1981 World Series Game 6 vs New York Yankees
The 1981 Dodgers, led by Fernando Valenzuela, ended a 16-year title drought with a 5-2 win in Game 6.
The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in Game 6 of the 1981 World Series, winning the championship. The game was played on October 28, 1981. The final score was 5-2. The victory ended a 16-year championship drought for the Dodgers, who had last won the World Series in 1965.
- Date
- November 25, 1981
- Location
- Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
- Series Result
- Dodgers win 4-2
- Final Score
- Dodgers 5, Yankees 2
- Key Performer
- Ron Cey (3 RBIs)
- Winning Pitcher
- Burt Hooton
Lore & Background
In 1981, rookie pitcher Fernando Valenzuela became a sensation and led the team to a championship. He remains the only player to win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season.
In Their Own Story
The air in Yankee Stadium crackled with tension as the series hung by a thread. As the fifth inning approached, the Dodgers held a narrow lead before Ron Cey stepped up to the plate. He connected with a pitch that sailed deep into the Bronx bleachers for a two-run homer, breaking open the scoring and sending the traveling fans into a frenzy. Burt Hooton wiped sweat from his brow on the mound, knowing that one more out would seal the fate of the franchise and rewrite history for Los Angeles.
Reader's Guide
The 1981 World Series Game 6 was played at Yankee Stadium. The Dodgers' victory secured their first title since 1965.
Did You Know?
- Fernando Valenzuela is the only player to win both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season.
- The Dodgers' 1981 World Series win ended a 16-year championship drought.
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