Craig Counsell

Lore & Background

Counsell's time in Arizona began after he was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers in November 1998, a separate acquisition from the Luis Gonzalez trade. His stay with the Diamondbacks lasted approximately 4.5 seasons, though he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on July 11, 2003 before the season ended. His most impactful season arrived early during the team's historic 2001 postseason. In the National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves, Counsell delivered an exceptional performance, batting .381 (8-for-21) with 2 RBIs and 4 runs to help the team advance. This consistency provided a steady hand in the middle of the lineup as the team advanced toward the World Series.

In Their Own Story

The defining moment of Counsell's Arizona career occurred in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. With the game tied, he stepped into the batter's box against Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. Counsell was hit by a pitch, which loaded the bases for Luis Gonzalez. Moments later, Gonzalez drove in the winning run with a bloop single over the drawn-in infield, securing the championship. This sequence cemented Counsell's legacy as a pivotal figure in one of baseball's most dramatic endings, having contributed directly to the setup that broke the Yankees' hearts.

Reader's Guide

Craig Counsell served as a veteran presence for the Diamondbacks during their formative years, filling the role of utility infielder and starter. While he is often remembered for his unique batting stance—holding the bat high with arms extended above his head during most of his career—his value in Arizona was defined by situational awareness and clutch performance. He played primarily at shortstop and second base, though his versatility allowed him to fill gaps elsewhere. His tenure culminated in the 2001 title run, where he transitioned from a reliable regular player to an MVP-caliber performer in the playoffs.

Did You Know?

• Counsell was hit by a pitch from Mariano Rivera in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series with the bases loaded, forcing in the go-ahead run to tie the game 2-2 before Luis Gonzalez's game-winning single.
• He batted 8-for-21 with 2 RBIs and 4 runs in the 2001 NLCS against the Atlanta Braves, helping the Diamondbacks reach the World Series.
• Counsell held a unique batting stance where he often held his bat high above his head, nearly showing the number on his back to the pitcher throughout his entire MLB career.
• He was claimed off waivers by the Diamondbacks from the Los Angeles Dodgers in November 1998, not signed as a free agent.