World Series Celebrations: A look at the most memorable celebrations and post-game rituals from past championships

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The World Series is the pinnacle of baseball greatness, captivating fans far and wide. From popping champagne bottles to post-game rallies, World Series celebrations epitomize sportsmanship and joy. In this blog, we’ll take a trip down memory lane as we explore some of the most unforgettable celebrations and post-game rituals from past championships. We’ll revisit the Yankees’ historic runs, the Cubs’ 108-year drought-breaker, and everything in between. 

These moments have inspired fans around the world not just to celebrate, but also to bet on MLB games with fervor. So grab your glove, and let’s step up to the plate for a home run of a blog post that’s sure to ignite your passion for America’s favorite pastime.

The Starting Point: 1950 Yankees

In 1950, after the final strikeout of the World Series, the New York Yankees immediately ran off the field, with the catcher initially going towards the dugout before veering towards the pitcher, who ran right past him into the dugout. The rest of the team, along with some non-uniformed humans, followed them towards the dugout. 

Wary of getting locked into a costly and time-consuming reconstruction effort, the team fled the scene and raced home. The celebration was not as boisterous as it is today, with a sense of perspective in the celebration.

The On-Field Huddle: 1958 Yankees

In 1958, the New York Yankees celebrated their World Series victory with an on-field huddle. The team gathered together on the field to commemorate their success before quickly exiting. This was a notable evolution from the Yankees’ celebration in 1950, where they immediately ran off the field after the final strikeout. 

With television ownership up tenfold to nearly 42 million households by 1958, the growing dogpile movement was in part due to the presence of television cameras, giving players the freedom and obligation to celebrate on the field where fans could see them.

The Breakthrough to Modernity: 1962 Yankees

In 1962, the New York Yankees showed the first signs of a modern celebration. Catcher Elston Howard hugged pitcher Ralph Terry in a bear hug on the field, a move that started a trend and became a staple celebration in future championships. The team also threw their equipment in the air, signaling excitement and a moment of pure joy. This move added an element of play and excitement to the celebration, showing the world that winning is not only about business but also about fun. 

The Birth of the Dogpile: 1985 Royals

In 1985, the Kansas City Royals introduced the dogpile celebration to the World Series stage. After winning game seven against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Royals jumped into a pile on the field, creating a new tradition that has been carried on by championship-winning teams ever since. 

This celebration was born out of a fierce rivalry, as the Cardinals were still bitter about a missed call from the previous night that they believed cost them the game. Nonetheless, the Royals emerged victorious and introduced a new way for teams to celebrate their World Series victories. 

Iconic Celebrations: 1992 Blue Jays and 2004 Red Sox

The 1992 Blue Jays and 2004 Red Sox World Series victories are iconic celebrations in baseball history. The Blue Jays ended a 20-year drought for a Canadian team to win the World Series, igniting a love for baseball in the country. The team’s victory parade attracted over two million fans, making it the largest public gathering in Canadian history at the time. 

Meanwhile, the Red Sox broke an 86-year “Curse of the Bambino” to win their first World Series since 1918. Red Sox fans flooded the streets of Boston in a historic celebration to mark the end of the championship drought.

Unique Celebrations: 2010 Giants and 2016 Cubs

The 2010 San Francisco Giants and 2016 Chicago Cubs had unique celebrations after winning their World Series championships. The Giants had a “fog machine” celebration where they ran onto the field with smoke machines during their victory parade, reflecting the foggy weather of San Francisco. 

The Cubs had a celebratory dance party in the visiting clubhouse of Progressive Field after winning Game 7. The team danced to “Go Cubs Go”, a catchy song written by Steve Goodman, a Chicago native. These celebrations added to the memorable moments of these championship teams.

Conclusion

In conclusion, World Series Celebrations have evolved over time. From muted celebrations in 1943 to the wild champagne showers of today, players have always found a way to celebrate their hard-fought victories. As seen in past championships, celebrations can range from the simple carrying of a winning pitcher to the clubhouse to more elaborate displays like the Red Sox breaking the infamous “Curse of the Bambino” in 2004. No matter the style, these celebrations serve as a reminder of the joy and excitement that comes with winning the ultimate prize in baseball.