1997 NLDS Game 5 Walk-Off vs Braves
The 1997 World Series saw the Florida Marlins, in just their fifth season, defeat the Cleveland Indians in seven games to become the first wild card team to win a World Series.
The 1997 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 1997 season. The 93rd edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff between the American League (AL) champion Cleveland Indians and the National League (NL) champion Florida Marlins. The Marlins, who were underdogs, defeated the Indians, four games to three, to win their first World Series championship. Game 7 was decided in extra innings on a walk-off single hit by Édgar Rentería. The series began on October 18 and ended on October 26 (though Game 7 ended just after midnight local time October 27). Marlins pitcher Liván Hernández was named the World Series Most Valuable Player.
Quick Facts
- Series
- 1997 NL Division Series, Game 5
- Opponent
- Atlanta Braves
- Series result
- Marlins won 3–2
- Game result
- Walk-off win in extra innings
- Venue
- Pro Player Stadium, Miami, Florida
- Significance
- Franchise's first playoff series victory
Lore & Background
The Marlins advanced to the World Series by defeating the San Francisco Giants in the NL Division Series, three games to none, and then the Atlanta Braves in the NL Championship Series, four games to two; the Marlins set an MLB record by reaching a World Series in just their fifth season of existence. This was the fourth time in World Series history a Game 7 went into extra innings, and was the most recent occasion until the 2016 World Series, in which the Indians also lost in extra innings. The Marlins' championship made them the first wild card team to ever win the World Series.
Reader's Guide
The 1997 World Series featured the Florida Marlins and the Cleveland Indians. The Marlins won the series four games to three. Game 1 was won by the Marlins 7–4. Game 2 was won by the Indians 6–1. Game 3 was won by the Marlins 14–11. Game 4 was won by the Indians 10–3. Game 5 was won by the Marlins 8–7. Game 6 was won by the Indians 4–1. Game 7 was won by the Marlins 3–2 in extra innings.
Did You Know?
- The official gametime temperature of 35 °F (3.3 °C) in Game 4 remains the coldest recorded in World Series history.
- This was the only World Series that Paul Beeston would preside over as CEO of MLB.
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