This is the next in a series of stories from Cronkite News revisiting the Diamondbacks’ 2001 World Series victory.
Unique Atmosphere in Spring Training
PHOENIX – Everyone involved with the 2001 Diamondbacks sensed something unique during spring training. “From the beginning, there was just a sense,” said then-general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. “The players looked around and said, ‘This is a pretty special group we have put together here.’” This conviction intensified as the team reached the World Series in just their fourth season, a dramatic seven-game showdown recognized as one of the most remarkable in MLB history.
Emotional Context of the Series
In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the nation was already emotionally charged. The series was gripping, with four out of the seven games decided by a single run and three games concluded in the ninth inning or extra innings. Both rosters featured multiple Hall of Famers, culminating in Luis Gonzalez’s legendary game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth of Game 7.
Game 1: Diamondbacks Take Command
Game 1, Oct. 27: Diamondbacks 9, Yankees 1
Curt Schilling, boasting 22 wins and 316 strikeouts, took the mound, having allowed only two runs throughout the playoffs. The Yankees countered with Mike Mussina, who was also effective. After giving up an early run, Schilling settled in, pitching seven innings with just one run allowed. The Diamondbacks’ offense came alive, with Craig Counsell tying the game with a home run, and Luis Gonzalez hitting another to establish a lead. The bullpen maintained dominance, en route to a strong opening victory.
Game 2: Johnson’s Masterclass
Game 2, Oct. 28: Diamondbacks 4, Yankees 0
With ace Randy Johnson on the mound, the Diamondbacks sought to extend their lead. Johnson delivered a remarkable performance, striking out 11 Yankees and allowing only three hits over a complete game. Scoring began with Danny Bautista and culminated in a powerful three-run homer from Matt Williams, solidifying the Diamondbacks’ 2-0 advantage as they headed to New York.
Game 3: Yankees Claim Victory
Game 3, Oct. 30: Yankees 2, Diamondbacks 1
Emotions ran high in New York as the Yankees returned to the field post-9/11. Jorge Posada provided the Yankees with their first lead of the series. Though the Diamondbacks managed to tie the game, the Yankees took control again in the seventh, supported by Mariano Rivera’s stellar relief efforts, earning their first win of the series.
Game 4: Overtime Drama
Game 4, Oct. 31: Yankees 4, Diamondbacks 3 (10 innings)
Schilling took the mound again for the Diamondbacks, aiming to stabilize the series. Following a scoreless start, the teams exchanged leads. In a tense finish, Derek Jeter’s dramatic ninth-inning homer secured a Yankees win, tying the series.
Game 5: Another Heartbreaker
Game 5, Nov. 1: Yankees 3, Diamondbacks 2 (12 innings)
In a tightly contested Game 5, the Diamondbacks initially held a lead, but the Yankees evened the score, sending it to extra innings once again. A clutch hit by Alfonso Soriano sealed the victory for New York, giving them a 3-2 series lead.
Game 6: Diamondbacks Rally
Game 6, Nov. 3: Diamondbacks 15, Yankees 2
Facing elimination, the Diamondbacks exploded offensively, overwhelming the Yankees with 22 hits during Game 6. Johnson led the charge, ensuring the series would go to a final showdown in Game 7.
Game 7: A Legendary Finish
Game 7, Nov. 4: Diamondbacks 3, Yankees 2
In a high-stakes duel between Clemens and Schilling, the game swayed dramatically. After a lead change in the seventh, the Diamondbacks faced Rivera in the ninth. Key hits from Grace and Womack set the stage for Gonzalez’s game-winning bloop single, etching the Diamondbacks’ name in history. Gonzalez later reflected on the victory, emphasizing the team effort behind their championship.
