The Phillies took a 2-1 lead in the World Series yesterday after hitting five home runs to clobber the Houston Astros 7-0 as they head into Game 4 tonight in Philly. As you probably already know, the World Series is a best-of-seven tournament, so the Astros still have a chance to come back and win it. But here are some things about the World Series that you may note know. As we head into Game 4, let’s look at some fun facts about America’s favorite pastime.
Related: Why is the World Series called the World Series when only American teams participate?
1. The first World Series was in 1903 between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Americans in a best-of-nine tournament. The Americans won in Game 5.
2. There have since been 114 total World Series and the American League leads with 66 wins. The National League has 48 wins.
3. The longest ever World Series game was in 2018 between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. It was an 18-inning game that took 7 hours and 20 minutes.
4. The New York Yankees have won the most World Series with 27 wins in 40 appearances.
5. Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play in the World Series.
6. The player with the most World Series rings is Yogi Berrawith 10.
7. The first World Series to be played at night was in 1971. It was changed so that more people would be able to watch it, and by 1973 and still now, all games in the series are held at night.
8. The only team to have never appeared in a World Series is the Seattle Mariners.
9. The winner of the World Series receives a trophy called the Commissioner’s Trophy. It’s made of sterling silver and features flags representing all 30 MLB teams.
10. Whitney Ford holds the World Series record for most consecutive scoreless innings pitched with 33. He broke Babe Ruth’s record, who pitched 29 2/3.