1996 World Series Championship Victory

Lore & Background

The Yankees lost the first two games at home, being outscored by the Braves, 16–1. However, they rebounded to win the next four games, the last three in close fashion, including a dramatic comeback win in Game 4 to tie the series. They became the third team to win a World Series after losing Games 1 and 2 at their home stadium, following the Kansas City Royals in 1985 and the New York Mets in 1986. They also became the first team since the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1981 to win four consecutive games in a World Series after losing the first two. Yankees relief pitcher John Wetteland was named the World Series Most Valuable Player for saving all four Yankee wins. The Yankees victory also resulted in general manager Bob Watson becoming the first African-American general manager to win the World Series.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Yankee Stadium crackled with tension as the final out rang true. Braves players rushed the mound, their red-and-navy uniforms blending in a chaotic sea of celebration under the October lights. Confetti rained down on the Bronx turf, but for the Atlanta faithful watching from home, it was a moment of vindication after decades of waiting.

Reader's Guide

Game 5 was the final game to be played at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, as the Braves moved into Turner Field the following season. Atlanta became the only city to host the World Series and the Olympics in the same year and Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium became the only stadium to host baseball in an Olympics and the World Series in the same year. The series was played from October 20–26, 1996, and was broadcast on television on Fox.

Did You Know?

• The Braves hit .315 during the first six innings and .176 afterward in the 1996 World Series.
• This was the first World Series to feature the series logo on the side of each team's hats.
• Yankees' manager Joe Torre was facing off against the team he starred for as a player from 1960 to 1968 and managed from 1982 to 1984.