Curt Schilling NLCS MVP 2001
The ace who silenced the Birds and marched Arizona to the World Series.
Curt Schilling's 2001 NLCS MVP award stands as a defining moment in Arizona Diamondbacks history, capping off a legendary postseason run that propelled the franchise to its first World Series championship. As the ace of the pitching staff, Schilling delivered two critical victories against the St. Louis Cardinals during the National League Championship Series, showcasing an unparalleled blend of dominance and resilience that secured his place among the game's greats.
- Player
- Curt Schilling
- Team
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- Award
- NLCS Most Valuable Player
- Year
- 2001
- Opponent
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Role
- Starting Pitcher
Lore & Background
The narrative of his MVP performance reached its climax in Game 6, where Schilling returned to the mound with just two days of rest. Despite the physical toll, he delivered another gem, pitching seven strong innings and earning the win that clinched the pennant for Arizona. His ability to perform under immense pressure against a division rival cemented his legacy not just as a great pitcher, but as the heart of the franchise's inaugural championship era.
In Their Own Story
The humidity hung heavy over Bank One Ballpark as Curt Schilling stepped onto the mound in Game 6. The roar of the crowd was deafening, a mix of anxiety and hope for a team that had never won it all before. He wiped sweat from his brow, tightened his grip on the ball, and delivered a sharp fastball that snapped through the zone for a strikeout. In that moment, with the pennant within reach, Schilling knew this was the night history would be written, and he was the one holding the pen.
Reader's Guide
Curt Schilling earned the 2001 NLCS MVP by leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in a hard-fought six-game series. His performance was characterized by two dominant starts that effectively neutralized one of baseball's most potent offenses.
In Game 3, Schilling pitched eight innings, allowing just one run while striking out nine batters. This effort broke the Cardinals' momentum and gave Arizona the first lead in the series since their divisional round upset.
The defining moment came in Game 6, where Schilling returned on short rest to pitch seven strong innings. His resilience secured the win that clinched the National League pennant, earning him the MVP honors and setting the stage for a World Series victory against the New York Yankees.
Did You Know?
- Schilling was the first Diamondback pitcher to ever win an NLCS MVP award in franchise history.
- He pitched on short rest in Game 6 of the series, a rare feat that required immense physical and mental fortitude.
- The 2001 NLCS victory avenged a previous sweep loss to St. Louis from the prior year's divisional round.