On October 31, 2001, the Arizona Diamondbacks won their first World Series title by defeating the New York Yankees 4-3 in Game 7 at Yankee Stadium. It was one of baseball’s most dramatic finals: Arizona rallied from a 2-0 series deficit and sealed victory with two runs in the ninth inning, ending New York’s streak of three consecutive championships (1998-2000).
The Setup: Yankees Chasing a Fourth Straight Title
The Yankees arrived at 2001 as heavy favorites. With a dynasty of three consecutive World Series titles (1998, 1999, 2000), Joe Torre’s team seemed unstoppable. However, Arizona had built a young and aggressive roster led by manager Bob Brenly, who in his first year was directing a team that won 92 games in the regular season. The Diamondbacks had two aces up their sleeve: Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling.
The Series: Drama in Every Act
Arizona lost the first two games in Yankee Stadium (1-0 and 4-0), which appeared to seal the series. But in Phoenix, the Diamondbacks won three consecutive games, including dominant performances by Randy Johnson (7 innings in Game 3) and Curt Schilling (6 innings in Game 4). Game 6 was won by Arizona 15-2, forcing a decisive Game 7.
Game 7: The Epic Finish
At Yankee Stadium, with Mariano Rivera on the mound for New York in the ninth inning, all seemed lost for Arizona. The Yankees led 2-1. Then Luis Gonzalez delivered a single that allowed Jay Bell to score the tying run, and Craig Counsell crossed home plate with the winning run. Arizona celebrated its first World Series championship.
Series Statistics
| Player/Team | Key Stat |
|---|---|
| Randy Johnson (Arizona) | 3 wins, 1.89 ERA |
| Curt Schilling (Arizona) | 2 wins, 1.69 ERA |
| Mariano Rivera (Yankees) | 0 saves in series |
| Luis Gonzalez (Arizona) | Game-winning hit, Game 7 |
The Legacy of 2001
This championship was special because it came just 26 days after the September 11 attacks. The 2001 World Series was an emotional respite for a grieving nation. For Arizona, it was confirmation that their project worked: the team would return to the World Series in 2002 (losing to the Giants). Randy Johnson, the «Big Unit,» became a Diamondbacks legend, winning the Cy Young Award in 2002 with a 2.49 ERA.
FAQ
What was the final score of Game 7?
Arizona 3, Yankees 2. The victory came in the ninth inning thanks to a single by Luis Gonzalez that allowed Jay Bell to score.
How many games did Arizona win in the series?
Four games. Arizona lost the first two in New York, but won three consecutive in Phoenix and then Game 7.
Who was named World Series MVP?
Randy Johnson earned World Series MVP honors with 3 wins and a 1.89 ERA over 15.1 innings pitched.
