this monumental World Series, the Red Sox won the World Series for the first time in 86 years, supposedly overcoming their curse. This victory was especially sweet because the Red Sox beat their mortal enemies, the New York Yankees in the playoffs before beating the Cardinals in the World Series.

2011 St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals were the first wild card team to win the playoffs in seven years when they defeated the Texas Rangers. 

Will a wild card team win the World Series this year? Only time will tell, but we suggest that you keep your eyes peeled during the Tuesday game. If you are rooting for the Toronto Blue Jays, then our sports fan store has you covered. If you are an Orioles fan, then check out our authentic jerseys and other sports team apparel here.