Mount Rushmore Monday: 2000s World Series Champs

Plus, Don't Miss Our Extra Serving of "Honorable Mentions" Below

We’re sliding right into the second edition of Mount Rushmore Monday this offseason and ranking the top four of the 2000s World Series champs. It's not just about wins and losses; we're talking historical shockwaves, superstar rosters, and jaw-dropping narratives. If you think we're off base or hit a home run with our list, let us hear it in the poll at the bottom and comment your list after voting! Reply to the email if you have any specific Mount Rushmores you’d like to see. Let’s play ball!

1. 2004 Boston Red Sox

• Historical Impact: Ended the 86-year "Curse of the Bambino."

• Memorable Series: Overcame a 3-0 deficit against the New York Yankees in the ALCS, an unprecedented comeback in MLB history.

• Roster Strength: Featured stars like David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, and Pedro Martinez.

• Dominance in World Series: Swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series.

2. 2009 New York Yankees

• Season Performance: Dominated the regular season with 103 wins.

• Star Power: Boasted a lineup with Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Mark Teixeira, coupled with the unmatched pitching of CC Sabathia and Mariano Rivera.

• 27th Championship: Extended their record for most World Series titles.

• Series Performance: Defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games, marked by strong hitting and solid pitching.

3. 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks

• Historic Win: Ended the Yankees' three-year championship streak.

• Dramatic Finish: Won in a thrilling Game 7 with a walk-off hit by Luis Gonzalez off Mariano Rivera.

• Pitching Duo: Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling co-MVPs, dominating the series.

• First Franchise Title: The win was especially significant as it was the Diamondbacks' first World Series title in only their fourth year of existence, the quickest of any expansion team to win a World Series.

4. 2005 Chicago White Sox

• Dominant Postseason: Went 11-1 in the postseason.

• Pitching Excellence: Four complete games by their starters in the ALCS, a feat I am willing to say will not be accomplished again.

• Ending the Drought: Won their first World Series since 1917.

• Series Performance: Swept the Houston Astros with a balanced team effort.

Honorable Mentions

1. 2008 Philadelphia Phillies

• Reason for Exclusion: While they had a strong season and postseason, they lacked the broader historical narrative of the top four.

• Highlights: Cole Hamels' MVP performance, and strong team chemistry.

2. 2002 Anaheim Angels

• Reason for Exclusion: Their first franchise title was historic, but the overall impact wasn't as profound as the top four.

• Highlights: Rally Monkey phenomenon, comeback win against the Giants.

3. 2007 Boston Red Sox

• Reason for Exclusion: A solid team performance but didn't have the same dramatic or historical significance as their 2004 win.

• Highlights: Strong lineup and dominant postseason performance.

4. 2003 Florida Marlins

• Reason for Exclusion: An impressive underdog story, but it lacked the larger narrative impact of the top teams.

• Highlights: Young talent like Miguel Cabrera, and Josh Beckett's stellar pitching.

Each team, whether in our Fab Four or honorable mentions, has etched its name in the annals of baseball lore. They've dazzled us with skill, tenacity, and tales that'll be told for generations. So, Tater Nation, agree? Disagree? Think we threw a curveball or hit a grand slam? Let’s hear it in the poll below, we want to hear your thoughts!

Trivia Question: When was the Florida, now Miami, Marlins baseball team formed?

Links Provided If You Want To Read More

• Arizona Diamondbacks continue to make moves to improve their roster after a World Series run by bringing back Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to a 3-year $42M contract. - MLB

• Atlanta Braves acquired Matt Carpenter, Ray Kerr, and cash from the Padres in exchange for Drew Campbell. - Bleacher Report

• Another team that continues to impress me is the Kansas City Royals. They’ve signed Hunter Renfroe and Michael Wacha to 2 years for $13M and $32M, respectively. It’s awesome to see smaller market teams go out and spend money to improve their roster. - ESPN

• Dodgers ink Tyler Glasnow to a 4-year $110M contract extension after trading for him from the Rays. Glasnow threw the most innings of his career last year at 120 but tends to average around 65 due to injuries. If he can stay healthy, this could be a great deal, but that is a big if. - CBS

As a Yankees fan growing up, there were few others I feared at the plate like I did Big Papi. In every conceivable scenario, he was armed with the tools of his trade, ready to step onto the stage and give it his all. As little as I liked facing him then, now I look back with joy that I had the opportunity to watch this Hall of Famer in his prime very often, even if that meant watching him lead the charge in the 2004 ALCS against the Yanks. Let’s look at some of the legendary postseason moments Ortiz gave us.

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Trivia Answer: 1993