Which MLB Teams Have Never Won A World Series?

Back in my playing days, stepping up to the plate was always a thrill for me! But every game wasn’t a home run. 

I had my fair share of misses. And now, I see the young players I coach experiencing the same. It is all part of the game. Every miss teaches us something new! 

Ever been curious about which MLB teams have never won a World Series? 

There are six teams still looking forward to that big win. Each of them has their own story of highs and lows. It’s a tough journey, but the quest for the Commissioner’s trophy keeps everyone going.

So, let’s explore the stories of those teams still on the hunt for their first World Series trophy. 

The Importance of the World Series in MLB

In Major League Baseball, the World Series is the finale after a year of hard work for all the teams. Winning it is a big achievement every player dreams of. 

Every fall, a team from the American League and one from the National League compete to see who’s the best in baseball. The players who win become legends and the team’s performance is re membered forever. 

But not every team has tasted this glory. Some are still waiting for their first win. Let’s find out who they are.

6 MLB Teams That Never Won A World Series

There are six MLB teams that haven’t had the joy of winning a World Series yet!

1. Seattle Mariners
2. Texas Rangers
3. San Diego Padres
4. Milwaukee Brewers
5. Tampa Bay Rays
6. Colorado Rockies

1. Seattle Mariners

The Mariners joined the MLB scene in 1977. They have been chasing that World Series dream for over 40 years. But sadly, this team has never even set foot in a World Series game!

Mariners ‘ spirits were high in the 90s and the early 2000s. They were so close to the Trophy, reaching the AL Championship game three times. 

Their first playoff appearance? That was in 1995 when they got an AL West title. They sent the Yankees home in the ALDS but couldn’t defeat the Indians. Randy Johnson received the Cy Young award, and Lou Pinella got voted manager of the year!

In 1997, despite Griffey earning MVP honors, they stumbled in the ALDS to the Orioles.

But 2001? Oh, what a year! The Mariners were on fire, winning 116 games. That’s an American League record! Everyone thought they were going to win.

They did beat the Cleveland Indians. But those New York Yankees? Tough break, they stopped the Mariners right in their tracks. The World Series dream was shattered once again. 

Famous players like Alex Rodriguez, Edgar Martinez, and Ichiro Suzuki have played for the Mariners. But winning seasons? There haven’t been many of those.

Jumping to 2022, the Mariners were back in the limelight. After a long 21 years, they finally ended their playoff drought with a solid 90-72 record. 

The city was alive with hope. They secured a Wild Card spot. Took down the Toronto Blue Jays. But the Houston Astros eliminated them in the AL Division Series.

2. Texas Rangers

Texas Rangers is a team with a history that’s both rich and, well, a bit heartbreaking. Their story begins in 1961, but not as the Rangers. They were originally founded as the Washington Senators. 

A decade later, in 1972, the franchise moved to Texas and became the Texas Rangers we all know today. 

Now, I wouldn’t sugarcoat it. The Rangers have been chasing that World Series title for a long time. They’re holding onto a record nobody really wants: the longest wait for a World Series win. In fact, the Senators, their precursor, hadn’t won a World Series either. 

It wasn’t all rough, though. Things started looking up in 1996. The Rangers secured a playoff spot by winning the AL West, and then, in 1998, Juan Gonzalez grabbed the MVP! They won the division again in 1999 but never made it past the ALDS in those three playoff shots.

The team landed third or fourth from 2000-07. But in 2010, the Rangers made repeated World Series appearances. That year, they had stars like Josh Hamilton and Adrian Beltre! 

They fell to the San Francisco Giants in five games in the first one. And in the second? They battled against the Cardinals, and it was intense. First World Series to hit seven games since 2002! 

But then, David Freese from the Cardinals had to step up and hit that game-changing two-run triple. It was tough watching the championship slip away.

Throughout their journey, the Rangers have had eight shots at the playoffs. They’ve earned the AL West title seven times and even snagged a Wild Card spot. Every season, fans and players wonder: “Is this our year?”

Fast forward to right now, and they are not giving up. The Rangers are showing some serious heart. And you know what? 2023 could be their year. 

3. San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres have been playing baseball in the MLB since 1969. They have made it to the big World Series stage twice. 

The first one was in 1984 against the Detroit Tigers. They beat the Cubs 3 by 2 in the ALDS. But the Tigers were tough, and the Padres lost in five games. 

Then, in 1998, they matched against the New York Yankees. What a match it was! The Padres couldn’t grab the win and were down in just four games. But these appearances, while heartbreaking, showed the team’s potential and determination.

In between and beyond, the Padres grabbed a couple of division titles in the mid-’90s and made it to the playoffs seven times in total. 

There were dry spells, too, between 1999 and 2019, with only two shots at the postseason, but the Padres never lost their spark.

They were runner-up in 2020 in the NL West, making it to the NLDS and NLCS.

Come 2022, and they were back in the game! That year, they took the Wild Card game and also shone in the NL Division Series. Sadly, the Philadelphia Phillies defeated them in the NLCS. 

4. Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers is a team with a history that’s as rich as it is challenging. Their journey began as the Seattle Pilots in 1969. But after just a year, they said, “Let’s head to Milwaukee!” In 1970, they became the Brewers.

Their journey was never smooth. They have had good seasons and some unlucky ones. But they’ve made it into the playoffs eight times! They also secured two AL East Division titles and three NL Central ones. 

Did you know? This team shifted from the American League to the National League in 1998. 

They have experienced the World Series stage in their entire era just once. It was 1982; the Brewers fought bravely against the St. Louis Cardinals. What a series! It was a nail-biter, stretching to a full seven games. They even pulled off Game 1 with a dominant 10-0 victory. But they lost the series 4-3.

Then came a long wait. From 1983 to 2007, the playoffs were just a dream. But the Brewers were back in action in 2008! They fought hard but lost to the Phillies in the NLDS. 

They didn’t stop there, making another NLCS appearance in 2011 and charging into the playoffs four times straight from 2018-21. None of those seasons matched the magic of 1982, but they showed their spirit!

5. Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays became a part of MLB in 1998. They’re the youngest teams in the league, so they have a short history.

Twice, they have been under the big lights of the World Series. First in 2008, squaring off against the Philadelphia Phillies, and then in 2020, against the LA Dodgers. Both times, though, they just could not win that championship. A tough break, for sure.

Afterwards, they had good runs, winning or finishing second in the division in 2010 and 2011. But the Rangers got the better of them in the ALDS. The Rays bounced back with wins in the Wild Card round in 2013 and 2019.

Jump to 2022; they made it to the playoffs by grabbing a Wild Card spot. But, ouch, the Cleveland Guardians stopped them in the very first round. 

Now, 2023? The Rays came out swinging! They started with a record-breaking 13-game winning streak. That’s the longest-winning start to a season! However, their win percentage has seen some ups and downs since. But they are hanging in there with a solid record.

6. Colorado Rockies

In 1993, the Rockies joined the MLB, giving Denver its very own baseball team. Since day one, they have been a team that gets fans excited, especially in Denver. But, like a few others on our list, they have never won the World Series title.

They’ve had their moments throughout their journey. 2007 was special for them when they secured the National League pennant. They won 21 of their last 22 games, moving to the World Series. The whole city was buzzing! 

But then, the Boston Red Sox stepped in. They were a tough competition, beating the Rockies in just four games. So, Denver had to wait a bit longer for that championship dream.

Over the years, the Rockies have played the playoffs five times. And each of those times, they entered as a Wild Card winner. But they won’t be in the playoffs this season. 

FAQs About Which MLB Teams Have Never Won A World Series

1. Which team won the World Series with the least wins?

The Louis Cardinals. This team won the World Series with only 83 wins in the regular season.

2. Who won the most World Series?

It’s the New York Yankees! They have won the most World Series, with 27 championships.

3. Who has been waiting the longest to win the World Series again?

The Cleveland Guardians haven’t won the World Series the longest. They last won in 1948, making it the longest drought without a championship.

My Opinion on MLB Teams That Never Won A World Series

In my journey from player to coach, I have learned that persistence and passion define the game. The six MLB teams that have never won a World Series title epitomize this spirit.

Every season, they step up to the plate with renewed hope, displaying a resilience that inspires young players. Despite close calls and heartbreaking losses, their continuous hunt for glory teaches us the essence of baseball. 

Their stories of persistence remind us that every swing, every miss, is a step closer to that big win. It’s the beauty of the game, where the journey is just as significant as the destination.

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