Golden State City could have a rematch with Cleveland in October
The city that is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in full swing this week, celebrating its first major sports championship title in 52 years. The Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, came back from a three game to one deficit to defeat the heavily favored Golden State Warriors to capture the National Basketball Association championship.
Cleveland’s next title is very likely to happen in much less than 52 years. In fact, it could happen in less than 52 weeks, when baseball hosts its Fall Classic in October.
However, to win that title, Cleveland may have to win back the home of the Warriors, as the Giants are among the top contenders to represent the National League. If the two cities meet in the championship, it will be the second time teams from the same two cities have battled for the championship among the four major spectator sports: soccer, basketball, baseball and hockey.
San Francisco has already won all three World Series in an even-numbered year this decade, and is currently six games ahead of second-place Los Angeles in the NL West. They also boast one of the best starting rotations in baseball, anchored by World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner, as well as an offense that ranks fourth in the league in runs scored and overall batting average with former MVP receiver Buster Posey in the heart of the order.
Cleveland also ranks first in its division, the AL Central. The strength of his team is the pitching staff, led by Cy Young Award winner Cory Kluber. The Indians’ arms rank high in the league in team earned run average, hits allowed, shutouts and complete games, putting them among the favorites to win the pennant.
If Cleveland and San Francisco meet in the 2016 World Series after fighting for the NBA championship in the spring, it will match what has happened only once more in sports history. In 1969, the cities of New York and Baltimore battled each other for titles in two major sports.
In January, the underdog Jets, led by famed win-win quarterback Joe Namath, stunned the Colts and quarterback Johnny Unitas by winning Super Bowl III 16-7. Then, in October, baseball’s version of the Jets pulled off a similar upset.
Earl Weaver’s Baltimore Orioles, led by future Hall of Famers Frank Robinson and Brooks Robinson in the lineup, boasted having the first four teammates to each win twenty games. Pitchers Jim Palmer, Mike Cuellar, Dave McNally and Pat Dobson reached that level, making Baltimore a favorite to win it all.
New York’s National League team, however, earned the nickname “Miracle Mets” by upsetting the Orioles four games to one. The Mets themselves had a terrific pitching staff, including future Hall of Famers Tom Seaver and rookie Nolan Ryan.
The 2016 rematch between Cleveland and San Francisco could cap off the double upset that took place in the late 1960s, when both New York underdogs defeated Baltimore favorites. The Cavs have already beaten the Warriors, and the Indians are likely to be underdogs if they face the Giants in October.
