2002 Mlb Standings: A Look Back At The Season

A Brief Overview

The 2002 Major League Baseball (MLB) season was an exciting time for fans of the sport. The season began on March 31, 2002, and ended with the World Series on October 27, 2002. Thirty teams competed in the league, with 14 from the American League (AL) and 16 from the National League (NL).

The American League Standings

The AL was comprised of three divisions – East, Central, and West. At the end of the regular season, the Oakland Athletics finished first in the West division with a record of 103-59. The New York Yankees took the top spot in the East with a record of 103-58, while the Minnesota Twins won the Central with a record of 94-67.

The National League Standings

In the NL, there were also three divisions – East, Central, and West. The Atlanta Braves won the East with a record of 101-59, while the St. Louis Cardinals took the Central with a record of 97-65. The San Francisco Giants won the West division with a record of 95-66.

Key Moments of the Season

There were several memorable moments during the 2002 MLB season. One of the most notable was the All-Star Game, which was held on July 9, 2002, at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The game ended in a tie after 11 innings, which led to significant criticism from fans and players alike. Another memorable moment was Barry Bonds’ record-breaking 73rd home run of the season, which he hit on October 7, 2002, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bonds broke the previous record of 70 home runs, which had been set by Mark McGwire during the 1998 season.

Postseason Play

After the regular season, the top teams from each division in both the AL and NL advanced to the postseason. The playoffs began on October 1, 2002, with the AL Division Series (ALDS) and the NLDS. In the ALDS, the New York Yankees defeated the Minnesota Twins in four games, while the Oakland Athletics defeated the Boston Red Sox in five games. In the NLDS, the San Francisco Giants defeated the Atlanta Braves in four games, while the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games.

The Championship Series

The winners of the ALDS and NLDS then faced off in the Championship Series (CS). The Yankees defeated the Athletics in five games to advance to the World Series, while the Giants defeated the Cardinals in five games.

The World Series

The 2002 World Series began on October 19, 2002, and featured the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants. The series was notable for several reasons, including the fact that it was the first time that the Giants had reached the World Series since moving to San Francisco in 1958. The series went to seven games, with the final game taking place on October 27, 2002. The Giants emerged as the champions, winning the series 4-3. The series was particularly memorable for Giants fans, who were able to celebrate their team’s first World Series victory since moving to San Francisco.

Conclusion

The 2002 MLB season was a memorable one for fans of the sport. With several key moments, including Barry Bonds’ record-breaking home run and the Giants’ victory in the World Series, it was a season that will be remembered for years to come. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply enjoy following the sport casually, the 2002 season is definitely one worth remembering.