THE only ones happy with the way we are sending off Yankee Stadium are the numerologists among us, who understand one quirky development of a playoff-free 2008: for now, and forever, there will have been exactly 100 World Series games played inside Yankee Stadium. And I ask you, dear reader: given that knowledge, why wouldn’t we rank them?
1. Oct. 8, 1956, Yankees 2, Dodgers 0 (Game 5): Seven words: The imperfect man pitched the perfect game. The perfect way to start this list, thanks to Don Larsen.
2. Oct. 4, 1955, Dodgers 2, Yankees 0 (G7): Next Year finally arrives for Brooklyn thanks to Sandy Amoros’ glove and Johnny Podres’ arm.
3. Oct. 31, 2001, Yankees 4, Diamondbacks 3 (G4): Tino Martinez rescues them in the ninth, Derek Jeter becomes Mr. November in the 10th, just past midnight.
4. Nov. 1, 2001, Yankees 3, Diamondbacks 2 (G5): The very next night and, impossibly, incredibly, the very same outcome, only it’s Scott Brosius in the ninth and an RBI single by Alfonso Soriano in the 11th.
5. Oct. 10, 1926, Cardinals 3, Yankees 2 (G7): A little bit of everything: Babe Ruth hits a homer to give Yanks an early lead; Grover Cleveland Alexander, nursing a hangover, fans Tony Lazzeri with bases jammed in seventh; Babe Ruth is caught stealing second to end Series in the ninth.
6. Oct. 18, 1977, Yankees 8, Dodgers 4 (G6): Reggie! Reggie! Reggie!
7. Oct. 10, 1923, Giants 5, Yankees 4 (G1): First-ever Series game is a beaut, won on Casey Stengel’s inside-the-parker in the top of the ninth.
8. Oct. 5, 1947, Dodgers 8, Yankees 6 (G6): Down three runs in the sixth, Joe DiMaggio bids to tie the game before Al Gionfriddo and his glove intervene.
9. Oct. 26, 1996, Yankees 3, Braves 2 (G6): After 18 years, a return to glory and Wade Boggs rides a horse to celebrate.
10. Oct. 21, 2000, Yankees 4, Mets 3 (G1): First Subway Series game in 44 years is a classic highlighted by Paul O’Neill’s walk in ninth and Jose Vizcaino’s walk-off single in 12th.
11. Oct. 5, 1949, Yankees 1, Dodgers 0 (G1): Tommy Henrich’s homer off Don Newcombe in bottom of ninth makes Allie Reynolds the winner in the greatest Series pitchers’ duel ever
12. Oct. 12, 1923, Giants 1, Yankees 0 (G3): That man Casey strikes again, first man to hit a Seres homer that clears the fence.
13. Oct. 5, 1953, Yankees 4, Dodgers 3 (G7): Dodgers score two in top of ninth to keep Series hope alive, but Billy Martin delivers the championship with RBI single in bottom half.
14. Oct. 8, 1927, Yankees 4, Pirates 3 (G4): Earle Combs scores on wild pitch in bottom of ninth as Murderer’s Row Yanks win title for first time at Stadium.
15. Oct. 2, 1963, Dodgers 5, Yankees 2 (G1): Sandy Koufax fans record 15 Yanks.
16. Oct. 10, 1964, Yankees 2, Cardinals 1 (G1): Mantle connects off Barney Schultz in bottom of ninth for win and his last Series HR at Yankee Stadium.
17. Oct. 22, 2000, Yankees 6, Mets 5 (G2): Roger Clemens throws the bat at Mike Piazza.
18. Oct. 26, 1999, Yankees 6, Braves 5 (G3): Chad Curtis’ walk-off in 10th caps Yanks rally from 5-1 down against Tom Glavine.
19. Oct. 6, 1950, Yankees 3, Phillies 2 (G3): Jerry Coleman singles in bottom of ninth to edge Whiz Kids.
20. Oct. 6, 1949, Dodgers 1, Yankees 0 (G2): Preacher Roe throws a six-hitter.
21. Oct. 2, 1926, Yankees 2, Cardinals 1 (G1): Not a bad formula: Lou Gehrig drives in Ruth with winning run in the sixth.
22. Oct. 11, 1964, Cardinals 4, Yankees 3 (G4): Ken Boyer’s grand slam wins it.
23. Oct. 13, 1978, Yankees 5, Dodgers 1 (G3): Graig Nettles’ glove wins it by itself.
24. Oct. 7, 1950, Yankees 5, Phillies 2 (G4): Whitey Ford, 21, tosses eight shutout innings.
25. Oct. 3, 1936, Yankees 2, Giants 1 (G3): Frank Crosetti’s RBI single wins it in the eighth.
26. Oct. 11, 1977, Yankees 4, Dodgers 3 (G1): Paul Blair’s single plates Willie Randolph in bottom of 11th.
27. Oct. 10, 1957, Braves 5, Yankees 0 (G7): Discarded Yankee farmhand Lew Burdette wins third game of series, eliminating Yanks with a seven-hit shutout.
28. Oct. 14, 1978, Yankees 4, Dodgers 3 (G4): Reggie helps win it with his thigh this time instead of his bat, and Lou Piniella drives in game-winner in 10th.
29. Oct. 5, 1942, Cardinals 4, Yankees 2 (G5): Whitey Kurowski’s ninth-inning homer delivers Cards to Series title.
30. Oct. 30, 2001, Yankees 2, Diamondbacks 1 (G3): Clemens’ finest hour as a Yankee.
31. Oct. 25, 2003, Marlins 2, Yankees 0 (G6): Josh Beckett makes like Johnny Podres in what turns out to be last World Series game in Stadium’s history.
32. Oct. 4, 1928, Yankees 4, Cardinals 1 (G1): Waite Hoyt scatters four hits.
33. Oct. 3, 1957, Braves 4, Yankees 2 (G2): Burdette begins his revenge tour.
34. Oct. 12, 1964, Cardinals 5, Yankees 2 (G5): Tim McCarver hits three-run blast in 10th.
35. Oct. 27, 1999, Yankees 4, Braves 1 (G4 ): Clemens clinches 25th title of the 20th Century with 72/3 innings of four-hit ball.
36. Oct. 1, 1941, Yankees 3, Dodgers 2 (G1): Seventh straight Series win at Stadium.
37. Oct. 2, 1957, Yankees 3, Braves 1 (G1): Ford outduels Warren Spahn.
38. Oct. 14, 1923, Yankees 8, Giants 1 (G5): Jumpin’ Joe Dugan homers for first-ever win for the home team at the Stadium.
39. Oct. 3, 1926, Cardinals 6, Yankees 2 (G2): Alexander throws a four-hitter at the Yanks.
40. Oct. 18, 2003, Marlins 3, Yankees 2 (G1): Still hung over from Aaron Boone Game.
41. Oct. 4, 1936, Yankees 5, Giants 2 (G4): Gehrig’s final Series homer ignites Yanks.
42. Oct. 9, 1957, Yankees 3, Braves 2 (G6): Hank Bauer’s seventh-inning HR saves Yanks.
43. Oct. 2, 1941, Dodgers 3, Yankees 2 (G2): Whit Wyatt outduels Spud Chandler.
44. Oct. 5, 1936, Giants 5, Yankees 4 (G5): Yanks lose in 10 on Bill Terry sac fly.
45. Oct. 4, 1961, Yankees 2, Reds 0 (G1): Ford extends shutout streak against Redlegs.
46. Oct. 8, 1938, Yankees 5, Cubs 2 (G3): Joe Gordon drives in three.
47. Oct. 5, 1952, Dodgers 6, Yankees 5 (G5): Duke Snider’s RBI double in 11th wins it.
48. Oct. 17, 1998, Yankees 9, Padres 6 (G1): Seven-run seventh fuels Series wipeout.
49. Sept. 28, 1955, Yankees 6, Dodgers 5 (G1): Joe Collins’ two homers are the difference.
50. Oct. 5, 1943, Yankees 4, Cardinals 2 (G1): Gordon’s home run is the game-winner.
51. Oct. 9, 1960, Pirates 3, Yankees 2 (G4): Yankees stymied by Vern Law and Elroy Face.
52. Oct. 4, 1939, Yankees 2, Reds 1 (G1): Dickey’s ninth-inning RBI single wins it.
53. Oct. 7, 1962, Yankees 3, Giants 2 (G3): Two RBIs from Roger Maris are the key.
54. Oct. 3, 1963, Dodgers 4, Yankees 1 (G2): Podres returns to scene of the crime.
55. Oct. 9, 1926, Cardinals 10, Yankees 2 (G6): Alexander wins second game of Series, then famously goes on a bender that night.
56. Oct. 5, 1939, Yankees 4, Reds 0 (G2): Monte Pearson throws two-hitter at Reds.
57. Oct. 6, 1943, Cardinals 4, Yankees 3 (G2): Mort Cooper holds off late Yanks rally.
58. Oct. 6, 1947, Yankees 5, Dodgers 2 (G7): Bobby Brown’s pinch-hit double is key hit as Yanks win 10th Series title.
59. Oct. 19, 2003, Yankees 6, Marlins 1 (G2): Andy Pettitte to the rescue again.
60. Sept. 29, 1955, Yankees 4, Dodgers 2 (G2): Tommy Byrne twirls a five-hitter.
61. Sept. 30, 1947, Yankees 5, Dodgers 3 (G1): Jackie Robinson breaks World Series color barrier, goes 0-for-2 with two walks and a run.
62. Oct. 5, 1951, Giants 5, Yankees 1 (G1): Fresh off Miracle at Coogan’s Bluff, Giants keep momentum going the next day thanks to Alvin Dark’s homer.
63. Oct. 5, 1928, Yankees 9, Cardinals 3 (G2): Yanks get revenge on Alexander, too late.
64. Oct. 4, 1952, Yankees 2, Dodgers 0 (G4): Allie Reynolds four-hits the Bums.
65. Oct. 5, 1958, Braves 3, Yankees 0 (G4): Spahn two-hits Yankees.
66. Oct. 10, 1951, Yankees 4, Giants 3 (G6): Yanks end Giants’ fairy tale.
67. Oct. 9, 1938, Yankees 8, Cubs 3 (G4): Yankees finish off sweep with blowout.
68. Oct. 3, 1952 Dodgers 5, Yankees 3 (G3): Yogi Berra hits first Bronx Series homer.
69. Oct. 1, 1953, Yankees 4, Dodgers 2 (G2): Mantle and Billy Martin homers are difference.
70. Sept. 29, 1932, Yankees 5, Cubs 2 (G2): Lefty Gomez grinds for the win.
71. Oct. 4, 1958, Yankees 4, Braves 0 (G3): Larsen and Ryne Duren team up for gem.
72. Oct. 5, 1951, Yankees 3, Giants 1 (G2): Better known as the game in which Mantle tore his knee on the drainage ditch in right.
73. Oct. 10, 1962, Yankees 5, Giants 3 (G5): Tom Tresh’s three-run blast in eighth wins it.
74. Oct. 6, 1956, Yankees 5, Dodgers 3 (G3): Enos Slaughter’s three-run HR is the big blow.
75. Sept. 30, 1953, Yankees 9, Dodgers 5 (G1): Martin’s three hits key slugfest win.
76. Oct. 10, 1960, Pirates 5, Yankees 2 (G5): Harvey Haddix flummoxes Yanks bats.
77. Oct. 6, 1937, Yankees 8, Giants 1 (G1): Seven-run sixth crushes Carl Hubbell.
78. Sept. 21, 1996, Braves 4, Yankees 0 (G2): Greg Maddux toys with the Yankees.
79. Oct. 3, 1942, Cardinals 2, Yankees 0 (G3): Six-hitter for Ernie White
80. Oct. 21, 1981, Yankees 3, Dodgers 0 (G2): Tommy John bedevils ex-mates.
81. Oct. 7, 1927, Yankees 8, Pirates 1 (G3): Gehrig’s two-run triple launches the rout.
82. Oct. 3, 1955, Yankees 5, Dodgers 1 (G6): Moose Skowron’s three-run blast extends Dodger wait one more day.
83. Oct. 8, 1962, Giants 7, Yankees 2 (G4): Giants’ Chuck Hiller hits grand slam.
84. Oct. 20, 1981, Yankees 5, Dodgers 3 (G1): Two hits, three RBIs for Bob Watson.
85. Oct. 7, 1943, Yankees 6, Cardinals 2 (G3): Billy Johnson’s three-run triple wins it.
86. Oct. 6, 1958, Yankees 7, Braves 0 (G5): Bob Turley starts Yankees comeback from 3-1 Series deficit to championship with a five-hitter.
87. Sept. 28, 1932, Yankees 12, Cubs 6 (G1): Red Ruffing’s first Series win.
88. Oct. 20, 1976, Reds 7, Yankees 2 (G4): Two Johnny Bench HRs clinch Series.
89. Oct. 7, 1956, Yankees 6, Dodgers 2 (G4): Don Drysdale pitches in garbage time.
90. Oct. 4, 1942, Cardinals 9, Yankees 6 (G4): Six-run fourth powers Cards.
91. Oct. 12, 1977: Dodgers 6, Yankees 1 (G2): Four early homers batter Catfish Hunter.
92. Oct. 7, 1937, Yankees 8, Giants 1 (G2): Ruffing gets win and two hits.
93. Oct. 19, 1976, Reds 6, Yankees 2 (G1): 13 hits fuel Big Red Machine.
94. Oct. 5, 1961, Reds 6, Yankees 2 (G2): Reds light up Ralph Terry.
95. Oct. 18, 1998, Yankees 9, Padres 3 (G2): El Duque bedevils the Padres.
96. Oct. 1, 1947, Yankees 10, Dodgers 3 (G2): Snuffy Stirnweiss has three hits.
97. Oct. 8, 1960, Yankees 10, Pirates 0 (G3): Sixteen-hit attack buries Bucs.
98. Oct. 15, 1978, Yankees 12, Dodgers 2 (G5): Jim Beattie pitches game of his life.
99. Oct. 20, 1996, Braves 12, Yankees 1 (G1): A 15-year Series wait for this?
100. Oct. 28, 1981, Dodgers 9, Yankees 2 (G6): The game that sparked the Boss’ apology to the baseball fans of New York. An appropriate one to bring up the rear.