The Similarities Between the 2001 and 2023 World Series

The coincidences/fate have made an opportunity for the D-backs to repeat history from 2001 in the 2023 World Series

Much has been said and written about the Arizona Diamondbacks making it to the World Series as extreme underdogs for the first time since 2001. The World Series is extremely difficult to get to and the D-backs have made it just twice in their 25+ years of being a franchise. As you know, the D-backs won it all in 2001, becoming the fastest expansion team in the Big Four professional sports to win a Championship. They were extreme under-dogs back then when they squared off against the dynasty New York Yankees who had won each of the three prior World Series. It took seven games and one magical and historical swing by Luis Gonzalez to forever etch the D-backs as champions.

There's a lot different between the 2001 and 2023 teams. They don't have a rookie manager. They are extremely young very few veterans which is the polar opposite of the 2001 team. They don't have home-field advantage, and aren't free-spending like  back then.

However, there's more than enough "coincidences" to spark interest over whether this World Series is already determined and the D-backs are destined to win. First off, Greg Schulte is calling the games on radio just like he did in 2001. However, this year is his retirement year so what better way to send him off into retirement than by winning the World Series.

Secondly, the D-backs are led by a power-hitting left-handed outfielder that is doing things that no one thought he could do. Corbin Carroll ala Luis Gonzalez both had fantastic seasons and accomplished much more than anyone expected, especially in the power department. Both teams were led by a pair of co-aces. While no one is mistaking Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen for Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, it's still noteworthy that the rotations are similar, especially at the top in terms of having two aces.

Third, the games are being played on the same exact dates as the 2001 World Series. Both series will end on November 4th if the series goes to seven games, and every game is being played on the identical date.

The All-Star Game in 2001 was played in Seattle where Luis Gonzalez was the star D-backs representative along with Randy Johnson. In 2023, the All-Star Game was held in Seattle once again with Corbin Carroll and Zac Gallen playing the roles of Gonzo and Johnson.

Former President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch during the 2001 World Series. He's doing it once again in the 2023 World Series. That's just another "coincidence" or timely spurt of fate.

Oh, and remember that bird that Randy Johnson exploded with a fastball during Spring Training? That happened in 2001. Scientists conducted hundreds of experiments trying to recreate that very feat and were unable to. However, who managed to do it in 2023 for the first time since Johnson? Zac Gallen who during a side-pitching session hit a bird with one of his throws. Don't believe me? Here's the video.

Zac Gallen really hit a bird with a curveball. pic.twitter.com/T6XOZudoMH

— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) May 17, 2023

If that isn't freaky enough, then there's one more minor but also very interesting tidbit. This kid named Jerry Granillo had as his senior quote in his 2017 high school yearbook that the "Dbacks will win the World Series in 2023". 

Baseball is a very mysterious and amazing game. The D-backs have proven everyone wrong so far during their quest to win the World Series. They've given you ample reason to not doubt them anymore. These "coincidences" are just extra fuel for the fire or the cherry on top of the World Series trophy. In a few days to a week, we'll see if these odd coincidences truly were fate or if it was just an amazing span of coincidences.