2003 Postseason

<< 2002 2003 Postseason 2004 >> NL Division Series (3-2) Cubs (NLC) over Braves (NLE) NL Division Series (3-1) Marlins (WC) over Giants (NLW) NL Championship Series (4-3) Marlins over Cubs World Series (4-2) Marlins over Yankees AL Championship Series (4-3) Yankees over Red Sox AL Division Series (3-1) Yankees (ALE) over Twins (ALC) AL Division Series (3-2) Red Sox (WC) over Athletics (ALW)

Summary

Considered one of the most exciting Octobers in recent years, 2003 saw celebrated franchises falter in both league championship series.

In the division series, the Cubs beat the Braves in five games to secure a meeting with the Marlins in the NLCS. The Fish fell behind three games to one, but shocked the Cubs by beating aces Mark Prior and Kerry Wood at Wrigley Field. Steve Bartman became a household name in the roller coaster series.

In the American League, a fine baseball rivalry continued in the ALCS. The Red Sox and Yankees locked horns in an exciting seven game series that even featured a brawl. Game seven became legendary when Aaron Boone hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning against Tim Wakefield.

Marlins' youngster Josh Beckett was the hero of the World Series, tossing a complete game shutout on only three days rest.

NL Team Stats

TEAM	W-L	Manager	BA	HR	R	ERA	WHIP	RA
Braves	101-61	Bobby Cox	.284	235	907	4.10	1.36	740
Giants	100-61	Felipe Alou	.264	180	755	3.73	1.32	638
Cubs	88-74	Dusty Baker	.259	172	724	3.83	1.32	683
Marlins	91-71	Jack McKeon	.266	157	751	4.04	1.34	692

AL Team Stats

TEAM	W-L	Manager	BA	HR	R	ERA	WHIP	RA
Yankees	101-61	Joe Torre	.271	230	877	4.02	1.29	716
Athletics	96-66	Ken Macha	.254	176	768	3.63	1.27	643
Twins	90-72	Ron Gardenhire	.277	155	801	4.41	1.32	758
Red Sox	95-67	Grady Little	.289	238	961	4.48	1.36	809