1983 World Series Championship

Lore & Background

This was the last World Series that Bowie Kuhn presided over as commissioner, as well as Pete Rose’s final World Series appearance. This was the first World Series since 1956 in which the teams did not use air travel, as Baltimore and Philadelphia are approximately 100 mi apart. It was the Phillies’ second World Series appearance in four years. It would be 10 years before they would appear in the Fall Classic again and 25 years before they would win another. As of , this is Baltimore's most recent World Series championship, and also their most recent appearance in a World Series. The Orioles currently hold the sixth longest championship drought in the majors. This was the first World Series in which no umpire worked behind home plate using the outside chest protector.

Reader's Guide

The Orioles were led by first-year manager Joe Altobelli, who succeeded Earl Weaver. The lineup was led by first baseman Eddie Murray and shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. The pitching staff was headed by 18-game winner Scott McGregor and 25-year-old Mike Boddicker. The Phillies' roster averaged 32 years of age, nicknamed the 'Wheeze Kids.' They were led offensively by 33-year-old Mike Schmidt. John Denny won the Cy Young Award with a 19–6 record. The Orioles won the American League East by six games over the Detroit Tigers, then defeated the Chicago White Sox three games to one in the ALCS. The Phillies won the National League East by six games over the Pittsburgh Pirates, then defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers three games to one in the NLCS.

Did You Know?

• The World Series MVP was Rick Dempsey.
• The Orioles won the series 4 games to 1.
• Jim Palmer's win in Game 3 made him one of several pitchers to win a World Series game in three different decades, including Whitey Ford and Bob Gibson.
• This was the first World Series game in which three Cy Young Award winners pitched.