The Florida Marlins reached the World Series in only their fifth season, but were heavy underdogs against the Cleveland Indians.
The Marlins defeated the Indians 4-3 to become the first wild card team ever to win the World Series. The final Game 7 was a nailbiter and had to be decided in extra innings after a tense, low-scoring game.
Tony Fernandez singled to drive Jim Thome and Marquis Grissom home in the third innings for a 2-0 Cleveland lead. The Marlins responded in the seventh through Bobby Bonilla’s home run and Moises Alou tied the game deep in the ninth before Edgar Reneteria’s game-clinchin play. Renteria’s single proved to be the difference as the Marlins won 3-2.
More memorable events on this day:
1863: The Football Association is formed following a meeting of 11 interested clubs in London.
1968: George Foreman wins gold for the USA at the Mexico Olympics.
1997: Alberto Salazar wins the first of his three consecutive New York City marathons in 2h 9m 41s.
1997: Jacques Villenueve wins F1 world title after Michael Schumacher crashes out of the European GP.
