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Baseball · Interesting Facts

Chapter 3: Tournaments

10 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 28 October 2026 · markdown

Stories from baseball's big events: Series nicknames, the earthquake Series, World Series MVPs, the Little League World Series, Koshien's traditions, All-Star moments, the Home Run Derby, Opening Day, tiebreaker games and doubleheaders.

3.31Series Nicknames

Subways, freeways and the Fall Classic.

Test 1Series nicknamesTake a test

  1. Broadcasters and newspapers have used it for a century.

    Source: MLB.com World Series history (1906, 1985, 2000); club histories of the Cubs and White Sox, Dodgers and Angels, Nationals and Orioles · recall

  2. Fans could ride the subway between the two parks.

    Source: MLB.com World Series history (1906, 1985, 2000); club histories of the Cubs and White Sox, Dodgers and Angels, Nationals and Orioles · recall

  3. The two clubs' ballparks are linked by freeways.

    Source: MLB.com World Series history (1906, 1985, 2000); club histories of the Cubs and White Sox, Dodgers and Angels, Nationals and Orioles · recall

  4. The interstate highway links the two cities.

    Source: MLB.com World Series history (1906, 1985, 2000); club histories of the Cubs and White Sox, Dodgers and Angels, Nationals and Orioles · recall

  5. They had the American League's lowest batting average.

    Source: MLB.com World Series history (1906, 1985, 2000); club histories of the Cubs and White Sox, Dodgers and Angels, Nationals and Orioles · recall

  6. The two ballparks are on opposite sides of the city.

    Source: MLB.com World Series history (1906, 1985, 2000); club histories of the Cubs and White Sox, Dodgers and Angels, Nationals and Orioles · recall

  7. The cities are about 40 miles apart.

    Source: MLB.com World Series history (1906, 1985, 2000); club histories of the Cubs and White Sox, Dodgers and Angels, Nationals and Orioles · recall

  8. 1906, 1985, 1989, then 2000.

    Source: MLB.com World Series history (1906, 1985, 2000); club histories of the Cubs and White Sox, Dodgers and Angels, Nationals and Orioles · recall

  9. Los Angeles, Missouri, Washington and Baltimore, then New York.

    Source: MLB.com World Series history (1906, 1985, 2000); club histories of the Cubs and White Sox, Dodgers and Angels, Nationals and Orioles · recall

  10. It was the first Subway Series since 1956.

    Source: MLB.com World Series history (1906, 1985, 2000); club histories of the Cubs and White Sox, Dodgers and Angels, Nationals and Orioles · applied

3.32The Earthquake Series

The 1989 World Series and the shaking that stopped it.

Test 1The Earthquake SeriesTake a test

  1. The two parks were on either side of San Francisco Bay.

    Source: MLB.com, 'The Earthquake Series' (1989); USGS on the Loma Prieta earthquake (17 October 1989); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  2. Fans were in their seats for the first game in San Francisco.

    Source: MLB.com, 'The Earthquake Series' (1989); USGS on the Loma Prieta earthquake (17 October 1989); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  3. It caused deaths and heavy damage around the Bay.

    Source: MLB.com, 'The Earthquake Series' (1989); USGS on the Loma Prieta earthquake (17 October 1989); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  4. Play resumed on 27 October.

    Source: MLB.com, 'The Earthquake Series' (1989); USGS on the Loma Prieta earthquake (17 October 1989); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  5. The A's won four straight games.

    Source: MLB.com, 'The Earthquake Series' (1989); USGS on the Loma Prieta earthquake (17 October 1989); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  6. His calm reporting continued as the power went out.

    Source: MLB.com, 'The Earthquake Series' (1989); USGS on the Loma Prieta earthquake (17 October 1989); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  7. He won Games 1 and 3.

    Source: MLB.com, 'The Earthquake Series' (1989); USGS on the Loma Prieta earthquake (17 October 1989); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  8. The A's won Games 3 and 4 after the break.

    Source: MLB.com, 'The Earthquake Series' (1989); USGS on the Loma Prieta earthquake (17 October 1989); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  9. Oakland won all four.

    Source: MLB.com, 'The Earthquake Series' (1989); USGS on the Loma Prieta earthquake (17 October 1989); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  10. The Giants' windy park stood on the bay.

    Source: MLB.com, 'The Earthquake Series' (1989); USGS on the Loma Prieta earthquake (17 October 1989); National Baseball Hall of Fame · applied

3.33World Series MVPs

The award for the best player of the World Series.

Test 1World Series MVPsTake a test

  1. He shut out the Yankees in Game 7.

    Source: MLB.com, World Series Most Valuable Player Award history and the Willie Mays award (2017); SABR Games Project · recall

  2. He hit three homers in Game 1.

    Source: MLB.com, World Series Most Valuable Player Award history and the Willie Mays award (2017); SABR Games Project · recall

  3. He made 'The Catch' in the 1954 Series.

    Source: MLB.com, World Series Most Valuable Player Award history and the Willie Mays award (2017); SABR Games Project · recall

  4. He saved two games and won two.

    Source: MLB.com, World Series Most Valuable Player Award history and the Willie Mays award (2017); SABR Games Project · recall

  5. He drove in six runs in the deciding Game 6.

    Source: MLB.com, World Series Most Valuable Player Award history and the Willie Mays award (2017); SABR Games Project · recall

  6. Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager shared it.

    Source: MLB.com, World Series Most Valuable Player Award history and the Willie Mays award (2017); SABR Games Project · recall

  7. They beat the Yankees in seven games.

    Source: MLB.com, World Series Most Valuable Player Award history and the Willie Mays award (2017); SABR Games Project · recall

  8. 1955, 1959, 1960, then 2009.

    Source: MLB.com, World Series Most Valuable Player Award history and the Willie Mays award (2017); SABR Games Project · recall

  9. Three, two, then one.

    Source: MLB.com, World Series Most Valuable Player Award history and the Willie Mays award (2017); SABR Games Project · recall

  10. He drove in a record 12 runs in that Series.

    Source: MLB.com, World Series Most Valuable Player Award history and the Willie Mays award (2017); SABR Games Project · applied

3.34The Little League World Series

Twelve-year-olds, a hillside and a lot of pins.

Test 1The Little League World SeriesTake a test

  1. The Maynard Midgets played at home.

    Source: Little League International, Little League World Series history (littleleague.org); Little League Museum, Williamsport · recall

  2. It is named after a local newspaper publisher.

    Source: Little League International, Little League World Series history (littleleague.org); Little League Museum, Williamsport · recall

  3. They were the first champions from outside the United States.

    Source: Little League International, Little League World Series history (littleleague.org); Little League Museum, Williamsport · recall

  4. It remains the only perfect game in a final.

    Source: Little League International, Little League World Series history (littleleague.org); Little League Museum, Williamsport · recall

  5. Teams bring pins designed for their region.

    Source: Little League International, Little League World Series history (littleleague.org); Little League Museum, Williamsport · recall

  6. He was two years over the age limit.

    Source: Little League International, Little League World Series history (littleleague.org); Little League Museum, Williamsport · recall

  7. Ten come from the United States and ten from the rest of the world.

    Source: Little League International, Little League World Series history (littleleague.org); Little League Museum, Williamsport · recall

  8. 1947, 1957, 1959, then 2001.

    Source: Little League International, Little League World Series history (littleleague.org); Little League Museum, Williamsport · recall

  9. Thousands of teams start the summer.

    Source: Little League International, Little League World Series history (littleleague.org); Little League Museum, Williamsport · recall

  10. Admission to the games has always been free.

    Source: Little League International, Little League World Series history (littleleague.org); Little League Museum, Williamsport · applied

3.35Koshien's Traditions

Dirt, ivy, sirens and the summer of Japan's high schools.

Test 1Koshien's traditionsTake a test

  1. The first final had ended in a 15-inning tie.

    Source: Hanshin Koshien Stadium history (hanshin.co.jp); Japan High School Baseball Federation; Asahi Shimbun coverage of the 2006 final · recall

  2. He won the replayed final for Waseda Jitsugyo.

    Source: Hanshin Koshien Stadium history (hanshin.co.jp); Japan High School Baseball Federation; Asahi Shimbun coverage of the 2006 final · recall

  3. 1924 was a 'kōshi' year in the sixty-year cycle.

    Source: Hanshin Koshien Stadium history (hanshin.co.jp); Japan High School Baseball Federation; Asahi Shimbun coverage of the 2006 final · recall

  4. It turns red in the autumn.

    Source: Hanshin Koshien Stadium history (hanshin.co.jp); Japan High School Baseball Federation; Asahi Shimbun coverage of the 2006 final · recall

  5. Fans call it the 'road of death'.

    Source: Hanshin Koshien Stadium history (hanshin.co.jp); Japan High School Baseball Federation; Asahi Shimbun coverage of the 2006 final · recall

  6. Its wail is part of Japanese summer.

    Source: Hanshin Koshien Stadium history (hanshin.co.jp); Japan High School Baseball Federation; Asahi Shimbun coverage of the 2006 final · recall

  7. Tokyo and Hokkaido send two each.

    Source: Hanshin Koshien Stadium history (hanshin.co.jp); Japan High School Baseball Federation; Asahi Shimbun coverage of the 2006 final · recall

  8. Respect for the opponent and the field frames every game.

    Source: Hanshin Koshien Stadium history (hanshin.co.jp); Japan High School Baseball Federation; Asahi Shimbun coverage of the 2006 final · recall

  9. Thousands of schools start the summer.

    Source: Hanshin Koshien Stadium history (hanshin.co.jp); Japan High School Baseball Federation; Asahi Shimbun coverage of the 2006 final · recall

  10. The soil of Koshien is a keepsake of the summer.

    Source: Hanshin Koshien Stadium history (hanshin.co.jp); Japan High School Baseball Federation; Asahi Shimbun coverage of the 2006 final · applied

3.36All-Star Game Moments

Walk-offs, wind, collisions and a swing-off.

Test 1All-Star Game momentsTake a test

  1. He was batting .406 that season.

    Source: MLB.com All-Star Game history (1941, 1961, 1970, 1983, 1999, 2008, 2025); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  2. He homered on all three of his swings.

    Source: MLB.com All-Star Game history (1941, 1961, 1970, 1983, 1999, 2008, 2025); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  3. Cleveland catcher Ray Fosse was badly hurt.

    Source: MLB.com All-Star Game history (1941, 1961, 1970, 1983, 1999, 2008, 2025); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  4. The game marked the 50th anniversary of the first one.

    Source: MLB.com All-Star Game history (1941, 1961, 1970, 1983, 1999, 2008, 2025); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  5. The players crowded round him before the first pitch.

    Source: MLB.com All-Star Game history (1941, 1961, 1970, 1983, 1999, 2008, 2025); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  6. The extra game raised money for the players' pension fund.

    Source: MLB.com All-Star Game history (1941, 1961, 1970, 1983, 1999, 2008, 2025); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  7. It was the old stadium's last All-Star Game.

    Source: MLB.com All-Star Game history (1941, 1961, 1970, 1983, 1999, 2008, 2025); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  8. 1941, 1961, 1970, then 1983.

    Source: MLB.com All-Star Game history (1941, 1961, 1970, 1983, 1999, 2008, 2025); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  9. No extra innings are played.

    Source: MLB.com All-Star Game history (1941, 1961, 1970, 1983, 1999, 2008, 2025); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall

  10. Stu Miller was the pitcher; legend says he was blown off the mound.

    Source: MLB.com All-Star Game history (1941, 1961, 1970, 1983, 1999, 2008, 2025); National Baseball Hall of Fame · applied

3.37The Home Run Derby

The All-Star break's home run contest.

Test 1The Home Run DerbyTake a test

  1. It was played in Minneapolis's dome.

    Source: MLB.com, 'Home Run Derby history and winners'; MLB.com on the Derby's timed format (2015) · recall

  2. He hit six homers.

    Source: MLB.com, 'Home Run Derby history and winners'; MLB.com on the Derby's timed format (2015) · recall

  3. He won it in 1994, 1998 and 1999.

    Source: MLB.com, 'Home Run Derby history and winners'; MLB.com on the Derby's timed format (2015) · recall

  4. He hit 24 in the first round alone.

    Source: MLB.com, 'Home Run Derby history and winners'; MLB.com on the Derby's timed format (2015) · recall

  5. He beat Joc Pederson in a long tie-breaking duel.

    Source: MLB.com, 'Home Run Derby history and winners'; MLB.com on the Derby's timed format (2015) · recall

  6. He won a million dollars in 2019.

    Source: MLB.com, 'Home Run Derby history and winners'; MLB.com on the Derby's timed format (2015) · recall

  7. The Twins first baseman won with a smaller total.

    Source: MLB.com, 'Home Run Derby history and winners'; MLB.com on the Derby's timed format (2015) · recall

  8. 1985, 2005, 2008, then 2019.

    Source: MLB.com, 'Home Run Derby history and winners'; MLB.com on the Derby's timed format (2015) · recall

  9. Long drives earn extra seconds.

    Source: MLB.com, 'Home Run Derby history and winners'; MLB.com on the Derby's timed format (2015) · recall

  10. Before that each hitter had a number of outs.

    Source: MLB.com, 'Home Run Derby history and winners'; MLB.com on the Derby's timed format (2015) · applied

3.38Opening Day Traditions

Parades, bunting and first-day feats.

Test 1Opening Day traditionsTake a test

  1. The tradition honours the 1869 Red Stockings.

    Source: Cincinnati Reds, 'Opening Day and the Findlay Market Parade' (reds.com); MLB.com Opening Day records; SABR Games Project · recall

  2. The half-circle decorations mark special days.

    Source: Cincinnati Reds, 'Opening Day and the Findlay Market Parade' (reds.com); MLB.com Opening Day records; SABR Games Project · recall

  3. He beat the White Sox 1-0.

    Source: Cincinnati Reds, 'Opening Day and the Findlay Market Parade' (reds.com); MLB.com Opening Day records; SABR Games Project · recall

  4. Most of them came for the Mets.

    Source: Cincinnati Reds, 'Opening Day and the Findlay Market Parade' (reds.com); MLB.com Opening Day records; SABR Games Project · recall

  5. One of them lasted 15 innings.

    Source: Cincinnati Reds, 'Opening Day and the Findlay Market Parade' (reds.com); MLB.com Opening Day records; SABR Games Project · recall

  6. It was his 714th career home run.

    Source: Cincinnati Reds, 'Opening Day and the Findlay Market Parade' (reds.com); MLB.com Opening Day records; SABR Games Project · recall

  7. Findlay Market is Ohio's oldest public market.

    Source: Cincinnati Reds, 'Opening Day and the Findlay Market Parade' (reds.com); MLB.com Opening Day records; SABR Games Project · recall

  8. 1920, 1940, then 1974.

    Source: Cincinnati Reds, 'Opening Day and the Findlay Market Parade' (reds.com); MLB.com Opening Day records; SABR Games Project · recall

  9. Every player and coach is introduced.

    Source: Cincinnati Reds, 'Opening Day and the Findlay Market Parade' (reds.com); MLB.com Opening Day records; SABR Games Project · recall

  10. It is one of baseball's oldest traditions.

    Source: Cincinnati Reds, 'Opening Day and the Findlay Market Parade' (reds.com); MLB.com Opening Day records; SABR Games Project · applied

3.39Game 163

Extra games that broke ties for a place in October.

Test 1Game 163Take a test

  1. The Cardinals beat the Dodgers in two games.

    Source: MLB.com tiebreaker game history (1946-2018) and the 2022 rule change; SABR Games Project (1948, 1978, 2007, 2009) · recall

  2. Its player-manager hit two homers that day.

    Source: MLB.com tiebreaker game history (1946-2018) and the 2022 rule change; SABR Games Project (1948, 1978, 2007, 2009) · recall

  3. He had hit only four homers all season.

    Source: MLB.com tiebreaker game history (1946-2018) and the 2022 rule change; SABR Games Project (1948, 1978, 2007, 2009) · recall

  4. Colorado went on to reach the World Series.

    Source: MLB.com tiebreaker game history (1946-2018) and the 2022 rule change; SABR Games Project (1948, 1978, 2007, 2009) · recall

  5. It was the last regular-season game in their dome.

    Source: MLB.com tiebreaker game history (1946-2018) and the 2022 rule change; SABR Games Project (1948, 1978, 2007, 2009) · recall

  6. The Cubs met the Brewers and the Dodgers met the Rockies.

    Source: MLB.com tiebreaker game history (1946-2018) and the 2022 rule change; SABR Games Project (1948, 1978, 2007, 2009) · recall

  7. Head-to-head records decide them.

    Source: MLB.com tiebreaker game history (1946-2018) and the 2022 rule change; SABR Games Project (1948, 1978, 2007, 2009) · recall

  8. 1948, 1978, 2007, then 2009.

    Source: MLB.com tiebreaker game history (1946-2018) and the 2022 rule change; SABR Games Project (1948, 1978, 2007, 2009) · recall

  9. The Yankees won 5-4.

    Source: MLB.com tiebreaker game history (1946-2018) and the 2022 rule change; SABR Games Project (1948, 1978, 2007, 2009) · recall

  10. The umpire called him safe and the Rockies won.

    Source: MLB.com tiebreaker game history (1946-2018) and the 2022 rule change; SABR Games Project (1948, 1978, 2007, 2009) · applied

3.40Doubleheaders

Two games for the price of one, and one day of three.

Test 1DoubleheadersTake a test

  1. The Reds and the Pirates played three games in one day.

    Source: MLB.com doubleheader history; SABR Games Project (1920 tripleheader, Reulbach 1908, Musial 1954, Colbert 1972); SABR BioProject · recall

  2. The second game is played under the lights.

    Source: MLB.com doubleheader history; SABR Games Project (1920 tripleheader, Reulbach 1908, Musial 1954, Colbert 1972); SABR BioProject · recall

  3. Fans leave after the first game and new fans come in.

    Source: MLB.com doubleheader history; SABR Games Project (1920 tripleheader, Reulbach 1908, Musial 1954, Colbert 1972); SABR BioProject · recall

  4. He beat Brooklyn twice in one day.

    Source: MLB.com doubleheader history; SABR Games Project (1920 tripleheader, Reulbach 1908, Musial 1954, Colbert 1972); SABR BioProject · recall

  5. He was nicknamed 'Iron Man'.

    Source: MLB.com doubleheader history; SABR Games Project (1920 tripleheader, Reulbach 1908, Musial 1954, Colbert 1972); SABR BioProject · recall

  6. Nate Colbert matched him in 1972.

    Source: MLB.com doubleheader history; SABR Games Project (1920 tripleheader, Reulbach 1908, Musial 1954, Colbert 1972); SABR BioProject · recall

  7. The rule was dropped in 2022.

    Source: MLB.com doubleheader history; SABR Games Project (1920 tripleheader, Reulbach 1908, Musial 1954, Colbert 1972); SABR BioProject · recall

  8. 1920, 1954, 1972, then 2020.

    Source: MLB.com doubleheader history; SABR Games Project (1920 tripleheader, Reulbach 1908, Musial 1954, Colbert 1972); SABR BioProject · recall

  9. One ticket covers both games.

    Source: MLB.com doubleheader history; SABR Games Project (1920 tripleheader, Reulbach 1908, Musial 1954, Colbert 1972); SABR BioProject · recall

  10. Colbert did it for San Diego in Atlanta.

    Source: MLB.com doubleheader history; SABR Games Project (1920 tripleheader, Reulbach 1908, Musial 1954, Colbert 1972); SABR BioProject · applied

Sources

Primary/official sources only, no Wikipedia citations: the National Baseball Hall of Fame, MLB and its clubs, the WBSC, SABR's BioProject, the Library of Congress, Guinness World Records, makers' and leagues' own histories and named reputable media.

  • MLB.com World Series history (1906, 1985, 2000); club histories of the Cubs and White Sox, Dodgers and Angels, Nationals and Orioles10
  • MLB.com, 'The Earthquake Series' (1989); USGS on the Loma Prieta earthquake (17 October 1989); National Baseball Hall of Fame10
  • MLB.com, World Series Most Valuable Player Award history and the Willie Mays award (2017); SABR Games Project10
  • Little League International, Little League World Series history (littleleague.org); Little League Museum, Williamsport10
  • Hanshin Koshien Stadium history (hanshin.co.jp); Japan High School Baseball Federation; Asahi Shimbun coverage of the 2006 final10
  • MLB.com All-Star Game history (1941, 1961, 1970, 1983, 1999, 2008, 2025); National Baseball Hall of Fame10
  • MLB.com, 'Home Run Derby history and winners'; MLB.com on the Derby's timed format (2015)10
  • Cincinnati Reds, 'Opening Day and the Findlay Market Parade' (reds.com); MLB.com Opening Day records; SABR Games Project10
  • MLB.com tiebreaker game history (1946-2018) and the 2022 rule change; SABR Games Project (1948, 1978, 2007, 2009)10
  • MLB.com doubleheader history; SABR Games Project (1920 tripleheader, Reulbach 1908, Musial 1954, Colbert 1972); SABR BioProject10