Winning the Willie Mays World Series MVP Award brings immortal baseball glory, but for decades it also comes with a coveted perk: a brand-new vehicle. While fans often tune in to see which star player takes home the trophy, automotive enthusiasts watch to see what rides home from the field.
The tradition of gifting vehicles to baseball's elite postseason performers spans generations. Over the decades, the selection has shifted from sports cars and luxury sedans to powerful trucks and versatile SUVs, reflecting changing consumer tastes and major corporate sponsorships.
The Origins of the World Series MVP Car Tradition
When Major League Baseball first handed out the World Series MVP award in 1955, Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Johnny Podres claimed the inaugural honor. Alongside his historic performance on the mound, Podres received a shiny new Chevrolet Corvette.
This initial pairing set a high-octane precedent. In the following decades, various manufacturers and local sponsors stepped in to supply vehicles. Winners received everything from a Ford Thunderbird in 1977 to a Pontiac Firebird in 1983, and even a European luxury sedan like the Volvo 740 awarded to Minnesota Twins pitcher Frank Viola in 1987.
These early presentations weren't always standardized. They depended heavily on regional sponsorships, dealer associations, and broadcast partnerships of the era.
The General Motors Era and Modern Selections
In 2004, General Motors became the official automotive sponsor of Major League Baseball, cementing a long-term partnership that standardized the MVP vehicle presentation. Since then, the World Series MVP has consistently received a vehicle from the Chevrolet stable.
This corporate alignment transformed the post-game presentation into a reliable marketing showcase. Instead of random luxury imports or sports coupes, players typically receive the latest truck, SUV, or performance car launched by the brand.
- 2014: Madison Bumgarner drove away in a Chevy Colorado Z71 after his legendary pitching performance for the San Francisco Giants.
- 2019: Stephen Strasburg claimed a mid-engine C8 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray following the Washington Nationals' championship.
- 2020: Corey Seager accepted the keys to a full-sized Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 after leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a title.
Why the Vehicle Selection Shifts Over Time
Car companies don't just pick vehicles at random for the MVP presentation. The choice is a calculated promotional strategy designed to highlight new product lines or flagship models.
When a brand introduces a redesigned SUV or an anticipated truck, putting it in the hands of a hero on national television provides unmatched visibility. This is why winners have frequently received heavy-duty trucks like the Silverado Trail Boss or high-performance muscle cars like the Camaro SS.
The transition away from exclusive two-seater sports cars toward passenger trucks and large SUVs mirrors broader market trends. As consumer preferences shifted toward utility vehicles, automotive marketing departments adjusted their flagship prizes to match what everyday buyers were purchasing.
Memorable Moments and Broadcast Quirks
The vehicle presentation ceremony occasionally delivers unscripted television gold. During the 2014 presentation, a nervous executive went viral after freezing up on live television while trying to describe the features of a red pickup truck to Madison Bumgarner. That awkward broadcast moment turned into an internet meme, proving that the post-series vehicle handover carries its own distinct brand of drama.
Players also handle the prize differently. While some proudly park the vehicle in their driveway, others treat it as a novelty bonus, passing it along to family members or auctioning unique special editions for charity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do World Series MVPs actually keep the cars?
Yes, the vehicle is a complimentary gift presented to the player by the corporate sponsor following their championship performance.
Who chooses which vehicle the MVP gets?
The corporate sponsor, typically General Motors through its Chevrolet division, selects the vehicle model ahead of time to showcase a new or flagship release in their lineup.
Did the MVP always win a car?
While vehicle awards date back to the inception of the award in 1955, there were early years where sponsorship inconsistencies meant occasional gaps or alternative prizes before General Motors standardized the tradition.
What was the most famous car ever awarded?
Johnny Podres receiving the original Corvette in 1955 and Stephen Strasburg claiming the breakthrough C8 Corvette in 2019 stand out as two of the most iconic automotive pairings in baseball history.
