Yankees vs. Dodgers World Series history: Inside the records, MVPs and more to know from past title showdowns
The Yankees and Dodgers in the World Series is a tale as old as time.
The two brand names have met in the Fall Classic 11 times in their history, and the 12th meeting is set to be just as star-studded as the rest. With five MVPs between the two lineups and another player who is about to receive one of the largest contracts in the history of professional sports, the 2024 World Series could go down as a classic.
A rivalry that started in the boroughs of New York hasn’t been as intense since the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles. While this will be the 12th World Series between the two franchises, it’s the first in more than four decades. No one under the age of 40 has seen a New York vs. Los Angeles World Series in any capacity, meaning a timeless matchup will actually be a breath of fresh air to many.
Here’s a look back at the World Series history between the Yankees and Dodgers, including the last time these two teams faced off in October.
SN’s MLB HQ: Live MLB scores | Updated MLB standings | Full MLB schedule
Yankees vs. Dodgers World Series history
The Yankees and Dodgers have faced off in the World Series 11 times before this year, including seven times when the Dodgers still played in Brooklyn.
The Yankees are 8-3 when facing the Dodgers in the World Series, though their last October meeting was a Dodgers victory.
| Year | Winner | Series score | MVP |
| 1941 | Yankees | 4-1 | N/A |
| 1947 | Yankees | 4-3 | N/A |
| 1949 | Yankees | 4-1 | N/A |
| 1952 | Yankees | 4-3 | N/A |
| 1953 | Yankees | 4-2 | N/A |
| 1955 | Dodgers | 4-3 | Johnny Podres |
| 1956 | Yankees | 4-3 | Don Larsen |
| 1963 | Dodgers | 4-0 | Sandy Koufax |
| 1977 | Yankees | 4-2 | Reggie Jackson |
| 1978 | Yankees | 4-2 | Bucky Dent |
| 1981 | Dodgers | 4-2 | Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero, Steve Yeager |
| 2024 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Last Dodgers vs. Yankees World Series
The Yankees and Dodgers last faced off in the World Series in 1981, so it’s been quite some time since these two longtime powerhouses met in the postseason despite their history.
The 1981 World Series marked the third Yankees-Dodgers Fall Classic in a span of five years, but it actually came at the end of a season that was interrupted by a players’ strike for two months. Both the Yankees and Dodgers struggled after the resumption of the season, posting a combined record of 52-52 from that point, but New York beat the Brewers and Athletics to get to the World Series while the Dodgers survived scares from the Astros and Expos.
The Yankees appeared to be headed for their ninth World Series win over the Dodgers after winning each of the first two games at home without star Reggie Jackson, but they lost all three games in Los Angeles and lost the series at home in Game 6.
All three of the Dodgers’ wins at home came by one run. Los Angeles eked out Game 3 and did the same in Games 4 and 5 before winning convincingly in Game 6 with the Yankees’ backs against the wall.
The series featured three Hall of Fame players, all of which were Yankees: Jackson, Dave Winfield and Goose Gossage. Managers Tommy Lasorda and Bob Lemon were both Hall of Famers as well.
The 1981 World Series MVP award was split between three players: Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager; it was the first time the award went to multiple players.
MORE: Projecting Juan Soto’s next contract
1981 World Series rosters
Below are the World Series rosters for both the Yankees and Dodgers.
Yankees 1981 roster
| Position | Player |
| OF | Bobby Brown |
| C | Rick Cerone |
| P | Ron Davis |
| C | Barry Foote |
| P | George Frazier |
| OF | Oscar Gamble |
| P | Goose Gossage |
| P | Ron Guidry |
| OF | Reggie Jackson |
| P | Tommy John |
| P | Dave LaRoche |
| P | Rudy May |
| INF | Larry Milbourne |
| OF | Jerry Mumphrey |
| OF | Bobby Murcer |
| INF | Graig Nettles |
| OF | Lou Piniella |
| INF | Willie Randolph |
| P | Rick Reuschel |
| P | Dave Righetti |
| INF | Andre Robertson |
| INF | Aurelio Rodriguez |
| OF | Bob Watson |
| OF | Dave Winfield |
| INF | Dave Revering |
Dodgers 1981 roster
| Position | Player |
| OF | Dusty Baker |
| P | Bobby Castillo |
| INF | Ron Cey |
| P | Terry Forster |
| INF | Steve Garvey |
| P | Dave Goltz |
| OF | Pedro Guerrero |
| P | Burt Hooten |
| P | Steve Howe |
| OF | Jay Johnstone |
| OF | Ken Landreaux |
| INF | Davey Lopes |
| OF | Rick Monday |
| P | Tom Niedenhufer |
| P | Jerry Reuss |
| INF | Bill Russell |
| INF | Steve Sax |
| C | Mike Scioscia |
| OF | Reggie Smith |
| P | Dave Stewart |
| INF | Derrel Thomas |
| P | Fernando Valenzuela |
| P | Bob Welch |
| C | Steve Yeager |
