Brewers win first World Series behind MVP William Contreras

The Milwaukee Brewers have won their first World Series, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in five games.

The final stroke on a magnificent season -- they had the best record in baseball -- came at Tropicana Field on Wednesday in a 4-1 victory that completed a 4-1 series victory.

The MVP of the World Series was Milwaukee catcher William Contreras, who was dazzling behind the plate -- 10 of 13 on ABS challenges -- and stellar with a .321 average at the plate.

Contreras joins a listen of legends and some players who were less than that but delivered in the Fall Classic to earn MVP honors.

A look at World Series MVPs since 2000:

2000, Derek Jeter, New York Yankees

Yankees react with jubilation, Derek Jeter.

Stats: .409 average, 2 home runs

2001, Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks Curt Schilling (R) and Randy Johnson (L) hold post game World Series trophies.

Stats: Johnson: 3-0, 19 strikeouts; Schilling 1-0, 26 strikeouts

2002, Troy Glaus, Anaheim Angels

Anaheim Angels Troy Glaus hits a game winning two RBI double in the eighth inning.

Stats: .385 average, 3 home runs,

8 RBI

2003, Josh Beckett, Miami Marlins

Josh Beckett celebrates after his complete game shutout in Game 6 of the 2003 World Series.

Stats: 1-1 record, 19 strikeouts, 2 earned runs over 16 1/3 innings

2004, Manny Ramirez, Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox Manny Ramirez (C) celebrates his solo home with his teammates.

Stats: .412 batting average

2005, Jermaine Dye, Chicago White Sox

Jermaine Dye holds the Commissioner’s Trophy as the 2005 World Series Chicago White Sox are honored.

Stats: .438 batting average

2006, David Eckstein, St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals' David Eckstein hits an RBI double against the Detroit Tigers in the eighth inning during Game 4.

Stats: .364 batting average

2007, Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox player Mike Lowell holds the MVP World Series Trophy after the Red Sox defeated the Colorado Rockies.

Stats: .400 batting average

2008, Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels delivers a pitch to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Stats: 1-0 record over two starts

2009, Hideki Matsui, New York Yankees

New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter presents Hideki Matsui with a framed 2009 World Series jersey.

Stats: .615 batting average

2010, Edgar Renteria, San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Giants Edgar Renteria (L) is doused with champagne.

Stats: .412 batting average

2011, David Freese, St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Chris Carpenter (R) and teammate and World Series MVP David Freese celebrate.

Stats: .348 average, game-tying triple in Game 6 and home run to win it in 11th

2012, Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval acknowledges the fans during the World Series victory celebration at City Hall.

Stats: .500 batting average, 3 home runs in Game 1

2013, David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz walks onto the podium inside of Fenway Park prior to the World Series parade and celebration.

Stats: .688 batting average

2014, Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner waves to the crowd during the World Series victory parade on Market Street.

Stats: 2-0 record and 1 save in 3 appearances

2015, Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez walks out to the field with the series MVP award.

Stats: .364 average

2016, Ben Zobrist, Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs' Ben Zobrist celebrates after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field.

Stats: .357 average, go-ahead RBI double in Game 7

2017, George Springer, Houston Astros

Houston Astros center fielder George Springer (4) greets fans during the World Series championship parade.

Stats: .379 batting average

2018, Steve Pearce, Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox first baseman Steve Pearce hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the eighth inning in game five of the 2018 World Series.

Stats: .333 batting average

2019, Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg heads to the clubhouse after defeating the Houston Astros in game seven of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park.