What Makes a Great MLB Team?
Before diving into some of the greatest teams of all time, it’s important to understand what makes a great MLB team. A successful team is more than just a collection of great players, though that certainly helps. It also comes down to strong leadership, great coaching, and a team mentality. A team must be able to come together and play as a cohesive unit, and that’s something that can’t be replicated.
The best teams in baseball history also have a penchant for winning. Obviously, winning is important in any sport, but it’s especially important in baseball. The best teams are the ones that can consistently win, no matter the circumstances. That means they have the ability to take down the toughest competition and come out on top.
Finally, the greatest teams have a knack for making history. They have memorable players, unforgettable moments, and epic comebacks. They leave an indelible mark on the game and remain beloved by fans long after their time in the spotlight has passed.
New York Yankees (1920s)
The New York Yankees of the 1920s are perhaps the most iconic team in the history of Major League Baseball. They won four World Series championships, including the famed “Murderers’ Row” team of 1927. Led by Babe Ruth, who hit a record 60 home runs that season, and Lou Gehrig, the Yankees were unstoppable. They were known for their power-hitting, and their pitching staff was also top-notch, with four Hall of Fame pitchers.
The Yankees of the 1920s were a remarkable team, and they set the standard for all future teams to come. They were the first to win multiple World Series, and they set the bar high for future teams to follow. They are remembered fondly by fans, and their legacy lives on to this day.
St. Louis Cardinals (1940s)
The St. Louis Cardinals of the 1940s were a powerhouse in the National League. They won three World Series championships in the decade, and their roster was full of Hall of Fame players. Stan Musial and Enos Slaughter were two of the team’s most iconic players, and their pitching staff was also impressive, featuring the likes of Mort Cooper and Harry Brecheen.
The Cardinals of the 1940s were a force to be reckoned with, and they remain one of the most beloved teams in baseball history. They were the first team to win three World Series championships in a decade, and their success set the stage for future Cardinals teams.
Baltimore Orioles (1970s)
The Baltimore Orioles of the 1970s were a powerhouse in the American League. Led by future Hall of Famers like Jim Palmer, Eddie Murray, and Cal Ripken Jr., the Orioles won three World Series championships in the decade. They were known for their strong pitching staff, which featured four 20-game winners in 1971, and their powerful lineup, which included the likes of Brooks Robinson and Ken Singleton.
The Orioles of the 1970s were a dominant force, and they remain one of the greatest teams in baseball history. They were the first team to win three championships in a decade, and their success set the stage for future Orioles teams.
Los Angeles Dodgers (1980s)
The Los Angeles Dodgers of the 1980s were one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball history. They won two World Series championships in the decade, and their roster was full of Hall of Fame players. Steve Garvey, Fernando Valenzuela, and Orel Hershiser led the team to the title, and their pitching staff was also impressive, featuring the likes of Don Sutton and Jerry Reuss.
The Dodgers of the 1980s were a force to be reckoned with, and they remain one of the most beloved teams in baseball history.
Atlanta Braves (1990s)
The Atlanta Braves of the 1990s were one of the most dominant teams in Major League Baseball history. Led by Hall of Famers like Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Greg Maddux, the Braves won 14 consecutive division titles from 1991 to 2005. They also won the 1995 World Series, and their pitching staff was one of the best of all time.
The Braves of the 1990s were a remarkable team, and they remain one of the most famous teams in baseball history. They were the first team to win 14 consecutive division titles, and their success set the stage for future Braves teams.
Boston Red Sox (2000s)
The Boston Red Sox won two World Series championships in the decade, and their roster was full of stars. Led by future Hall of Famers like David Ortiz and Pedro Martinez, the Red Sox broke the “Curse of the Bambino” and won their first championship in 86 years in 2004. They also won the 2007 World Series, and their lineup was one of the most feared in baseball.
San Francisco Giants (2010s)
The San Francisco Giants of the 2010s were one of the best teams in Major League Baseball history. Led by future Hall of Famers like Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner, the Giants won three World Series championships in the decade. They were also known for their pitching staff, which featured the likes of Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, and their lineup, which included the likes of Pablo Sandoval and Hunter Pence.
Honorable Mentions
While these teams are some of the best in Major League Baseball history, there are other teams that deserve recognition for their excellence. The Cincinnati Reds of the 1970s won two World Series championships, and the Oakland Athletics of the 1970s and 1980s won three. The Toronto Blue Jays of the 1990s won two World Series championships, and the Philadelphia Phillies of the 2000s won one. Finally, the Chicago Cubs of the 2010s won their first championship in 108 years in 2016.
