2017 World Series

Lore & Background

The Astros became the second team in postseason history to win two Game 7s in one postseason, after the 1985 Kansas City Royals. It was the first time since 2001–2002 when two consecutive World Series went to seven games. Both teams set a World Series record with a combined total of 25 home runs throughout the entire series, including a team record 15 home runs by the Astros, and 10 home runs by the Dodgers, and hit a combined total of eight home runs in Game 2 to set the single game World Series mark. Houston outfielder George Springer was named the World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) after hitting five home runs in the series to tie a World Series record with Reggie Jackson in 1977 and Chase Utley in 2009. This was the first World Series in which home-field advantage was decided by the regular season record of the two pennant winners. The Dodgers earned home-field advantage over the Astros. The series was played in a 2–3–2 format, with the Dodgers hosting Games 1, 2, 6, and 7; and the Astros hosting Games 3, 4, and 5. The Astros' victory was marred in 2019 after a league investigation revealed that they had illegally utilized a system to steal signs from opposing teams during their championship season. As a result, the Astros were fined $5 million and docked several top draft picks, while Astros manager A. J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended for one year; both were subsequently fired. Despite the scandal, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred opted against punishing any of the players involved or revoking the Astros' World Series title.

In Their Own Story

The lights hummed over Minute Maid Park on a humid Houston night. The air smelled of cut grass and anticipation. As the final out was recorded, the silence broke into a roar that echoed through the stands. Players in navy blue collapsed to the diamond, not just celebrating a win, but finally ending a forty-year wait for the city.

Reader's Guide

This was the first World Series matchup, and second postseason meeting overall, between the Astros and Dodgers. Los Angeles defeated Houston in five games in the 1981 National League Division Series, en route to its fifth World Series championship (and first since 1965). The teams also met in the 1980 National League West tie-breaker game, won by the Astros at Dodger Stadium. This was the first Fall Classic since , and the eighth overall, in which both participants had 100 or more wins during the regular season. The two teams did not meet in interleague play during the regular season. The Dodgers held a 104–58 record; the Astros held a 101–61 record. The Astros won their first American League West title, their first division title since 2001, and the #2 seed in the AL. This was their second World Series appearance, first since 2005, and first appearance as a member of the American League (which the team joined in 2013), as they became the first team in history to make it to the World Series as members of both National and American Leagues.

Did You Know?

• Houston outfielder George Springer was named the World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) after hitting five home runs in the series.
• Both teams set a World Series record with a combined total of 25 home runs throughout the entire series.
• The Astros became the first team from Texas to win a World Series.
• This was the first World Series in which home-field advantage was decided by the regular season record of the two pennant winners.