The rivalry between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals has been a captivating and enduring showdown in Major League Baseball.
Since the Diamondbacks’ inception in 1998, these two teams have engaged in fierce competition, igniting passionate support from their dedicated fanbases.
With historic moments, intense postseason battles, and iconic performances, the Diamondbacks vs. Cardinals rivalry has left an indelible mark on the sport.
This storied matchup exemplifies the heart and spirit of baseball, drawing spectators into the excitement of every encounter.
From dramatic walk-offs to hard-fought victories, the clash between these NL contenders continues to thrill and unite baseball enthusiasts across the nation.
History: Arizona Diamondbacks Vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
History of Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers:
Establishment and Franchise History
- Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers are one of the oldest and most iconic franchises in Major League Baseball. They were established in 1883 in Brooklyn, New York, and were originally known as the Brooklyn Dodgers.
In 1958, the team moved to Los Angeles, becoming the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers have a rich history of success, with multiple World Series championships and numerous Hall of Fame players who have donned their iconic blue and white uniforms. - Arizona Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks are a much younger franchise, founded in 1998 as an expansion team. They became the first major professional sports franchise in Arizona and quickly made an impact by winning the World Series in just their fourth season in 2001.
Despite their relative youth, the Diamondbacks have cultivated a dedicated fanbase and have had some notable accomplishments in their history.
World Series Championships
- Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers have a storied history in the World Series, with a total of 6 championships (as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021).
They won titles in 1955, 1959, 1963, 1965, 1981, and most recently in 2020. The Dodgers have also been frequent participants in the World Series, reaching the Fall Classic on numerous occasions. - Arizona Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks have won one World Series championship in their history. In 2001, in just their fourth season as a franchise, they defeated the New York Yankees in a thrilling seven-game series. This victory remains a highlight of their history and has left a lasting impact on the franchise and its fanbase.
Rivalries and Head-to-Head Matchups
- Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers have a long-standing and intense rivalry with various teams, including the San Francisco Giants and the historic rivalry with the New York Yankees from their days in Brooklyn.
The rivalry with the Diamondbacks has grown over the years due to their shared division (NL West) and numerous head-to-head matchups during the regular season. - Arizona Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks’ most notable rivalry is with the Los Angeles Dodgers, given their shared division and geographic proximity.
The rivalry has seen its fair share of intense games and memorable moments, contributing to the growing intensity between the two teams and their respective fanbases.
Hall of Fame Players
- Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers have produced a plethora of Hall of Fame players over the years, including legendary figures like Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, Roy Campanella, Duke Snider, and Don Drysdale, among others.
- Arizona Diamondbacks: Being a younger franchise, the Diamondbacks have not yet had players inducted into the Hall of Fame who played their entire careers with the team.
However, players like Randy Johnson, who spent some of his career with the Diamondbacks, have been inducted into the Hall of Fame for their contributions to the game.
Fanbase: Arizona Diamondbacks vs Los Angeles Dodgers
The fanbases of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers are both passionate and dedicated, but they differ in terms of size, history, and regional reach.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the largest and most passionate fanbases in all of Major League Baseball. They are considered one of the most iconic and historic franchises in the sport, dating back to their establishment in 1883.
Over the years, the Dodgers have amassed a rich history of success, with multiple World Series championships and numerous playoff appearances.
Their extensive history and success have contributed to a massive and devoted fan following not just in Los Angeles but also across the United States.
The Dodgers’ fanbase is known for its loyalty, and their games at Dodger Stadium often draw large crowds, making it one of the most well-attended stadiums in MLB.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks, being a relatively young franchise established in 1998, have a smaller fanbase compared to the Dodgers.
However, this does not diminish the passion and loyalty of their supporters. The Diamondbacks’ fanbase has grown steadily since the team’s inception, and they have established a strong presence in Arizona and the surrounding regions.
Winning the World Series in just their fourth season (2001) significantly boosted the Diamondbacks’ popularity and helped solidify their fanbase.
The success and the memorable moments, like the iconic walk-off hit by Luis Gonzalez in the 2001 World Series, have endeared the team to their fans.
Iconic Moments: Arizona Diamondbacks Vs Los Angeles Dodgers Rivalry
The rivalry between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers has produced several iconic moments over the years. These moments have contributed to the intensity and excitement of the rivalry, leaving a lasting impact on both teams’ histories and their fans.
Here are some of the most memorable and iconic moments:
Luis Gonzalez’s Walk-Off Hit (2001 NLDS)
In Game 5 of the 2001 National League Division Series (NLDS), the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers faced off in a winner-takes-all game. With the score tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 9th inning, the Diamondbacks had the bases loaded with two outs.
Luis Gonzalez, the Diamondbacks’ star player, stepped up to the plate and delivered a dramatic walk-off bloop single off Dodgers’ closer Eric Gagne, securing a 3-2 victory for the Diamondbacks. This moment not only sent the Diamondbacks to the NLCS but also became one of the most iconic moments in franchise history.
2004 Brawl
In a game between the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers in 2004, tensions boiled over, leading to a bench-clearing brawl. Dodgers’ pitcher Brad Penny hit Diamondbacks’ batter Shea Hillenbrand with a pitch, and Hillenbrand charged the mound, sparking the brawl.
Both teams’ benches and bullpens emptied onto the field, resulting in heated confrontations between players. The incident added fuel to the fire of the rivalry and heightened emotions in future matchups.
Greinke’s Move from Dodgers to Diamondbacks (2016)
In a surprising move during the offseason of 2015, Zack Greinke, one of the Dodgers’ star pitchers, decided to sign with the Diamondbacks. Greinke had an outstanding season with the Dodgers in 2015, finishing as the runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award.
His departure from the Dodgers to join their divisional rivals added intrigue to the rivalry and became a major talking point among fans and analysts.
2017 NLDS
In the 2017 National League Division Series, the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers faced off once again in the postseason. The Dodgers dominated the series, winning in three games, but it was Game 3 that stood out as an iconic moment.
Dodgers’ pitcher Yu Darvish was dominant on the mound, and during the game, he hit a home run off Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke, adding an unexpected twist to the matchup and showcasing the skills of a pitcher at the plate.
Joc Pederson’s Home Run Derby Victory (2015)
Though not a regular-season game moment, Joc Pederson’s performance in the 2015 Home Run Derby during the All-Star break deserves mention.
Pederson, a Dodgers’ outfielder, put on an impressive display of power, hitting massive home runs to claim the runner-up spot in the contest.
His performance was a memorable showcase of the talent and power that fuels the Dodgers’ lineup and contributed to the excitement of the rivalry.
Table For Arizona Diamondbacks Vs St Louis Cardinals Rivalry
| Season | Date | Venue | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Oct 14 | Bank One Ballpark | Arizona Diamondbacks | 2 – 1 (NLDS) |
| 2001 | Oct 7 | Busch Stadium | St. Louis Cardinals | 4 – 7 (NLDS) |
| 2002 | Jun 18 | Bank One Ballpark | St. Louis Cardinals | 5 – 8 |
| 2002 | Jun 19 | Bank One Ballpark | St. Louis Cardinals | 3 – 6 |
| 2003 | May 26 | Busch Stadium | Arizona Diamondbacks | 4 – 3 |
| 2003 | May 27 | Busch Stadium | Arizona Diamondbacks | 1 – 0 |
| 2004 | May 11 | Bank One Ballpark | St. Louis Cardinals | 4 – 5 |
| 2004 | May 12 | Bank One Ballpark | St. Louis Cardinals | 3 – 4 |
| 2005 | Jul 26 | Busch Stadium | St. Louis Cardinals | 4 – 6 |
| 2005 | Jul 27 | Busch Stadium | St. Louis Cardinals | 2 – 3 |
| 2009 | Aug 7 | Chase Field | Arizona Diamondbacks | 9 – 4 |
| 2009 | Aug 8 | Chase Field | St. Louis Cardinals | 1 – 2 |
| 2010 | Jun 7 | Busch Stadium | Arizona Diamondbacks | 7 – 6 |
| 2010 | Jun 8 | Busch Stadium | St. Louis Cardinals | 7 – 1 |
| 2019 | Sep 24 | Busch Stadium | Arizona Diamondbacks | 9 – 7 |
| 2019 | Sep 25 | Busch Stadium | St. Louis Cardinals | 2 – 5 |
FAQ
When did the rivalry between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals begin?
The rivalry between the Diamondbacks and the Cardinals began in 1998 when the Arizona Diamondbacks joined Major League Baseball (MLB) as an expansion team. Since then, both teams have faced each other in regular-season matchups, and the competition has intensified over the years.
Have the Arizona Diamondbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals met in the postseason?
Yes, the Diamondbacks and the Cardinals have met in the postseason. One notable postseason matchup occurred during the 2001 National League Division Series (NLDS), where the Diamondbacks defeated the Cardinals to advance to the NLCS and eventually win the World Series.
What are some iconic moments in the Diamondbacks vs. Cardinals rivalry?
Some iconic moments in the rivalry include Luis Gonzalez’s walk-off hit in Game 5 of the 2001 NLDS, as well as memorable regular-season games with close scores and standout performances by players from both teams.
Which team has historically had the upper hand in the rivalry?
The overall head-to-head record between the Diamondbacks and the Cardinals varies from season to season. Both teams have had periods of success, making the rivalry competitive and unpredictable over the years.
How do fans of both teams view the rivalry?
Fans of both the Diamondbacks and the Cardinals view the rivalry with excitement and intensity. Games between these two teams often create a charged atmosphere, with supporters from both sides showing their passion for their team and engaging in friendly banter at the ballpark. The rivalry adds an extra layer of significance to matchups and strengthens the overall appeal of baseball in the NL.
To Recap
The rivalry between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals remains a testament to the enduring allure of baseball.
From its humble beginnings in 1998 to the memorable postseason clashes and iconic performances, this rivalry has etched its place in MLB history.
The passion and dedication of the fans from both teams have further fueled the competitive spirit, making each matchup a spectacle to behold.
As the years go by, the Diamondbacks vs. Cardinals rivalry continues to captivate, reminding us of the unwavering excitement and unpredictable nature of the game.
It stands as a symbol of the camaraderie and fervor that sports inspire, uniting enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds under the timeless banner of America’s pastime.
