Curt Schilling NLCS MVP 2001

Lore & Background

The narrative of his MVP performance reached its climax in Game 5, where Schilling returned to the mound on regular rest. Despite the pressure of a potential clinch, he delivered another gem, pitching seven strong innings and earning the win that sealed 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 started Games 1 and 5 of the best-of-five series, both on regular rest, as there was no Game 6.
• The 2001 NLCS victory did not avenge a previous sweep loss; in 2000, the Diamondbacks lost the NLDS to the New York Mets, not the St. Louis Cardinals.