70s MLB Team Rankings
An exhaustive ranking of all 26 Major League Baseball franchises that competed during the 1970s. This definitive era of baseball was defined by legendary dynasties, the dawn of free agency, and the expansion of the league. The decade was dominated by the Oakland Athletics' historic World Series three-peat (1972-1974), the terrifying efficiency of the Cincinnati Reds' Big Red Machine (1975-1976), and the resurgence of the Bronx Zoo New York Yankees (1977-1978). This directory provides locked historical data capturing franchise milestones, pennants, and the era's most iconic Hall of Fame performances, serving as the ultimate reference for 1970s professional baseball.
SportsAll
🌍 World Ranking
▲ Top 5
#1
Cincinnati Reds (1975)
The legendary Big Red Machine dominated the decade, capturing back-to-back World Series in 1975 and 1976 behind Pete Rose and MVP Joe Morgan.
+5
#2
Oakland Athletics (1972)
Secured a historic World Series three-peat from 1972 to 1974, fueled by Reggie Jackson's bat and Rollie Fingers' elite relief pitching.
+4
#3
Pittsburgh Pirates (1979)
The 'We Are Family' Pirates captured two World Series in the decade (1971, 1979), led by Roberto Clemente and later Willie Stargell.
+3
#4
Los Angeles Dodgers (1974)
Captured three NL pennants during the decade (1974, 1977, 1978) with an iconic, long-tenured infield anchored by Steve Garvey.
+2
#5
New York Yankees (1977)
The Bronx Zoo era yielded consecutive World Series titles in 1977 and 1978, famously highlighted by Reggie Jackson's three-home run game.
+1
▼ Bottom 5
#1
Atlanta Braves (1974)
Endured a rebuilding decade that was permanently etched in history when Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run in 1974 to break Babe Ruth's record.
-5
#2
Cleveland Indians (1970)
Endured a difficult decade in the AL East standings, but featured bright spots like Gaylord Perry winning the 1972 Cy Young award.
-4
#3
Los Angeles Angels (1979)
Captured the franchise's first AL West division title in 1979, fueled by Don Baylor's MVP season and Nolan Ryan's power pitching.
-3
#4
Minnesota Twins (1970)
Won the inaugural AL West division title in 1970, featuring the elite hitting of Harmon Killebrew and Rod Carew.
-2
#5
Philadelphia Phillies (1976)
Captured three consecutive NL East division titles starting in 1976, driven by MVP Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton's pitching.
-1
You should check out
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Bronx Is Burning: 1977, Baseball, Politics, and the Battle for the Soul of a City
View on Amazon
Ball Four: The Final Pitch by Jim Bouton (The 50th Anniversary Edition)
View on Amazon
he Bronx Zoo by Sparky Lyle and Peter Golenbock
View on Amazon
MLB
Major League Baseball Official Site
SABR
Society for American Baseball Research
Wikipedia
Baseball on TV in the 70s
Prices and availability shown are from Amazon and may change. T5B5 participates in the Amazon Associates Programme and may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
Similar Lists
All Items (26)
Cincinnati Reds (1975) — The legendary Big Red Machine dominated the decade, capturing back-to-back World Series in 1975 and 1976 behind Pete Rose and MVP Joe Morgan.+5
Oakland Athletics (1972) — Secured a historic World Series three-peat from 1972 to 1974, fueled by Reggie Jackson's bat and Rollie Fingers' elite relief pitching.+4
Pittsburgh Pirates (1979) — The 'We Are Family' Pirates captured two World Series in the decade (1971, 1979), led by Roberto Clemente and later Willie Stargell.+3
Los Angeles Dodgers (1974) — Captured three NL pennants during the decade (1974, 1977, 1978) with an iconic, long-tenured infield anchored by Steve Garvey.+2
New York Yankees (1977) — The Bronx Zoo era yielded consecutive World Series titles in 1977 and 1978, famously highlighted by Reggie Jackson's three-home run game.+1
Baltimore Orioles (1970) — Opened the decade with a 1970 World Series championship, relying on Brooks Robinson's defense and Jim Palmer's dominant pitching.—
Boston Red Sox (1975) — Won the 1975 AL pennant, featuring Carlton Fisk's iconic Game 6 walk-off home run and MVP Fred Lynn's historic rookie campaign.—
Kansas City Royals (1976) — Reached three consecutive ALCS matchups against the Yankees starting in 1976, establishing a fierce rivalry led by George Brett.—
Detroit Tigers (1972) — Captured the AL East in 1972, driven by Mickey Lolich's workhorse pitching and Al Kaline in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career.—
New York Mets (1973) — The 'Ya Gotta Believe' Mets made a miraculous run to the 1973 World Series, anchored by Tom Seaver's dominant Cy Young pitching.—
Chicago White Sox (1977) — The thrilling 'South Side Hitmen' team won 90 games in 1977, mashing 192 home runs to briefly capture the city's imagination.—
St. Louis Cardinals (1974) — Competed fiercely in the NL East, highlighted by Lou Brock setting the historic single-season record with 118 stolen bases in 1974.—
Chicago Cubs (1970) — Remained competitive early in the decade, relying on the veteran leadership of Ernie Banks and the pitching of Ferguson Jenkins.—
San Francisco Giants (1971) — Captured the 1971 NL West division title, featuring the twilight of Willie Mays' legendary career in San Francisco alongside Willie McCovey.—
Houston Astros (1979) — Finished a strong second in the NL West in 1979, anchored by J.R. Richard's overwhelming strikeout totals and a formidable starting rotation.—
Montreal Expos (1979) — Won a franchise-record 95 games in 1979, emerging as a young powerhouse behind Gary Carter and Andre Dawson in the late 70s.—
Texas Rangers (1974) — Relocated from Washington to Texas in 1972, experiencing their first winning season in 1974 under manager Billy Martin.—
Milwaukee Brewers (1978) — Evolved into a genuine contender late in the decade, winning 93 games in 1978 as Paul Molitor and Robin Yount established the core.—
San Diego Padres (1978) — Overcame early expansion struggles to secure their first winning season in 1978, led by Hall of Famer Dave Winfield and Rollie Fingers.—
Seattle Mariners (1977) — Entered the league as a 1977 expansion franchise, spending their early years laying the groundwork for baseball in the Pacific Northwest.—
Toronto Blue Jays (1977) — Joined the AL East as a 1977 expansion team, navigating typical early growing pains while building a foundation at Exhibition Stadium.—
Philadelphia Phillies (1976) — Captured three consecutive NL East division titles starting in 1976, driven by MVP Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton's pitching.-1
Minnesota Twins (1970) — Won the inaugural AL West division title in 1970, featuring the elite hitting of Harmon Killebrew and Rod Carew.-2
Los Angeles Angels (1979) — Captured the franchise's first AL West division title in 1979, fueled by Don Baylor's MVP season and Nolan Ryan's power pitching.-3
Cleveland Indians (1970) — Endured a difficult decade in the AL East standings, but featured bright spots like Gaylord Perry winning the 1972 Cy Young award.-4
Atlanta Braves (1974) — Endured a rebuilding decade that was permanently etched in history when Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run in 1974 to break Babe Ruth's record.-5