Who Won the 1981 World Series: The 1981 World Series was won by the Los Angeles Dodgers, who defeated the New York Yankees in a six-game series (4-2). Below is a detailed breakdown of the series, along with a table that captures the key information:
Background:
The 1981 MLB season was marked by a players’ strike, which led to a split season. The Dodgers and Yankees had previously faced each other in the World Series four times before 1981, with the Yankees winning three of those matchups (1941, 1947, and 1978), while the Dodgers won in 1955. This 1981 series was the fifth meeting between these two historic teams, adding to the anticipation.
Summary of the 1981 World Series:
- Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers (NL) vs. New York Yankees (AL)
- Dates: October 20–28, 1981
- Series Outcome: Dodgers won 4–2
- MVP: Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero, and Steve Yeager (shared MVP award)
Game-by-Game Breakdown:
| Game | Date | Location | Winner | Score | Key Moment/Player Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 20 | Yankee Stadium, New York | Yankees | 5–3 | Bob Watson hit a 3-run HR; Yankees took early series lead. |
| 2 | October 21 | Yankee Stadium, New York | Yankees | 3–0 | Dave Righetti and relief pitchers kept Dodgers scoreless. |
| 3 | October 23 | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles | Dodgers | 5–4 | Dodgers made a late-game comeback; Ron Cey’s HR was crucial. |
| 4 | October 24 | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles | Dodgers | 8–7 | Rick Monday and Pedro Guerrero led the offensive surge. |
| 5 | October 25 | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles | Dodgers | 2–1 | Jerry Reuss pitched a complete game; great defensive play. |
| 6 | October 28 | Yankee Stadium, New York | Dodgers | 9–2 | Pedro Guerrero had a standout performance with 5 RBIs. |
Detailed Explanation:
- Games 1 & 2 (Yankees’ Domination): The Yankees won the first two games at Yankee Stadium, displaying strong pitching and clutch hitting. Game 1 featured a key 3-run homer from Bob Watson, while Game 2 saw Dave Righetti and the bullpen shut out the Dodgers.
- Games 3, 4, & 5 (Dodgers’ Turnaround): The series shifted to Los Angeles, and so did the momentum. The Dodgers won three straight games at Dodger Stadium. Game 3 was a comeback victory, while Game 4 was an offensive battle with the Dodgers narrowly edging out the Yankees. Game 5 was a pitching duel, with Jerry Reuss leading the Dodgers to a 2-1 win.
- Game 6 (Dodgers Clinch the Title): Back in New York, the Dodgers sealed the series with a dominant 9-2 win. Pedro Guerrero was the star, driving in five runs with a home run, triple, and single. The Dodgers’ offense overwhelmed the Yankees, leading to the franchise’s first World Series title since 1965.
MVPs:
The World Series MVP was shared by Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero, and Steve Yeager, reflecting the collective contributions that powered the Dodgers’ comeback. Guerrero’s Game 6 performance was especially memorable, while Cey and Yeager had key hits throughout the series.
Conclusion:
The 1981 World Series was a remarkable comeback for the Dodgers, who overcame a 2-0 deficit to win four straight games. It was also a significant moment in baseball history, marking the first World Series victory for manager Tommy Lasorda and avenging the Dodgers’ loss to the Yankees in the 1978 World Series.