Giants vs. Royals: Breaking Down Historical Achievements from World Series

It was only fitting that the back-and-forth 2014 World Series went the full seven games, and it was only fitting that the superstar of the entire playoffs propelled the San Francisco Giants to yet another title.

Madison Bumgarner was the hero of the Giants’ 3-2 victory in Game 7 and the MVP of a series that was loaded with historical achievements.

In an unsurprising twist, Bumgarner is at the center of plenty of that history. He became one of only two pitchers (Rawly Eastwick of the Cincinnati Reds is the other) in baseball history with two wins and a save in the World Series—and that 15-out save was also a World Series record.

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

What’s more, his 52.2 postseason innings pitched beat Curt Schilling’s record for the most playoff innings pitched in a single season (48.1 in 2001 with the Arizona Diamondbacks). Bumgarner also became the sixth pitcher to ever record two wins, 20 innings pitched and a sub-0.50 ERA in the World Series.

The numbers truly were incredible. He went 2-0 with an 0.43 ERA in 21 innings at the World Series and moved his career numbers in the Fall Classic to an astonishing 5-0 record with an 0.25 ERA.

There was almost a resigned acceptance from the crowd and those watching when Bumgarner came into Wednesday’s game, even though he had just thrown 117 pitches in Game 5 three days before. He had been that dominant in his previous World Series outings, and he exceeded expectations yet again in Game 7.

ESPN Stats & Info passed along some more Bumgarner history, while the MLB shared a quote from Bumgarner’s teammate, Brandon Belt:

Bumgarner wasn’t the only San Francisco Giants member making history against the Kansas City Royals. Manager Bruce Bochy became the 10th coach to take home three World Series rings (the good news for him is that the other nine are all in the Hall of Fame, where he will undoubtedly join them one day). 

ESPN Stats & Info noted that this much success in a short span is very rare for managers throughout baseball history:

The Giants as a whole made history by becoming the second National League team to win three World Series in five years, joining the St. Louis Cardinals of 1942-46. They also impressed by winning on the road and establishing themselves as an all-time impressive franchise, as ESPN Stats & Info shared:

While Bumgarner was making history with his arm, Pablo Sandoval set a World Series record with his bat, via MLB Stat of the Day:

Even the starting pitchers made history on Wednesday, although it wasn’t exactly the kind they were hoping to make. Tim Hudson and Jeremy Guthrie combined for 15 outs, which was tied for the fewest of all time by Game 7 starters. Hudson also became the oldest Game 7 starter ever at age 39.

Now that the Giants made some history, it is only natural to look ahead and wonder if they can do it again.

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Bumgarner has established himself as a bonafide baseball superstar and should anchor a solid rotation next year. Whether Sandoval comes back is certainly a question, but the lure of attempting to repeat may be too much to pass up.

Interestingly, San Francisco will look to break a 14-year streak without a repeat World Series winner next year, which is tied for the longest stretch of all time. 

Perhaps there is more history to look forward to next year.

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