Skip to Main Content

1968: The Year of the Pitcher

News & Information

TV-G

47

Jan 27, 2009

1968 was the year of the pitcher. Bob Gibson set a modern-day record with a 1.12 ERA, while the Tigers had two pitchers with historic seasons. Denny McLain won 31 games during the regular season and Mickey Lolich had three wins in the World Series.

Season 1, 24 episodes

1959: Something to Prove,

The underdog White Sox overcome 40 years of futility to become the first team to win the pennant since the infamous Black Sox. In the National League, the Dodgers upset Hank Aaron's Milwaukee Braves to take the pennant.

1961: A New Era,

Baseball came to Minnesota, was replaced in Washington, and came to Los Angeles (again) in the first expansion season in modern history. On the field, Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris chased Babe Ruth.

1965: Pitcher Perfect,

The Dodgers and Twins face off in a thrilling 7-game World Series with Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale leading Los Angeles past Minnesota's trio of Tony Oliva, Mudcat Grant, and Zoilo Versalles.

1967: The Impossible Dream,

The St. Louis Cardinals and Bob Gibson cruise to the National League pennant, while four teams battle down to the season's final day to determine the American League champion.

1968: The Year of the Pitcher,

1968 was the year of the pitcher. Bob Gibson set a modern-day record with a 1.12 ERA, while the Tigers had two pitchers with historic seasons. Denny McLain won 31 games during the regular season and Mickey Lolich had three wins in the World Series.

The league expands to 24 teams and adds a second round of Postseason play. The Amazin' Mets emerge from hapless expansion to miracle World Champions!

1970: The Birds Soar,

The newly formed “Big Red Machine” of the Cincinnati Reds looked to overpower the brilliant pitching staff of the Baltimore Orioles. In the end, the Birds won their second World Series title in five years.

1971: Greatness in the Game,

Stars highlighted 1971. The All-Star Game featured 20 future Hall of Famers. The ALCS saw Catfish Hunter and Reggie Jackson take on Brooks Robinson and Davey Johnson. In the NLCS, Willie Mays and Willie McCovey battled Willie Stargell and Roberto Clemente

The great Hank Aaron breaks Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. The A’s dynasty continues as they roll through the American League and face off with the Dodgers in the World Series

1975: Agents of Change,

In arguably one of the greatest World Series ever, the Red Sox take on Cincinnati's Big Red Machine. Carlton Fisk waves his game-winning homer fair in extra innings at Fenway Park to force a Game 7.

1981: A Season Interrupted,

1981 was a season interrupted by the players' strike. However, with Fernando-mania in the beginning and a Dodgers' championship at the end, it somehow still felt complete.

1982: Anything Can Happen,

Baseball begins a rebirth after the strike-shortened season in 1981. During Cal Ripken Jr.'s rookie campaign, a dramatic pennant race between the Orioles and Brewers comes down to the last day.

1983: Charm City,

After a season of record-breaking chases and historic milestones, AL MVP Cal Ripken, Jr. and his Orioles emerge as World Champs against the Wheeze Kids from Philadelphia.

1984: Year of the Tiger,

The Detroit Tigers had a dream season, leading from start to finish while capturing the World Championship for the first time since 1968.

1985: Diamond Royalty,

Tom Seaver, Phil Niekro, Rod Carew, and Pete Rose all reach personal milestones, while Dwight Gooden has a historic Cy Young campaign. The World Series goes seven games, but not without a bit of controversy at first base.

2000: Subway Series Renewed,

The Yankees meet the Mets in the World Series for the first Subway Series in 44 years. The rest of the 2000 postseason is stacked with strong teams such as the White Sox, Mariners, Cardinals, and Giants.

2001: More Than a Game,

The 2001 season finishes off with one of the greatest World Series ever played between the D-backs and Yankees. From Opening Day to the final swing, baseball helps to heal a nation.

TV-G 1h 9m 2009

2003: A Wild Ride,

Two of the most unforgettable endings in Postseason history occur in 2003. The Aaron Boone Game takes center stage in the series between the Yankees and Red Sox, while fans of the Marlins and Cubs are left talking about Beckett and Bartman.

In 2004, we get the biggest comeback in postseason history and an 86-year-old "curse" is broken. Ichiro Suzuki attempts to break the single-season hit record and Carlos Beltran goes on a power surge during the playoffs.

2005: Second City Surprise,

For the first time since 1917, the Chicago White Sox win the World Series. The club started the season as baseball's hottest team and finished with an 11-1 record during the postseason.

1977: Turmoil & Triumph,

In 1977, the New York Yankees overcome dysfunction in the locker room to win their 21st World Series championship. Tommy Lasorda takes over as the Dodgers skipper.

1978: Familiar Foes,

In 1978, Bucky Dent goes down in Yankees-Red Sox rivalry lore as New York goes on to win back-to-back World Series championships.

In 1979, Willie Stargell leads the Pittsburgh Pirates, spurned on by the motto "We Are Family". The Pirates meet the Orioles in the World Series.

1980: Hot Corner Champions,

In 1980, the AL East saw the Yankees and Orioles win 100 games. Neither team would reach the World Series, as George Brett and the Royals would capture their first pennant. Kansas City would take on the Phillies in an exciting six-game World Series.

Details

Baseball Seasons

Documentary

TV-G

2

48

Relive some of baseball's most memorable seasons as MLB Network chronicles the events that made each of them great.

Watch Free TV Shows

Watch free TV shows, from exciting new releases to timeless classics. Whether you’re into gripping crime shows, fan-favorite sitcoms, reality TV, or acclaimed dramas, watch free full seasons of TV shows On Demand anytime, anywhere.