Prior to the first World Series being played in 1903, MLB had postseason champions dating back to as early as 1884. Though, such games and teams are not recognized as part of World Series history.
When a “peace treaty” was signed in 1903 between the already-established National League and newly-created
American League, the intent was to prevent the raiding of rosters for players. It did not include any provisions for postseason games.
However, in August of that year, Pittsburgh Pirates owner Barney Dreyfuss and Boston Pilgrims (later the Red Sox) president Henry Killilea conceived a nine-game series to showcase their teams. Through a handshake agreement, the first World Series was born.
On Sept. 16, 1903, the two signed a formal agreement covering ticket prices, team shares and umpires (one was
furnished by the NL and the other by the AL).
Despite the rousing success with the first World Series, animosity between New York Giants president John Brush, manager John McGraw and AL president Ban Johnson resulted in the NL champion Giants not playing Boston, who again won the AL, in the World Series.
Public outcry then brought about the World Series in 1905 as a best-of-seven annual matchup. Though, it briefly reverted to a best-of-nine series from 1919-1921.
The New York Yankees have won the most World Series in MLB postseason history with 27. The St. Louis Cardinals are in second place with 11 championships and the Dodgers are tied for third-most with nine World Series titles.
The Dodgers have been to 23 World Series since the first installment in 1903, and three other championship series before that.
World Series trophy details
History
The winner of the World Series receives the “commissioner’s trophy,” which was created by MLB in 1967. The Cardinals were the original recipient after defeating the Boston Red Sox in that year’s Fall Classic. However, the trophy did not receive its name until 1985.
The commissioner’s trophy has been presented on the field since 1997. Prior to that, it was given to the winning team in the locker room.
Design
The sterling sliver World Series trophy stands 24 inches high with a diameter of 11 inches. It requires master artisans at Tiffany & Co., more than three months and 198.12 troy ounces of sterling silver to create it.
The trophy features 30 flags, one representing each MLB team, with latitude and longitude lines symbolizing the world and 24-karat vermeil stitches representing those on a baseball.
Etched on the base are the words “Presented by the Commissioner of Baseball” along with the signature of MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.
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