2011 World Series Championship
The Cardinals won their eleventh World Series championship in a seven-game thriller, highlighted by David Freese's heroics in Game 6.
The 2011 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2011 season. The 107th edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff played between the American League (AL) champion Texas Rangers and the National League (NL) champion St. Louis Cardinals; the Cardinals defeated the Rangers in seven games to win their eleventh World Series championship.
Quick Facts
- Champion
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Opponent
- Texas Rangers
- Series result
- 4-3 (Cardinals won Game 7)
- Manager
- Tony La Russa
- Home field
- Busch Stadium III
- Season record
- 90-72
Lore & Background
The Series was noted for its back-and-forth Game 6, in which the Cardinals erased a two-run deficit in the bottom of the 9th inning, then did it again in the 10th. In both innings, the Rangers were one strike away from their first World Series championship. The Cardinals won the game in the 11th inning on a walk-off home run by David Freese, who was named World Series MVP. The Rangers’ collapse in Game 6 has been cited as a manifestation of the Curse of Bob Short by Rangers fans and Dallas-Fort Worth media. The Series was also known for the blowout Game 3, in which Cardinals player Albert Pujols hit three home runs, a World Series feat previously accomplished only by Reggie Jackson and Babe Ruth, and subsequently by Pablo Sandoval in 2012. In 2020, ESPN named the 2011 World Series the fifth greatest of all time.
Reader's Guide
The Series began on October 19, earlier than the previous season, so that no games would be played in November. The Cardinals enjoyed home-field advantage for the series because the NL won the 2011 All-Star Game 5–1 on July 12. The 2011 World Series was the first World Series to go all seven games since the 2002 Series, and the last one where Game 7 was won by the home team. As of the source, this is St. Louis’ last World Series victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the dramatic storyline of the 2011 series?
Trailing 3-1 against a dominant opponent, the Cardinals staged an improbable comeback by winning three consecutive games to force and ultimately win Game 7.
Who was named the Most Valuable Player in this championship?
Third baseman David Freese earned MVP honors for his clutch hitting throughout the series, which included two game-winning home runs.
Where did the decisive final game take place?
The championship-clinching Game 7 was played at Busch Stadium III in St. Louis on a rainy night.
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