Teams You Wish Had Won a World Series

**ian2813** · 02-16-2012, 07:48 AM

The 2011 World Series is still a heartbreaking memory for me. The Texas Rangers are such an exciting group with a cool core of players, and it would've been perfect for them to be Texas' first championship team. As we all know, it didn't work out that way, and already I'm feeling a sense of desperation for them. In my mind, this Ranger team needs to win it at some point, or baseball history will have truly lost out on a deserving addition to its pantheon of champions.

It got me thinking though: do you ever look back on a team from a certain era and marvel at what an interesting group they were, yet feel a sense of lament because they never won a World Series? I'm not talking about teams that disappointingly lost one year in an era where they won other titles, I'm talking about teams whose eras came and went without them ever capturing a title.

For instance, I know the 1985 Cardinals are still one of St. Louis' most beloved teams, but even though they came up short, many of their core players were part of the team that won the World Series three years earlier. The Whiteyball Cardinals got their ring, even if the best team from that era wasn't the one that secured it.

In the interest of being reasonable, it'd probably be best only to consider teams that were true pennant contenders, not perennial middle-of-the-pack teams, or even bad teams that were never a real threat to win anything. The early Mets might've been an interesting collection of castoffs, but let's face it, they had no business ever winning the World Series.

What are some teams that, if you had your way, would've won it at least once? Here are some of mine:

The Jennings/Cobb/Crawford Tigers (1907-1917). That's three Hall of Famers, two of whom never got to experience a World Series title. It's a doggone shame, especially since one of them was the greatest player of the deadball era and one of my favorite historical players.

The Go-Go White Sox (1951-1961). While the Go-Go era could be extended to 1967, I'd prefer them to have won it with both Nellie Fox and Billy Pierce on the roster.

The Killebrew/Oliva/Allison Twins (1964-1970). A fine bunch. '65 should've been their year.

The Leo Durocher Cubs (1967-1971). Come on, this one's obvious. Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Fergie Jenkins, Billy Williams...

The Bambi's Bombers/Harvey's Wallbangers Brewers (1978-1983). Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Cecil Cooper...

The 70's/80's Expos (1979-1984). Tim Raines, Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, Mr. Expo Steve Rogers...

The late-1990's Indians (1995-1999). After the 1999 season Mike Hargrove was fired, and it seemed clear that this particular Cleveland core was destined never to win it. If the 2007 Indians had won the World Series, I probably could've forgiven this bunch for not doing it.

What do the rest of you think? Which teams do you wish had won a World Series at some point?

**PVNICK** · 02-16-2012, 07:52 AM

I always wish the Cobb Tigers had won. I sure as hell was rooting for the mid 90s Indians as well. 1997 just killed me if you'll forgive the gross overexagerration.

**DJC** · 02-16-2012, 07:55 AM

The 1990-92 Pirates. Especially in '92. That is all.

**bluesky5** · 02-16-2012, 08:19 AM

1949-53' Phillies, 1913-17' Phillies.

**ol' aches and pains** · 02-16-2012, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by ian2813

The Go-Go White Sox (1951-1961). While the Go-Go era could be extended to 1967, I'd prefer them to have won it with both Nellie Fox and Billy Pierce on the roster.

If Al Lopez had used Billy Pierce in the Series, they probably would have won in 1959.

**westsidegrounds** · 02-16-2012, 08:53 AM

1919 Sox
1944 Browns
1959 Sox

oh, and by the way:

Super Bowl 3 - Colts

**EdTarbusz** · 02-16-2012, 10:12 AM

The 1995 Indians.

**Honus Wagner Rules** · 02-16-2012, 10:46 AM

1987 San Francisco Giants

The first Giants playoff team in my lifetime (Well, technically I was alive in 1971 but I was only 3 years old). After years of taking abuse for cheering for a "loser" the Giants make the playoffs! The seven game loss to the Cardinals was painful because the Giants led the NLCS 3-2 and lost Game 6 by the score of 1-0 on a ball lost in the lights by Candy Maldanado. To this day in my heart I truly believe the Giants would have beaten the Twins in the World Series.

**bluesky5** · 02-16-2012, 12:16 PM

I wish guys still stole 109 bases a year.

**Lpeters199** · 02-16-2012, 12:40 PM

'64 Phillies and '61 Reds

**CandlestickBum** · 02-16-2012, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by Honus Wagner Rules

1987 San Francisco Giants

Great Choice! One flap down! HacMan was one of the ex pros on the staff at this year's fantasy camp.

Not a fan of the team, but think the 90's Braves must of been heart breaking to follow. Probably "deserved" another ring or two.

Code:

2005	Atlanta Braves	Lost LDS (3-1)
2004	Atlanta Braves	Lost LDS (3-2)
2003	Atlanta Braves	Lost LDS (3-2)
2002	Atlanta Braves	Lost LDS (3-2)
2001	Atlanta Braves	Lost NLCS (4-1)
2000	Atlanta Braves	Lost LDS (3-0)
1999	Atlanta Braves	Lost WS (4-0)
1998	Atlanta Braves	Lost NLCS (4-2)
1997	Atlanta Braves	Lost NLCS (4-2)
1996	Atlanta Braves	Lost WS (4-2)
1995	Atlanta Braves	Won WS (4-2)
1994	Atlanta Braves	
1993	Atlanta Braves	Lost NLCS (4-2)
1992	Atlanta Braves	Lost WS (4-2)
1991	Atlanta Braves	Lost WS (4-3)

**Cowtipper** · 02-16-2012, 01:16 PM

1962 Mets through the 2011 Mets, minus the 1969 and 1986 teams.

**chicagowhitesox1173** · 02-16-2012, 01:33 PM

I would go with the 83 Whitesox. Had they gotten by the Orioles (which wouldnt be easy) I think they woulda beaten that 83 Phillies team pretty easily.

I like the Phillies but that 83 Phillies team was horrible. I still dont know how they won that year. I remember that year well and John Denny and Al Holland were great and Carlton was pretty good too but besides maybe Schmidt and maybe Joe Morgan they really had no offense.

**Los Bravos** · 02-16-2012, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by CandlestickBum

Not a fan of the team, but think the 90's Braves must of been heart breaking to follow. Probably "deserved" another ring or two.

"Frustrating" is a better word.

I won't go over the seasons one by one, but I will say this: you and I both know that the third best team in the 1993 NL ended up with the pennant that year.

**chicagowhitesox1173** · 02-16-2012, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by Honus Wagner Rules

1987 San Francisco Giants

The first Giants playoff team in my lifetime (Well, technically I was alive in 1971 but I was only 3 years old). After years of taking abuse for cheering for a "loser" the Giants make the playoffs! The seven game loss to the Cardinals was painful because the Giants led the NLCS 3-2 and lost Game 6 by the score of 1-0 on a ball lost in the lights by Candy Maldanado. To this day in my heart I truly believe the Giants would have beaten the Twins in the World Series.

That was interesting when Marv Albert actually told the viewers the reasoning why Herzog wouldnt do an interview. What the heck is the big deal about that anyways? Obviously Albert was kidding around with him.

**Blue387** · 02-16-2012, 06:28 PM

1999 New York Mets
2001 Seattle Mariners
2003 Chicago Cubs
2006 New York Mets
2008 Tampa Bay Rays

**ol' aches and pains** · 02-16-2012, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by chicagowhitesox1173

I would go with the 83 Whitesox. Had they gotten by the Orioles (which wouldnt be easy) I think they woulda beaten that 83 Phillies team pretty easily.

I still remember Greg Luzinski standing there with the bat on his shoulder taking three strikes in the tenth inning.

**Matthew C.** · 02-16-2012, 08:27 PM

Any of the 2000-2002 Cardinals teams. None were beaten by noticeably superior teams and always seemed to had a major star or two hurt.

**Los Bravos** · 02-16-2012, 09:12 PM

Just to mention one that no one has, I really thought the '97 Orioles were the best team in the game.

**SamtheBravesFan** · 02-16-2012, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by Los Bravos

Just to mention one that no one has, I really thought the '97 Orioles were the best team in the game.

No kidding. Those Orioles had the best pitching staff in the AL, a very solid offense and had the most wins since the 1983 world champion squad.

**SavoyBG** · 02-16-2012, 09:42 PM

The 1997 Indians. I had $200 on them to win $280.

**EdTarbusz** · 02-16-2012, 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by SavoyBG

The 1997 Indians. I had $200 on them to win $280.

I would have never voted on that team.

**Biggtone23** · 02-16-2012, 10:57 PM

As a Yankees fan I would have loved to have won the series in either 94 or 95 so Mattingly could have gotten a ring before he retired. Though in 1994 you have to wonder if the Expos had won the Series would they still exist and likewise if the Mariners hadn't won the ALDS against the Yankees in 95 would they have been able to get the public support for the building of Safeo Field? Then you throw in the fact that the Braves had to get at least one World Series title for that run, and if the Yankees do win a series in those years does Showalter stay? What happens to Torre?