The 1963 Pennant Race

Lore & Background

The streak reminded people (including Cardinal Hall of Famer Stan Musial, who started in 1941 and was in his final season in 1963) of the 1942 performance, despite the result.

In Their Own Story

The sun dipped low over Chavez Ravine, casting long shadows across the grass of Dodger Stadium. Sandy Koufax stood on the mound, adjusting his cap with practiced calmness. The crowd hushed as he wound up, the white ball a blur against the blue sky. It wasn't just about the strikeout; it was the silence that followed, the collective breath held by thousands who knew they were witnessing history unfold in real time.

Reader's Guide

From 1963 to 1968, either the Cardinals or Dodgers represented the National League in the World Series. 1963, 1965, and 1966 for Los Angeles and 1964, 1967, and 1968 for St. Louis.

Did You Know?

• The Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 4 games to 0 in the 1963 World Series.
• Divisions did not exist until 1969, so the National League had not yet split into East and West divisions in 1963.
• In 1963, the Dodgers finished 6 games ahead of the second-place St. Louis Cardinals, not 10 games ahead of the Giants (the Giants finished 11 games back).