The World Series is the ultimate stage for baseball greatness, but it’s also where the brightest lights can shine harshly on missteps and unfortunate moments. While some players become legends for their heroics, others are remembered for blunders or collapses under pressure. Here are the top 20 worst player moments in World Series history.

Bill Buckner’s Error (1986)

Bill Buckner’s infamous error in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets is arguably the most well-known mistake in baseball history. With the Red Sox just one out away from winning their first World Series since 1918, Buckner allowed a routine ground ball by Mookie Wilson to roll through his legs at first base, allowing the Mets to win the game. The Mets went on to win Game 7, and Buckner became the scapegoat for Boston’s long World Series drought.

Mitch Williams’ Game 6 Meltdown (1993)

Mitch “Wild Thing” Williams of the Philadelphia Phillies was known for his erratic pitching, but it was Game 6 of the 1993 World Series that forever etched his name in infamy. With the Phillies leading the Toronto Blue Jays by one run in the ninth inning, Williams gave up a game-winning, three-run home run to Joe Carter, which ended the series and secured the championship for Toronto.

Fred Snodgrass’s “$30,000 Muff” (1912)

Fred Snodgrass’s error in the 1912 World Series became one of the earliest infamous moments in baseball history. With the New York Giants leading the Boston Red Sox in Game 8 (the deciding game), Snodgrass dropped a routine fly ball in the 10th inning, allowing the Red Sox to rally and eventually win the game and the series. Snodgrass’s blunder was so costly it became known as the “$30,000 Muff,” reflecting the Giants’ loss of the championship prize.

Donnie Moore’s Missed Save (1986 ALCS)

Though not technically a World Series moment, Donnie Moore’s collapse in Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS is often associated with World Series misfortune due to its far-reaching effects. The California Angels were one strike away from the World Series when Moore gave up a two-run home run to Dave Henderson of the Boston Red Sox. The Angels lost that game, and Boston went on to win the series. Moore never recovered from the devastation and tragically took his own life a few years later.

Alex Gonzalez’s Error (2003)

While most remember Steve Bartman for the Chicago Cubs’ collapse in the 2003 NLCS, shortstop Alex Gonzalez committed a critical error that actually caused the series to slip away. In Game 6, with the Cubs leading the Marlins 3-0 and just five outs from the World Series, Gonzalez misplayed a routine double-play ground ball. The Marlins capitalized, scoring eight runs in the inning and eventually winning the game and the series.

Willie Davis’s Triple Error Inning (1966)

In Game 2 of the 1966 World Series, Willie Davis of the Los Angeles Dodgers committed three errors in one inning, effectively handing the game to the Baltimore Orioles. Davis dropped two fly balls and threw the ball wildly to third base, allowing the Orioles to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Baltimore went on to sweep the Dodgers in four games, and Davis’s forgettable performance stood out in the brief series.

Fernando Rodney’s Blown Save (2014)

In Game 5 of the 2014 World Series, the usually reliable Kansas City Royals closer Fernando Rodney blew a critical save opportunity against the San Francisco Giants. Rodney gave up the go-ahead run in the late innings, allowing the Giants to take a commanding 3-2 series lead. The Giants would eventually win the series in seven games, and Rodney’s blown save was a pivotal moment in the Royals’ defeat.

Johnny Pesky’s “Hesitation” (1946)

In Game 7 of the 1946 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals, shortstop Johnny Pesky is often accused of hesitating on a relay throw, allowing Enos Slaughter to score from first base on a single. Though the details are debated, many blame Pesky for the Cardinals’ winning run, and the moment has since become an infamous part of Boston’s World Series lore.

Tony Fernandez’s Error (1997)

In Game 7 of the 1997 World Series, veteran shortstop Tony Fernandez of the Cleveland Indians committed a costly error in the 11th inning, which led to the Florida Marlins’ game-winning run. The Marlins capitalized on Fernandez’s miscue, winning their first World Series in franchise history. The Indians were left heartbroken, having come so close to a championship.

Tom Niedenfuer’s Two Heartbreaking Home Runs (1985)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tom Niedenfuer gave up two devastating home runs during the 1985 NLCS. In Game 5, Ozzie Smith hit a rare left-handed homer to win the game for the Cardinals. Then, in Game 6, with the Dodgers leading by one run, Niedenfuer allowed a three-run home run to Jack Clark, ending the Dodgers’ season. Although these moments occurred in the NLCS, they are often included in conversations about World Series misfortune due to their dramatic impact.

José Mesa’s Blown Save (1997)

Cleveland Indians closer José Mesa had a chance to secure the Indians’ first World Series title since 1948 in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series. With a 2-1 lead in the ninth inning, Mesa was called upon to close the game. However, he failed to hold the lead, giving up the tying run and forcing extra innings. The Indians eventually lost to the Florida Marlins, and Mesa’s blown save remains a painful memory for Cleveland fans.

Ralph Branca’s Shot Heard ‘Round the World (1951)

Though it occurred in a playoff to reach the World Series, Ralph Branca’s giving up of Bobby Thomson’s “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” in 1951 is a defining moment of baseball heartbreak. Branca, pitching for the Brooklyn Dodgers, gave up a three-run, walk-off homer that sent the New York Giants to the World Series, leaving Dodgers fans in despair.

Bob Stanley’s Wild Pitch (1986)

In Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, Boston Red Sox pitcher Bob Stanley threw a wild pitch that allowed the New York Mets to tie the game in the 10th inning. The Red Sox were just one out away from winning the championship, but the wild pitch contributed to the Mets’ incredible comeback and eventual victory in Game 7.

Zack Greinke’s Short-Leash Meltdown (2019)

In Game 7 of the 2019 World Series, Houston Astros pitcher Zack Greinke started brilliantly, but after allowing a solo home run and a walk in the seventh inning, he was pulled prematurely by manager A.J. Hinch. The Astros bullpen couldn’t hold the lead, and the Washington Nationals completed their improbable World Series win. Greinke’s shortened outing remains a controversial decision.

Ernie Lombardi’s “Snooze” (1939)

In Game 4 of the 1939 World Series, Cincinnati Reds catcher Ernie Lombardi became infamous for a bizarre moment known as “Lombardi’s Snooze.” After being knocked down in a play at the plate, Lombardi appeared dazed and was slow to recover, allowing two more New York Yankees runs to score as they secured a sweep of the Reds.

Clayton Kershaw’s Postseason Struggles (2017)

Clayton Kershaw, one of the best regular-season pitchers in history, has had his share of postseason struggles. In Game 5 of the 2017 World Series against the Houston Astros, Kershaw surrendered a 4-0 lead, allowing the Astros to tie the game. The Astros went on to win, and Kershaw’s legacy as a postseason performer took another hit, despite later revelations about the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.

Armando Benitez’s Blown Save (2000)

In Game 1 of the 2000 Subway Series between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets, Mets closer Armando Benitez blew a critical save. Leading by one run in the ninth inning, Benitez allowed the Yankees to tie the game, and the Yankees won in extra innings. The blown save set the tone for the Yankees’ eventual series victory.

Charlie Leibrandt’s Pitch to Kirby Puckett (1991)

In Game 6 of the 1991 World Series, Atlanta Braves pitcher Charlie Leibrandt gave up a walk-off home run to Kirby Puckett of the Minnesota Twins in extra innings. The blast forced a Game 7, which the Braves ultimately lost, marking another near-miss in the team’s postseason heartbreaks.

Mark Langston’s Missed Strike (1998)

In Game 1 of the 1998 World Series, San Diego Padres pitcher Mark Langston appeared to throw a strike to Yankees slugger Tino Martinez, but the umpire called it a ball. On the next pitch, Martinez hit a grand slam, helping the Yankees to a commanding series lead. Langston’s missed strike became a pivotal moment in the Yankees’ sweep of the Padres.

Dustin Pedroia’s Missed Double Play (2007)

Though Boston won the 2007 World Series, Dustin Pedroia made a rare error in Game 3 that could have been costly. With the game tied, Pedroia bobbled a ground ball that could have led to an inning-ending double play. While the Red Sox eventually recovered to win the game and the series, Pedroia’s miscue could have shifted the series momentum.

These moments demonstrate that the World Series can be both a dream and a nightmare for players, cementing reputations or haunting careers.