Since 1955, when Johnny Podres of the Dodgers claimed the first-ever World Series MVP award, 69 individual champions have lifted this trophy on baseball’s biggest stage. From dominant pitchers to clutch hitters, each one wrote their name into October lore.
The Two-Time Winners
Three players have won the award twice. Reggie Jackson captured it in 1973 (Oakland A’s) and 1977 (Yankees), batting .450 with 2 home runs in that legendary ’77 series. David Ortiz won back-to-back in 2004 and 2013 with Boston, posting a .688 average in 2013 with 2 HR and 6 RBIs. Sandy Koufax (1955, 1965) was the first pitcher to achieve the feat, posting a combined 0.95 ERA across both his Series appearances.
Pitchers vs. Hitters
Of the 69 total MVPs, 29 have been pitchers (42%) and 40 hitters (58%). Pitchers dominated the 1960s and 70s, winning nearly every year. Today’s game shows a clear shift toward offensive players, reflecting modern baseball’s emphasis on run production.
Individual Series Records
Albert Pujols (2011 Cardinals) set the tone with a .444 average, 2 homers, and 6 RBIs across 7 games. Bobby Richardson (1960 Yankees) remains the only hitter to win MVP without hitting a home run, averaging .367 with 12 RBIs. On the mound, Mariano Rivera (1999 Yankees) pitched 3 games without allowing a single earned run.
| Year | Player | Team | Position | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Johnny Podres | Dodgers | P | 1.38 ERA |
| 1975 | Pete Rose | Reds | OF | .370 AVG |
| 1999 | Mariano Rivera | Yankees | P | 0 ER, 3 G |
| 2011 | Albert Pujols | Cardinals | 1B | .444 AVG, 2 HR |
| 2023 | Corey Seager | Rangers | SS | .364 AVG, 2 HR |
Rookies and Surprises
Marty Marion (1946 Cardinals) was the first rookie to win the award. More recently, Corey Seager claimed it in 2023 at age 29 in his first year with Texas, batting .364 with 2 homers in 5 games—a stellar debut on October’s grandest stage.
FAQ
Who was the first World Series MVP ever?
Johnny Podres of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955, when the franchise won its only championship before relocating to Los Angeles.
How many times has a pitcher won the MVP?
29 times out of 69 total (42%). The most recent were Mariano Rivera (1999) and John Smoltz (1996).
Can a player from the losing team win World Series MVP?
No. The World Series MVP is always from the winning team. The Babe Ruth Award exists to honor the best player across the entire series, regardless of outcome.
