THE STORY OF 2001 WORLD SERIES
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS CHAMPIONSHIP RING
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THE STORY OF 2001 WORLD SERIES
DIAMONDBACKS
ARIZONA CHAMPIONSHIP RING
The 2001 World Series, the 97th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series, took place between the Arizona Diamondbacks of the National League and the three-time defending champions New York Yankees of the American League. The Diamondbacks won the best-of-seven series four games to three. This is considered one of the greatest World Series of all time; memorable aspects included two extrainning games and three late-inning comebacks. It ended on a Game seven walk-off hit in the form of a bases-loaded blooper single off the bat of Luis Gonzalez. This was the third World Series to end in this way, following 1997 and 1991. This was also the Yankees' fourth consecutive World Series appearance, after winning it in 1998, 1999, and 2000 (the previous year). www.championshipringclub.com
THE STORY OF 2001 WORLD SERIES
DIAMONDBACKS
ARIZONA CHAMPIONSHIP RING
This was the first World Series ever played in the state of Arizona and the Mountain Time Zone. With the All-Star Game format change in 2003, the World Series would not open in the city of the National League champion again until 2010. This was the last World Series not to feature a wild card team until 2008. This was also the first World Series to end in November, due to the delay in the regular season after the September 11 attacks.
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THE STORY OF 2001 WORLD SERIES
DIAMONDBACKS
ARIZONA CHAMPIONSHIP RING
With the win by the Diamondbacks, the franchise became the first World Series champions from a Far West state other than California and the first major professional sports team to win a title in the State of Arizona. Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling were the co-MVPs of the 2001 World Series, combining for a 4–0 record and a 1.40 ERA and striking out 45 Yankees in 38 2⁄3 innings.
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THE STORY OF 2001 WORLD SERIES
DIAMONDBACKS
ARIZONA CHAMPIONSHIP RING
After winning the NL West again in 2002 the Diamondbacks were swept 3–0 by St. Louis in the NLDS. From here they declined, losing 111 games in 2004 as Bob Brenly was fired during that season. Arizona would not win another NL West title until 2007. Schilling was traded to the Boston Red Sox after the 2003 season and in 2004 helped lead them to their first world championship since 1918. He helped them win another championship in 2007 and retired after four years with Boston, missing the entire 2008 season with a shoulder injury.
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THE STORY OF 2001 WORLD SERIES
DIAMONDBACKS
ARIZONA CHAMPIONSHIP RING
Johnson was traded to the Yankees after the 2004 season, a season that saw him throw a perfect game against the Atlanta Braves, though he would be traded back to the Diamondbacks two years later and finish his career with the San Francisco Giants in 2009. None of the Diamondbacks players from 2001 are active, with Lyle Overbay retiring following the 2014 season with the Milwaukee Brewers. With the retirements of both Derek Jeter and Alfonso Soriano after the 2014 season, Randy Choate is now the last remaining member of the 2001 AL Champion Yankees still active in the majors. Choate is currently on the roster of the St. Louis Cardinals.
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