Identify three major league baseball team names (regardless of cities), that have played most frequently in the World Series.

When it comes to the Fall Classic, a few historic franchises stand far above the rest. Unsurprisingly, the New York Yankees lead the pack by a massive margin, having appeared in the World Series an incredible 40 times. This unparalleled dominance is spread across multiple dynasties, from the days of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig to the Joe DiMaggio and Derek Jeter eras, making their pinstripes synonymous with October baseball.

Trailing the Yankees are two rivals whose history is deeply intertwined: the Giants and the Dodgers. Both franchises began in New York before famously moving to California in the late 1950s, and each has played in over 20 World Series. Their heated rivalry (Review), which crossed the country with them, has often culminated in legendary postseason matchups, cementing their places as two of baseball's most storied and successful teams.

Not far behind is another model of consistency, the St. Louis Cardinals. As one of the most successful franchises in the National League, the Cardinals have also made around 20 appearances in the championship series. While they may not have the same long-running New York-based rivalries, their sustained excellence across generations has made them a perennial powerhouse and a frequent presence in the hunt (Review) for a title.