Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam flipped Dodger Stadium into blue heaven in Game 1 and marked one of the more thrilling moments in World Series history. But it wasn’t the only highlight of a thrilling World Series that featured many exciting lead changes and nail-biting turns of events.

The 2024 World Series also featured a first-of-its-kind moment in the ninth inning of Game 3 when Shohei Ohtani made a diving stop on a ground ball by Will Smith. The play prevented a potential bases loaded triple and saved the game, putting the Dodgers up 4-2 and breaking a 2-2 deadlock in the series.

While the tenth inning didn’t have Gibson/Freeman-esque drama, it did include an intriguing managerial decision by Aaron Boone that ultimately came back to haunt him. After starter Jack Flaherty left the game with a leg injury, the Yankees sent out relief pitcher Nestor Cortes, who got Will Smith to fly out on his first pitch but then walked Gavin Lux and Tommy Edman to put runners on first and second with one out for Ohtani.

The World Series features a unique mix of international talent due to the fact that baseball is played at such a highly skilled level in so many countries, with the goal of reaching the Major Leagues and its high salaries. As such, the Series often includes players who would never be able to play in North America if not for the existence of the MLB and its international competitions.