Arizona's aces steal the show

The perfect double act: Co-MVPs Johnson and Schilling

BBC Sport Online's Matt Slater looks back on the Arizona Diamondbacks' World Series triumph over the New York Yankees.

If there was ever a sporting contest that made the remarkable seem routine, then the 2001 World Series was it.

When Arizona's Luis Gonzalez singled home Jay Bell to complete a thrilling two-run comeback in the bottom of the ninth, he was only conforming to the general pattern of what may have been the greatest World Series ever.

By beating the New York Yankees 3-2 on Sunday, the Diamondbacks completed a memorable 4-3 series victory to become the fastest expansion team to scoop baseball's biggest prize.

We went through sports' greatest dynasty to win our first World Series

Curt Schilling

That the win came against the Yankees, baseball's most famous franchise, made the triumph all the more significant.

With the Yankees riding a wave of emotion generated by the atrocities committed against the city on 11 September, there were times when the Diamondbacks could be forgiven for thinking fate was against them.

But when the Yankees took a 3-2 series lead after three unlikely, and breath-taking, wins in New York, the D'backs refused to buckle.

Having men like Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson in your line-up, however, does make it easier to muster confidence in your ability to come through.

Money well spent

Arizona pitcher Miguel Batista summed up his team's refusal to be cowed by the Yankees legend when he said: "We weren't playing against the gods.

"Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, they were not playing the games. We were playing against men.

Johnson silenced his post-season demons

"A championship is decided by men, not by names."

Indeed, and it was Arizona's men that proved to be more decisive than New York's names.

In only the team's fourth year of existence, the Diamondbacks owners can reflect on $85m well spent.

Because that is the amount that a championship team sets you back these days.

For that sum you get a solid batting line-up, plenty of veteran know-how, an inspirational manager and two genius pitchers.

Lolich landmark

And it was that dynamic duo of Schilling and Johnson that the Diamondbacks ultimately have to thank for their World Series rings.

Schilling started games one, four and seven - the last two after just three day's rest - and Johnson started games two and six, and closed out game seven to claim his third win of the series.

I don't believe there have ever been two pitchers who dominated all season long the way they have

Bob Brenly
Arizona manager

Detroit's Mickey Lolich was the last man to win three World Series games back in 1968, and while it was Johnson who earned that accolade, it could so easily have been Schilling, whose sole victory came in game one.

Schilling's earned run average for his three starts was 1.69, Johnson's an even meaner 1.04.

In short, they were untouchable.

Between them they helped Arizona limit the vaunted Yankees offence to just 42 hits from 229 at bats - an average of .183, the lowest ever in a seven-game World Series.

The 6' 10" Johnson, known as the 'Big Unit', pitched seven innings in Arizona's game six win on Saturday, only to emerge from the bullpen on Sunday to dismiss the last four batters and claim the win.

Future Hall-of-Famers

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't somewhat impressed but I don't doubt the guy," a delighted Schilling said of Johnson.

"I know him too well. He's a warrior, has been since the day I met him.

"And that relief appearance is everything you ever need to know about Randy Johnson.

Schilling put in three heroic efforts for Arizona

"What he's done for us this year and what he's done for me on a personal level is something that I don't know that I'll ever be able to repay him."

The mutual respect that these two future Hall-of-Famers feel for each other is obvious, and clearly goes some way to explaining their devastating double act.

New York manager Joe Torre, bidding for his fourth straight World Series title, was magnanimous in defeat - recognising that his side, outscored over the seven games 37-14, were second best despite their own remarkable fighting qualities.

Dominant pitching

On the subject of Arizona's deadly duo, Torre was equally honest.

"I don't think there is anybody who can rearrange a line-up as well as these two," he said.

Arizona manager Bob Brenly, the first man to win the championship in his first year since the Yankees' Ralph Houk in 1961, was in no doubt as to who made the difference for his side.

"I don't believe there have ever been two pitchers who dominated all season long the way they have," Brenly said.

The last word on these two incredible talents is probably best left to the 'Big Unit' himself.

"Me and Curt fed off of one another all year long, and I think we made ourselves better," he said.

After the year these two veterans have had, batters across the major leagues will be praying there is no further improvement to come.