Baseball Winning Streaks: A Look at MLB History
Baseball is a game of statistics and history, and one of the most exciting moments in the sport is when a team goes on a winning streak. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the longest winning streaks in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, as well as explore some of the most memorable moments during these streaks.
Longest Winning Streaks in MLB History
The MLB has seen its fair share of impressive winning streaks over the years, and in this section, we’ll take a look at some of the longest stretches of consecutive victories in baseball history. Without further ado, here are the top 10 longest winning streaks in MLB history:
1.
1916 New York Giants – 26 games
2. 1916 Chicago White Stockings – 21 games
3.
1935 Chicago Cubs – 21 games
4. 1884 St. Louis Maroons – 20 games
5.
1884 Providence Grays – 20 games
6. 2002 Oakland Athletics – 20 games
7.
2005 Chicago White Sox – 15 games
8. 1947 New York Yankees – 19 games
9.
1883 Boston Beaneaters – 18 games
10. 2017 Cleveland Indians – 22 games
As you can see, the longest winning streak belongs to the 1916 New York Giants, who won an incredible 26 consecutive games.
It’s worth noting, however, that this streak included a tie game, as ties were counted in the standings at the time. Another impressive streak was the 1884 season, which saw both the St. Louis Maroons and Providence Grays win 20 games in a row.
This was a much different era of baseball, with teams playing far fewer games in a season than they do today. Nonetheless, these streaks remain impressive feats of athleticism and consistency.
Most Winning Team in Baseball
It’s no secret that the New York Yankees are one of the most successful teams in baseball history, but just how many wins do they have under their collective belts? As of the end of the 2020 season, the Yankees have won a total of 10,378 games, more than any other franchise in MLB history.
This is a testament to the team’s long-standing success and the talent of its players over the years.
Losing Streaks and Winning Streaks
Of course, for every winning streak, there is also a losing streak. What’s the longest losing streak in baseball history, you ask?
That dubious honor belongs to the 23-game losing streak of the 1961 Philadelphia Phillies. On the flip side, the longest winning streak by a National League team belongs to the aforementioned 1916 New York Giants, while the longest streak by an American League team belongs to the 2017 Cleveland Indians.
Longest Pitching Streak in Baseball History
Finally, let’s take a look at one of the most impressive individual feats in baseball history – the longest pitching streak. This record is held by Rube Marquard, a left-handed pitcher who won 19 consecutive games for the New York Giants in 1912.
This is a remarkable feat that still stands as a testament to Marquard’s skill and determination on the mound. Controversy During the New York Giants’ Winning Streak
While these winning streaks are certainly impressive, they are not without their share of controversy and drama.
One of the most notable controversies occurred during the 1916 New York Giants’ 26-game winning streak. On September 18th of that year, the Giants faced off against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a game that became known as the “Sneak Game.”
During the game, Giants player Fred Merkle failed to touch second base on a hit by teammate Larry Doyle that would have won the game for the Giants.
The Pirates noticed the mistake and quickly got the ball to second base, leading to a force out that nullified the game-winning run. The umpire called the game a tie, but the Giants protested the decision, saying that the Pirates had snuck the ball onto the field.
Settlement of the Controversy
The controversy raged on for several weeks, with both teams threatening to take legal action against the other. Eventually, the dispute was settled, with the game being replayed from the point of the disputed play.
The Giants went on to win both the rescheduled game and their next five games, extending their winning streak to 16 games.
Conclusion
Winning streaks are a thrilling aspect of baseball, showcasing the skill and determination of teams and individual players. From the longest winning streaks in MLB history to individual records like the longest pitching streak, there is no shortage of impressive feats to marvel at.
However, these winning streaks are not without their share of controversy and drama, adding to the endless excitement of America’s favorite pastime. Cleveland Indians: The Unforgettable 22-Game Winning Streak
In 2017, the Cleveland Indians went on an unprecedented run, winning 22 consecutive games over the course of a month-long stretch.
This remarkable feat set the MLB record for the longest winning streak by an American League team and showcased the Indians’ undeniable talent and determination. However, the streak was not without its struggles and challenges.
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the Indians’ unforgettable 22-game winning streak.
Achieving a 22-Game Winning Streak
The Indians’ winning streak began on August 24th, 2017, with a 13-6 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Over the next three and a half weeks, the team would go on to win every single game they played, dominating opponents like the Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers, and Baltimore Orioles.
The streak climaxed on September 15th, when the Indians defeated the Baltimore Orioles 3-2 in a walk-off victory led by Jay Bruce’s RBI double. The Indians’ 22-game winning streak is a remarkable accomplishment, made even more impressive by the fact that the team played with a depleted roster due to injuries and other setbacks.
The streak also included nine shutout victories and several tie-breaking wins in extra innings.
Struggles During the Streak
Despite the Indians’ dominant run, the team still had its struggles during the streak. On multiple occasions, the Indians found themselves behind in the late innings, only to mount a remarkable comeback in the final innings to secure the win.
Perhaps most notably, the team struggled in the fifth inning of several games, giving up a combined 19 runs in just that one inning during the streak. Another challenge that the team faced was the intense media scrutiny that came with the streak.
As the victories piled up, the pressure and attention on the Indians only grew, adding a new layer of stress and anxiety to an already intense and competitive season. Chicago White Stockings: A Legacy of Oldest Achievements
Before the Cleveland Indians’ record-setting winning streak, another team dominated the early days of baseball with impressive accomplishments that still stand the test of time.
The Chicago White Stockings (now known as the Cubs) were a powerhouse team during the late 19th century, amassing an impressive array of records and accomplishments. One of the oldest achievements in baseball history was set by the Chicago White Stockings during the 1880 season.
That year, the team won an incredible 21 consecutive games, setting a record that would remain unbroken for over 35 years. Led by legendary player-manager Cap Anson, the White Stockings dominated opponents with their relentless offense and strong pitching.
Tying with Chicago Cubs and Boston Braves
As impressive as the White Stockings’ 21-game winning streak was, it was eventually matched by two other teams in baseball history. The first team to tie the White Stockings’ record was the Boston Braves in 1914, who went on a remarkable run during the second half of the season to clinch the National League pennant and win the World Series.
The second team to match the White Stockings’ winning streak was the Chicago Cubs in 1935. Like the White Stockings, the Cubs dominated their opponents with their strong offense and pitching, amassing 21 consecutive victories over the course of a month-long stretch.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Indians’ 22-game winning streak and the Chicago White Stockings’ 21-game winning streak (matched by both the Chicago Cubs and Boston Braves) are remarkable achievements that stand as a testament to the skill, determination, and competitive spirit of these legendary teams. These winning streaks showcase the endless excitement and possibility of baseball, reminding us why this sport has captivated fans for over a century.
Chicago Cubs: The Remarkable 1935 Winning Streak and
Tying with Chicago White Stockings
The Chicago Cubs are one of the most iconic and storied teams in baseball history, with a legacy of success and greatness that spans over a century. One of the Cubs’ most impressive accomplishments was their 21-game winning streak in 1935, which tied the record set by the Chicago White Stockings in 1880.
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the Cubs’ remarkable winning streak and how it ties into baseball history.
Winning Streak in 1935
Led by manager Charlie Grimm and a talented roster of players, the 1935 Chicago Cubs went on an unbelievable winning streak in August and September of that year. This streak began with a close 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 26th and continued for 21 games, with the Cubs’ last win coming on September 16th against the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Cubs’ winning streak was marked by strong pitching performances, clutch hitting, and exceptional fielding. During this stretch, the Cubs outscored their opponents 131-27 and shut out their opponents in nine of their 21 victories.
Tying with Chicago White Stockings
While the Cubs’ 21-game winning streak is an impressive feat in and of itself, what makes it even more remarkable is that it tied the record set by the Chicago White Stockings in 1880. This White Stockings team, which featured stars like Cap Anson and pitcher Larry Corcoran, went on a five-week long tear, winning 21 consecutive games and setting a record that would stand for over three decades.
The White Stockings’ 1880 winning streak was marked by strong pitching performances and dominant offense. During this stretch, the team outscored their opponents 210-32 and shut out their opponents in 11 of their 21 victories.
By matching this record over 50 years later, the 1935 Cubs cemented their place in baseball history and demonstrated the franchise’s continued legacy of excellence and greatness. St. Louis Maroons: The 1884 Winning Streak and Tying with Providence Grays
While the St. Louis Maroons might not be as well-known as other teams on this list, their 1884 winning streak is an impressive accomplishment that should not be overlooked.
That year, the Maroons put together a 20-game winning streak, tying another team that would go on to set a record that still stands today.
Winning Streak in 1884
The St. Louis Maroons’ remarkable winning streak began in mid-July of 1884, with a 5-4 victory over the Cleveland Blues. Over the course of the next few weeks, the Maroons would win 20 consecutive games, dominating their opponents with strong pitching and timely hitting.
This impressive streak helped the Maroons clinch the National League pennant that year, and though they would go on to lose in the World Series, their winning streak remains a notable accomplishment in baseball history.
Tie with Providence Grays
Interestingly, the Providence Grays – another National League team – also won 20 consecutive games that same year, setting the current record for the longest winning streak by a National League team. While the Maroons and Grays did not play one another during their respective winning streaks, their parallel achievements showcase the level of skill and determination required to dominate opponents over such an extended period of time.
Conclusion
The Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Maroons, and Providence Grays all have impressive histories in baseball, marked by remarkable accomplishments and remarkable records. The Cubs’ 1935 winning streak and tie with the 1880 White Stockings, the Maroons’ 1884 winning streak, and the Grays’ 1884 winning streak all demonstrate the limitless potential and excitement of America’s favorite pastime, reminding us why this sport has captivated fans for over a century.
Providence Grays: 1884 Success and Tying with St. Louis Maroons
The Providence Grays were a National League baseball team that played during the late 19th century. In 1884, the Grays had incredible success, amassing an impressive winning streak and tying another team that would go on to set a record that still stands to this day.
In this section, we will take a deeper look into the Grays’ 1884 success and their tie with the St. Louis Maroons.
Year 1884 Success
The Grays’ success during the 1884 season was nothing short of remarkable. That year, the team won 84 games and lost only 28, finishing first in the National League with a dominant .750 winning percentage.
This success is primarily attributed to the team’s strong pitching, led by stellar performances from Charles Old Hoss Radbourn and Charlie Sweeney, who combined for an amazing 73-27 record. In addition to their impressive regular season, the Grays also played in and won what was then known as the Championship of the United States.
The Grays soundly defeated the New York Metropolitans, winning the first game 6-0 and the second game 3-1. Tying with St. Louis Maroons
During this incredible season, the Grays also tied with another team for a notable achievement.
The St. Louis Maroons, a fellow National League team, also won 20 consecutive games that year, tying the National League record that was set by the Chicago White Stockings in 1880. This impressive record still stands to this day.
The Grays’ remarkable achievements during the 1884 season showcased the team’s talent and competitiveness and remain beloved by fans and scholars of the game. Oakland Athletics: A
Modern Achievement and Tying with Providence Grays and St. Louis Maroons
The Oakland Athletics, who were founded in 1901 and are currently a part of the American League, have a modern achievement to their name that rivals the Grays’ 1884 success.
In 2002, the Athletics put together an incredible winning streak, tying the National League record set by the Grays and Maroons in the late 19th century.
Modern Achievement
In 2002, the Athletics, led by manager Art Howe and an impressive roster of players, went on an unprecedented run, winning 20 consecutive games over the course of several weeks. This winning streak came amid a highly competitive season, with several teams vying for a chance to make the playoffs.
The A’s strong defense, timely hitting, and dominant pitching were on full display during these games, as the team outscored their opponents a remarkable 126-45 during the streak. This modern achievement earned the Athletics a place in baseball history, further solidifying the franchise’s legacy and adding to the endless excitement and possibility of America’s favorite pastime.
Tying with Providence Grays and St. Louis Maroons
Just like the Providence Grays and St. Louis Maroons, the Oakland Athletics hold a place in baseball history for their impressive winning streak. The A’s achievement of 20 consecutive victories tied the National League record set by the Grays and Maroons in 1884, a feat that had gone unmatched