Why the Brewers-Rays World Series matchup is special

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers (9) celebrates with the MVP trophy after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Why the Brewers-Rays World Series matchup is special

By Alan Rubenstein | Last updated Oct 20, 2026 12:21 AM ET

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The 2026 World Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays features two teams that have never won the title. Tampa Bay defeated the Cleveland Guardians in Game 6 on Monday night to win the American League Championship Series 4-2.

The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Kansas City Royals four games to two in the 1980 World Series, the last time two teams played for their first title. Philadelphia made its third World Series appearance in 1980 after previously appearing in the 1915 and 1950 Fall Classics. Kansas City played its first World Series in 1980.

Tampa Bay is making its third World Series appearance. Philadelphia defeated Tampa Bay in five games in the 2008 World Series. The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated Tampa Bay in six games in the 2020 World Series, played entirely at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, during COVID.

Milwaukee is making its second World Series appearance. The St. Louis Cardinals beat Milwaukee in seven games in the 1982 World Series. Milwaukee led Major League Baseball with 103 wins and 59 losses during the 2026 regular season. Tampa Bay led the American League with a 98-64 record.

World Series between franchises both seeking first title:

2026 MIL TB
1980 KC PHI
1920 CLE BRO
1909 DET PIT
1907 CHC DET
1906 CHC CHW
1905 PHA NYG
1903 BOS PIT

1903, ‘05, ‘06 & ‘07 were the first 4 WS ever https://t.co/kG8TY2J4Dh
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 20, 2026

Brewers and Rays history

The Brewers' first season was in 1969 as the expansion Seattle Pilots. The Pilots won 64 games and lost 98 in their only season in Seattle. After they declared bankruptcy, the Pilots moved to Milwaukee six days before the 1970 season began and became the Brewers.

Bud Selig, who later became MLB commissioner, bought the Pilots out of bankruptcy and brought baseball to Milwaukee four years after the Braves left for Atlanta. As the Brewers, Milwaukee has had 22 winning seasons, a .494 winning percentage and 12 postseason appearances.

Tampa Bay played its first season in 1998 as an expansion franchise with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Milwaukee moved to the National League in 1998 when Tampa Bay was placed in the American League as an expansion franchise.

Tampa Bay had a .399 winning percentage in its first 10 seasons when it was known as the Devil Rays. Changing its name to the Rays was a significant turning point in Tampa Bay franchise history. In its 19 seasons as the Rays, Tampa Bay has a .545 winning percentage, 10 playoff appearances and now three pennants.

Alan Rubenstein

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