2026: The Year of the Underdogs?

Baseball and softball: 2026, the year when underdogs shook up the favorites!

The 2026 baseball and softball season delivered its share of surprises. A unique season where favorites sometimes held their ground, but where underdogs truly made their mark by upending the established order. A scenario that reminds us that in sports, predictions don’t make champions.

In baseball, Rouen lived up to its reputation by winning the French Challenge, once again cementing its place among the top teams in French baseball. In women’s softball, Saint-Raphaël also stepped up, claiming the French Challenge title.

But the national championships told a very different story!

In baseball, it was Savigny who delivered the shock by winning the French championship, defying the expected hierarchy. In women’s softball, Évry pulled off the same feat by taking the national title against the same Saint-Raphaël Comanches.

Two championships, two new champions—and a clear demonstration that consistency, teamwork, and determination can sometimes outweigh predictions.

Looking at other competitions, baseball’s Division 2 played out differently. Metz fully embraced its dual role as favorite and winner, securing promotion back to Division 1 after just one season away from the top tier. Meanwhile, Nice and Montigny, also vying for that promotion, fell short of their ambitions.

In men’s softball, the underdogs struck again with Contes! The Cobras defied expectations by defeating the favored Nice team, the 2025 champions. A sweet revenge against the established order, especially since Contes didn’t stop at the championship—they also won the French Challenge in men’s softball. A stunning double triumph that confirms their dominance this season and their ability to deliver in big moments.

The contrast between favorites and underdogs is particularly fascinating. In short tournaments, experience and clutch performance often decide the outcome. Over a full season, roster depth, consistency, and managing key moments become crucial.

And this trend isn’t limited to France!

Across the Atlantic, Major League Baseball also had an extraordinary season with the Milwaukee Brewers. The franchise made history by winning its first-ever World Series in October 2026, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in five games, 4-1.

It took 57 seasons for the Brewers to finally hoist the ultimate trophy. Their last World Series appearance was in 1982—44 years of waiting before returning to the final. A historic achievement for the city and its fans, who finally saw their team reach the pinnacle of American baseball.

Even in a league dominated by deep-pocketed powerhouses, great stories remain possible. Patience, teamwork, and determination can pay off in the end.

Ultimately, the 2026 season was one of contrasts and upsets. Rouen and Saint-Raphaël confirmed their status in the French Challenges, Metz returned to the elite, while Savigny, Évry, and Contes defied expectations.

Results that give this season a special flavor and remind us that baseball and softball are sports where nothing is ever guaranteed.