"Until 1968 only two teams made the postseason. They played in the World Series. When the Yankees talk about '27 rings' remember that 20 of those were won via a single round of postseason play."
"The 1951 New York Giants finished with a final record of 98-59. They started the season 9-14, just like the 2026 Red Sox."
"Those Giants are the only team to start 9-14 and make the playoffs in this era. But keep in mind these were the two-team, straight-to-the-World-Series years."
Historically, making the playoffs in baseball was extremely challenging, with only two teams qualifying until 1968. The current playoff format, which includes more teams, creates optimism even for struggling teams like the 2026 Red Sox and Mets. The 1951 New York Giants, who started their season 9-14, are a notable example of a team that overcame a poor start to reach the playoffs. The expansion of playoffs has changed the landscape of postseason opportunities significantly since 1969.
Read at Over the Monster
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