Will Smith World Series Streak Snapped

With the Los Angeles Dodgers’ defeat at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the National League Championship on Thursday, their quest for a three-peat came to an end.

It also ended the ongoing streak of a player named Will Smith being a part of the World Series-winning team.

The streak began when the Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series to capture their first title since 1988. That run of World Series victories continued through 2025, thanks to a longtime relief pitcher by the same name.

In his ninth Major League season, the elder Will Smith won the World Series as a member of the Atlanta Braves. It was the left-hander’s first time playing in the Fall Classic after making his MLB debut during the 2012 season.

The reliever went on to win the next two World Series with the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, respectively, giving Smith three championships in his career.

The Dodgers’ backstop then picked up where his counterpart left off. Los Angeles returned to the Fall Classic in 2024 and knocking off the New York Yankees in five games. The Dodgers of course also come out on top in a thrilling 2025 World Series matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays, marking the sixth and final season of this bizarre streak.

In a reversal of fortunes from last season, the Brewers swept the Dodgers in the 2026 NLCS. Smith did not factor in much during the series, with just two hits in 15 at-bats. His two-run double in Game 3 was the Dodgers’ most important hit of the series up to that point, but the rest of the team was not able to capitalize.

Will Smith World Series streak

2020 World Series

The Dodgers’ Smith won his first World Series ring when the team defeated the Rays in six games.

2021 World Series

The longtime reliever won his first World Series title when the Braves eliminated the Astros in six games.

2022 World Series

Smith, part of the Astros, won his second World Series championship when the team defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games.

2023 World Series

Smith won his third and final World Series ring as a member of the Rangers when they eliminated the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games.

2024 World Series

The Dodgers’ Smith won his second World Series title when the team defeated the Yankees in five games.

2025 World Series

Smith earned his third World Series ring when the Dodgers held off the Blue Jays in seven games, becoming the first team in 25 years to repeat as champions.

Smith had one of the biggest hits in franchise history with his go-ahead home run off Shane Bieber in the 11th inning of Game 7 that gave the team a decided 5-4 lead.