Arizona Diamondbacks – Luis Gonzalez proves Mariano Rivera was mortal
The Yankees were a juggernaut in the late 1990s and into the 2000s. They had won three consecutive World Series, and four of the previous five, heading into 2001. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, were in their fourth year of existence. Down by a run with two outs in the ninth against Mariano Rivera, Tony Womack doubled in the game tying run. A hit batter brought up Luis Gonzalez, who flaired a base hit to center to give the Diamondbacks their first, and so far only, World Series title.
Colorado Rockies – Matt Holliday touches home
The Rockies were dead in the water before a surge in September brought them to the cusp of a playoff berth, leading to Game 163 against the Padres. The Padres took an 8-6 lead into the bottom of the 13th before Trevor Hoffman had a rare meltdown. Consecutive doubles to lead off the inning cut the lead to one, with Matt Holliday tying the game on his triple to right. After an intentional walk to Todd Helton, Jamey Carroll hit a fly ball to deep right, with Holliday heading home. He crashed chin first towards home plate and was ruled safe, his hand touching the plate before he was tagged out. Replays were inconclusive, allowing the run to stand as the Rockies would storm through the National League playoffs en route to the World Series.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Jackie Robinson makes his debut
The color barrier had unofficially existed for 63 years, with Fleet and Welday Walker being forced out of MLB due to Cap Anson and his racist views. That barrier was shattered on April 15, 1947, when Jackie Robinson made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Although he was hitless, he scored the game winning run after reaching on an error. Robinson proved himself in the subsequent weeks, even in the face of extreme prejudice, paving the way for Larry Doby and Satchel Paige to head to Cleveland. By the time he retired, all but three teams had integrated, as Robinson showed that black players were every bit as good as white players.
San Diego Padres – the chase for .400
No MLB player has hit .400 since Ted Williams in 1941. Tony Gwynn may have done so had the player’s strike not ended the 1994 season. He had been on a tear at the time, collecting hits in 14 of the final 15 games of the season. He had a .433 batting average over those final 15 games, finishing the season with a .394 batting average. As Gwynn never dipped below a .356 batting average after April 21, he may have made history if the labor stoppage had not ended his run.
San Francisco Giants – The Catch
The Giants were set to face the Indians in the 1954 World Series, a matchup where Cleveland was heavily favored. With the game tied 2-2 in the top of the eighth, and runners on first and second, Vic Wertz hit a drive to deep center that appeared poised to give the Indians the lead. Instead, Willie Mays sprinted back and kept running, making what may be the most famous catch in World Series history as he snared the ball with a running, over the shoulder catch. His subsequent throw led to Larry Doby staying at third as he had taken off when the ball was hit. The Giants escaped the inning unscathed and won the game 5-2 in extra innings en route to sweeping the Indians.