“We saw it as a unique opportunity and faced a clear dilemma: be loyal to Rick or be loyal to the organization. In this business of trying to win a world championship for the first time in 107 years, the organization has priority over any one individual. We decided to pursue Joe.” – THEO EPSTEIN, explaining manager Rick Renteria’s dismissal.The Cubs dismissed the first-year manager Rick Renteria (73-89) with two years remaining on his contract. Chicago GM Theo Epstein believes the first-year skipper “deserved to come back for another season,” but opted to replace him with the well-respected field boss, who recently became a free agent after leading the low-payroll Rays to the postseason four times in his nine-year tenure with Tampa Bay.

The Giants win Game 7 of the World Series, 3 – 2, over the Royals to clinch their third Championship in five years. Madison Bumgarner pitches the last five innings without giving up a run to earn the save, completing an otherworldly pitching performance that earns him the World Series Most Valuable Player Award.

2014 – The Royals force a seventh game in the World Series by routing the Giants, 10 – 0, behind the pitching of rookie Yordano Ventura in Game 6. The Royals score 7 runs in the 2nd inning to chase starter Jake Peavy as every starting position player gets at least a hit and either scores or drives in a run.

Madison Bumgarner hurls a four-hit, complete-game, blanking the Royals, 5-0, in Game 6 of the World Series. The southpaw’s victory, giving the Giants a 3-2 edge, is the first shutout thrown by starter in the Fall Class since Josh Beckett accomplish the feat for the Marlins at Yankee Stadium in 2003, and the first for the franchise since 1962 when Jack Sanford whitewashed New York in 1962.

Cardinal rookie Oscar Taveras, who participated in seven postseason games with St. Louis earlier in the month, dies in a car accident in his native Dominican Republic. The 22 year-old outfielder, who batted .320 and slugged .516 as a minor leaguer, was considered by many to be a ‘can’t miss prospect’.

2014 – The Giants even the World Series with an 11 – 4 win over the Royals in Game 4. They score 9 runs between the 5th and 7th innings to run away with the game, as Yusmeiro Petit claims the win with another great performance in long relief with three scoreless innings, his third such win of the postseason.

Paul Konerko and Jimmy Rollins are named co-recipients of the Roberto Clemente Award; an honor bestowed on major leaguers for their commitment to the community. The former White Sox first baseman and Phillies shortstop have both been heavily involved in improving the lives of children, raising money, and obtaining school supplies and back-to-school clothes, supporting juvenile diabetes and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis research, and funding the fight against child abuse, among many other charitable efforts.

The Royals take Game 3 of the World Series, 3 – 2, thanks to a great bullpen performance, as four relievers keep the lead over the last four innings. Jeremy Guthrie is the winner over Tim Hudson, with Greg Holland recording the save.

In a surprise development, long-time Rays manager Joe Maddon resigns after nine seasons at the helm, following the departure of GM Andrew Friedman by only a few weeks. The tandem is widely credited with turning the franchise around.

After aggressively trying to sign their manager to a third contract extension, the Rays announce Joe Maddon has exercised an opt-out in his contract. During his nine-year tenure with Tampa Bay, a franchise perceived as perennial losers before his arrival, the popular skipper compiled a 754-705 record, leading the team to the playoffs four times, that included winning two AL East titles and one appearance in the World Series.