The 1991 National League Championship Series was played between the Atlanta Braves (94-68) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (98-64), with the Braves coming out on top in the series 4-3. It was considered one of the best-pitched 7-game series of the modern era, featuring three 1-0 finishes. The Braves went on to lose in the World Series to the Minnesota Twins in seven games. This article is currently under construction // This year in baseball Events January 8 - Rod Carew, Gaylord Perry and Ferguson Jenkins are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America, with Carew becoming the 22nd player to be named in his first year of eligibility. ... In Major League Baseball, the National League Championship Series (NLCS) determines who wins the National League pennant and advances to baseballs championship, the World Series, facing the winner of the American League Championship Series. ... Major league affiliations National League (1876–present) East Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 21, 35, 41, 42, 44 Name Atlanta Braves (1966–present) Milwaukee Braves (1953-1965) Boston Braves (1941-1952) Boston Bees (1936-1940) Boston Braves (1912-1935) Boston Rustlers (1911) Boston Doves (1907-1910) Boston... Major league affiliations National League (1887–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 4, 8, 9, 20, 21, 33, 40, 42 Name Pittsburgh Pirates (1891–present) Pittsburgh Innocents (1890) Pittsburg Alleghenies (1882–1889) (Also referred to as Infants in 1890) Ballpark PNC Park (2001–present) Three Rivers... Dates October 19, 1991–October 27, 1991 MVP Jack Morris (Minnesota) Television network CBS Announcers Jack Buck, Tim McCarver Umpires Don Denkinger (AL), Harry Wendelstedt (NL), Drew Coble (AL), Terry Tata (NL), Rick Reed (AL), Ed Montague (NL) The 1991 World Series was played from October 19 to October 27... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 6, 14, 29, 34, 42 Name Minnesota Twins (1961–present) Washington Nationals/Senators (1901-1960) Ballpark Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 1982-present Metropolitan Stadium (1961-1981) Griffith Stadium (1903-1960) a. ...

The Pirates had the best record in the National League in 1991, and were expected to win this series and advance to the World Series. But the Braves, who went from last place in the National League West in 1990 to first place in the division in 1991, were able to pull off the upset in their memorable run to the World Series versus the Minnesota Twins. In Major League Baseball, the National League Western Division, or NL West, is one of three subdivisions of the National League. ... // This year in baseball Events January 9 - Jim Palmer, a three-time American League Cy Young Award winner, and Joe Morgan, a two-time National League MVP, are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America in their first years of eligibility. ...

Managers: Bobby Cox (Atlanta), Jim Leyland (Pittsburgh) Robert Joseph Bobby Cox (born May 21, 1941 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA) is the current manager of the Atlanta Braves and was a former third baseman in Major League Baseball. ... James Richard Leyland (born December 15, 1944, in Perrysburg, Ohio) is a Major League Baseball manager for the Detroit Tigers. ...

Umpires: Doug Harvey, Frank Pulli, Dana DeMuth, Eric Gregg, Bob Davidson, Bruce Froemming Harold Douglas Harvey (born March 13, 1930 in South Gate, California) is a former umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the National League from 1962 to 1992. ... Dana Andrew DeMuth (born May 30, 1956 in Fremont, Ohio) is an umpire in Major League Baseball. ... Eric Eugene Gregg (May 18, 1951 – June 5, 2006) was an American umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the National League from 1975 to 1999. ... Robert Allan Davidson (born August 3, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois) is a professional umpire. ... Bruce Neal Froemming (Frömming) (born September 28, 1939 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is the most senior active umpire in Major League Baseball. ...

Series MVP: Steve Avery, Atlanta Steve Avery plays bass in the band Die Trying, whos name will be changed for legal reasons. ...

Television: CBS (Jack Buck and Tim McCarver announcing) CBS is one of the largest radio and television networks in the United States. ... John Francis Jack Buck (August 21, 1924 – June 18, 2002), born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, was an American sportscaster, best known for his work announcing Major League Baseball games of the St. ... James Timothy McCarver (born October 16, 1941 in Memphis, Tennessee) is an American former catcher in Major League Baseball and a current broadcaster for FOX Sports. ...

Game 1

October 9: Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania October 9 is the 282nd day of the year (283rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Honus Wagner Statue outside Gate C Three Rivers Stadium was a multipurpose sports stadium and event facility located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. The stadiums name was derived from the junction of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers, where they formed the Ohio River, the Golden Triangle. The stadium was... Nickname: Steel City, Iron City, Steel Town, City of Champions, City of Bridges, City of Colleges, The Burgh Motto: Benigno Numine (With the Benevolent Deity) Location in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Coordinates: Country United States State Pennsylvania County Allegheny County Founded November 25, 1758 Incorporated April 22, 1794 (borough)   March 18...

The Pirates proved they would be tough to eliminate early when they stifled the Braves offense behind 1990 Cy Young Award winner Doug Drabek and won the first game 5-1. Pittsburgh center fielder Andy Van Slyke had a home run and a double off Braves starter and 1991 Cy Young Award winner Tom Glavine. David Justice hit a solo home run in the ninth inning off reliever Bob Walk for the Braves' only run. Douglas Dean Drabek (born July 25, 1962 in Victoria, Texas) was a Major League Baseball player. ... Thomas Michael Tom Glavine (born March 25, 1966, Concord, Massachusetts and raised in Billerica, Massachusetts) is a Major League Baseball player for the New York Mets. ... Robert Vernon (Bob) Walk (Born November 26, 1956 in Van Nuys, California) is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. ... David Christopher Justice (born April 14, 1966 in Cincinnati, Ohio) is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Atlanta Braves (1989-96), Cleveland Indians (1997-2000), New York Yankees (2000-01), and Oakland Athletics (2002). ... Andrew James Van Slyke (born December 21, 1960 in Utica, New York) is a retired American Major League Baseball outfielder, and the current first base coach for the Detroit Tigers. ... In baseball, the Cy Young Award is an honor given annually to the best pitchers in the Major Leagues. ... Douglas Dean Drabek (born July 25, 1962 in Victoria, Texas) was a Major League Baseball player. ... The position of the center fielder A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field - the baseball fielding position between left field and right field (e. ... Andrew James Van Slyke (born December 21, 1960 in Utica, New York) is a retired American Major League Baseball outfielder, and the current first base coach for the Detroit Tigers. ... Mark McGwire swinging for the fences. ... In baseball, a double is the act of a batter safely reaching second base by striking the ball and getting to second before being made out, without the benefit of a fielders misplay (see error) or another runner being put out on a fielders choice. ... Thomas Michael Tom Glavine (born March 25, 1966, Concord, Massachusetts and raised in Billerica, Massachusetts) is a Major League Baseball player for the New York Mets. ... David Christopher Justice (born April 14, 1966 in Cincinnati, Ohio) is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Atlanta Braves (1989-96), Cleveland Indians (1997-2000), New York Yankees (2000-01), and Oakland Athletics (2002). ...

An injury to Pirates starter Doug Drabek was to have major ramifications for the series. Drabek slid into third and injured himself in the sixth inning, leaving the game with what appeared to be a pulled hamstring. The injury cost Drabek an early start in either game four or five, and it ensured he would not be available for game seven if the series went that far as it ultimately did. Douglas Dean Drabek (born July 25, 1962 in Victoria, Texas) was a Major League Baseball player. ...

Game 2

October 10: Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania October 10 is the 283rd day of the year (284th in leap years). ... The Honus Wagner Statue outside Gate C Three Rivers Stadium was a multipurpose sports stadium and event facility located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. The stadiums name was derived from the junction of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers, where they formed the Ohio River, the Golden Triangle. The stadium was... Nickname: Steel City, Iron City, Steel Town, City of Champions, City of Bridges, City of Colleges, The Burgh Motto: Benigno Numine (With the Benevolent Deity) Location in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Coordinates: Country United States State Pennsylvania County Allegheny County Founded November 25, 1758 Incorporated April 22, 1794 (borough)   March 18...

In Game 2, both teams were kept in check by the outstanding pitching performances of Zane Smith for Pittsburgh and Steve Avery for Atlanta. However, Avery and the Braves would come out on top 1-0, after Mark Lemke picked up a double and the only RBI of the game in the sixth inning. David Justice scored from second when Lemke's seemingly routine grounder got past Pirate third baseman Steve Buechele, allowing Justice to score. Alejandro Pena got the save and the combined shutout was complete. The series was now tied 1-1. Steve Avery plays bass in the band Die Trying, whos name will be changed for legal reasons. ... Zane Smith (December 28, 1960 - ) was an American Major League baseball player from September 10, 1984, to July 5, 1996. ... Alejandro Pena Vasquez (Born June 25, 1959) in Cambiaso, Dominican Republic, is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. ... Zane Smith (December 28, 1960 - ) was an American Major League baseball player from September 10, 1984, to July 5, 1996. ... Steve Avery plays bass in the band Die Trying, whos name will be changed for legal reasons. ... Mark Alan Lemke (born August 13, 1965) is a former Major League Baseball player. ... In baseball statistics, a run batted in (RBI) is given to a batter for each run scored as the result of a batters plate appearance. ... David Christopher Justice (born April 14, 1966 in Cincinnati, Ohio) is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Atlanta Braves (1989-96), Cleveland Indians (1997-2000), New York Yankees (2000-01), and Oakland Athletics (2002). ... Steven Bernard Buechele (born September 26, 1961 in Lancaster, California) is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball from 1985 to 1995 for the Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago Cubs. ... Alejandro Pena Vasquez (Born June 25, 1959) in Cambiaso, Dominican Republic, is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. ...

Game 3

October 12: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was a baseball, football and soccer stadium that formerly stood in Atlanta, Georgia. ... Hotlanta redirects here. ...

With the series tied at one game apiece, John Smoltz faced off against the Pirates' twenty-game winner, John Smiley. Orlando Merced hit Smoltz's first pitch over the right field wall for a home run and a 1-0 lead. But the Braves rallied with four runs in the bottom of the first, topped off by Greg Olson's two-run homer to left. Smiley was gone by the third inning with the Braves leading, 6-1. In the seventh, with the score 7-3, Alejandro Pena struck out Jay Bell with the bases loaded to end the Pirates' last threat. Ultimately,the Braves won 10-3 with home runs from Ron Gant, Greg Olson, and Sid Bream. Many believed it was all over for the Pirates. John Andrew Smoltz (born May 15, 1967 in Detroit, Michigan) is a Major League Baseball player. ... John Smiley (born March 17, 1965) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for four teams, the Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins, the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians in a 12 year career from 1986 to 1997. ... Alejandro Pena Vasquez (Born June 25, 1959) in Cambiaso, Dominican Republic, is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. ... Gregory Olson (born September 6, 1960 in Marshall, Minnesota) is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played with the Minnesota Twins (1989) and Atlanta Braves (1990-93). ... 1993 Topps stadium club baseball card, featuring Ron Gant Ronald Edwin Gant (born March 2, 1965 in Victoria, Texas) is a former American Major League outfielder and second baseman earlier on who played for the Atlanta Braves (1987-1993), Cincinnati Reds (1995), St. ... Sidney Eugene Sid Bream (born August 3, 1960 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania) is an American former Major League Baseball player. ... John Andrew Smoltz (born May 15, 1967 in Detroit, Michigan) is a Major League Baseball player. ... John Smiley (born March 17, 1965) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for four teams, the Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins, the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians in a 12 year career from 1986 to 1997. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Alejandro Pena Vasquez (Born June 25, 1959) in Cambiaso, Dominican Republic, is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. ... Jay Stuart Bell (b. ... 1993 Topps stadium club baseball card, featuring Ron Gant Ronald Edwin Gant (born March 2, 1965 in Victoria, Texas) is a former American Major League outfielder and second baseman earlier on who played for the Atlanta Braves (1987-1993), Cincinnati Reds (1995), St. ... Gregory Olson (born September 6, 1960 in Marshall, Minnesota) is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played with the Minnesota Twins (1989) and Atlanta Braves (1990-93). ... Sidney Eugene Sid Bream (born August 3, 1960 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania) is an American former Major League Baseball player. ...

Game 4

October 13: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia October 13 is the 286th day of the year (287th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was a baseball, football and soccer stadium that formerly stood in Atlanta, Georgia. ... Hotlanta redirects here. ...

The lone extra-inning game of the series came in Atlanta before 51,109 fans. Many said that this was one of the best playoff games of all time. The score was tied 2-2 after nine innings. The scoring in the first nine innings was over after the fifth inning. The Pirates had gotten their runs on a Don Slaught single and a Jay Bell single along with a Braves error. The Braves earned their two runs in the first inning on three straight singles and an error. Stanley Peter Belinda (Born August 6, 1966 in Huntingdon, PA) is a former Major League Baseball player. ... Kent Franklin Mercker (born February 1, 1968) is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher who has played for nine teams over his seventeen-year career. ... Donald Martin Slaught (born September 11, 1958 Long Beach, California - ) was a utility player with a 16-year career from 1982 to 1997. ... Jay Stuart Bell (b. ...

The Pirates tied the series with a run in the top of the 10th when Mike LaValliere singled in Andy Van Slyke, who had stolen second after being walked by Kent Mercker. The Braves batted out in the bottom of the 10th. Michael Eugene Mike LaValliere (born August 18, 1960 in Charlotte, North Carolina), nicknamed Spanky, is a former catcher in Major League Baseball whose 11-year career included tenures in both the National and American Leagues. ... Andrew James Van Slyke (born December 21, 1960 in Utica, New York) is a retired American Major League Baseball outfielder, and the current first base coach for the Detroit Tigers. ... Kent Franklin Mercker (born February 1, 1968) is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher who has played for nine teams over his seventeen-year career. ...

Game 5

October 14: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia October 14 is the 287th day of the year (288th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was a baseball, football and soccer stadium that formerly stood in Atlanta, Georgia. ... Hotlanta redirects here. ...

Zane Smith had his second excellent game of the series, but this time he won, beating Tom Glavine and the Braves 1-0 in almost a mirror image of Smith's start in Game 2. However, in Game 2, Smith had given up the one run and lost. Zane Smith (December 28, 1960 - ) was an American Major League baseball player from September 10, 1984, to July 5, 1996. ... Thomas Michael Tom Glavine (born March 25, 1966, Concord, Massachusetts and raised in Billerica, Massachusetts) is a Major League Baseball player for the New York Mets. ... For American basketball player, see Roger Mason, Jr. ... Zane Smith (December 28, 1960 - ) was an American Major League baseball player from September 10, 1984, to July 5, 1996. ... Thomas Michael Tom Glavine (born March 25, 1966, Concord, Massachusetts and raised in Billerica, Massachusetts) is a Major League Baseball player for the New York Mets. ...

Controversy surrounded this game when David Justice scored on a single to left, but he missed third base and was called out on an appeal. Replays were inconclusive, but Justice did stumble over third base, and the umpires called him out, preserving Smith's shutout. David Christopher Justice (born April 14, 1966 in Cincinnati, Ohio) is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Atlanta Braves (1989-96), Cleveland Indians (1997-2000), New York Yankees (2000-01), and Oakland Athletics (2002). ...

The lone run in this game came when Jose Lind hit a simple RBI single in the fifth. José Lind Salgado, nicknamed Chico, (Born May 1, 1964 in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico) is a former Major League Baseball player, and the current manager of the Atlantic Leagues Bridgeport Bluefish. ...

Game 6

October 16: Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania October 16 is the 289th day of the year (290th in leap years). ... The Honus Wagner Statue outside Gate C Three Rivers Stadium was a multipurpose sports stadium and event facility located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. The stadiums name was derived from the junction of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers, where they formed the Ohio River, the Golden Triangle. The stadium was... Nickname: Steel City, Iron City, Steel Town, City of Champions, City of Bridges, City of Colleges, The Burgh Motto: Benigno Numine (With the Benevolent Deity) Location in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Coordinates: Country United States State Pennsylvania County Allegheny County Founded November 25, 1758 Incorporated April 22, 1794 (borough)   March 18...

Pittsburgh would host one of the best pitcher's duels of all-time on October 16, 1991 between Steve Avery and Doug Drabek. In the end, identical to Avery's last start, a combination of Avery and Alejandro Pena shut out the Pirates for all nine innings. The Pirates only got four hits. This time, however, after the eighth inning the Braves didn't score a run either. Drabek matched Avery, pitch for pitch. But in the ninth inning, with the score tied 0-0, Olsen doubled to left to score Gant and take the lead off a weary Drabek. He had pitched a complete game, but was the loser after the Pirates couldn't get Gary Varsho home from third in the bottom of the ninth. The Braves had not scored a run since the first inning of game four, a futility streak that reached 26 2/3 innings before Gant scored the winning run. Steve Avery plays bass in the band Die Trying, whos name will be changed for legal reasons. ... Douglas Dean Drabek (born July 25, 1962 in Victoria, Texas) was a Major League Baseball player. ... Alejandro Pena Vasquez (Born June 25, 1959) in Cambiaso, Dominican Republic, is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. ... October 16 is the 289th day of the year (290th in leap years). ... 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Steve Avery plays bass in the band Die Trying, whos name will be changed for legal reasons. ... Douglas Dean Drabek (born July 25, 1962 in Victoria, Texas) was a Major League Baseball player. ... Alejandro Pena Vasquez (Born June 25, 1959) in Cambiaso, Dominican Republic, is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. ... In baseball, a complete game (denoted by CG) is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game himself, without the benefit of a relief pitcher. ... Gary Andrew Varsho (born June 20, 1961, in Marshfield, Wisconsin) was a Major League Baseball outfielder. ...

Game 7

October 17: Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania October 17 is the 290th day of the year (291st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Honus Wagner Statue outside Gate C Three Rivers Stadium was a multipurpose sports stadium and event facility located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. The stadiums name was derived from the junction of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers, where they formed the Ohio River, the Golden Triangle. The stadium was... Nickname: Steel City, Iron City, Steel Town, City of Champions, City of Bridges, City of Colleges, The Burgh Motto: Benigno Numine (With the Benevolent Deity) Location in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Coordinates: Country United States State Pennsylvania County Allegheny County Founded November 25, 1758 Incorporated April 22, 1794 (borough)   March 18...

The Braves scored three runs in the first inning, partly on a Brian Hunter two-run home run, and never looked back. Many said the Pirates lost the championship series because they didn't have Smith or Drabek available when they needed them. Instead, 20-game winner John Smiley made the start and lost to John Smoltz, who shut out the Pirates. The Braves won 4-0 and nabbed the pennant. After Atlanta had gone 26 2/3 innings without scoring, the Pirates themselves went the final 22 1/3 innings without scoring. That streak would reach 30 innings before Jose Lind snapped it with a home run in the eighth inning of game one in the 1992 NLCS. John Andrew Smoltz (born May 15, 1967 in Detroit, Michigan) is a Major League Baseball player. ... John Smiley (born March 17, 1965) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for four teams, the Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins, the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians in a 12 year career from 1986 to 1997. ... Brian Hunter may refer to: Brian Hunter (baseball) a baseball infielder who played in the 1990s. ... Brian Hunter may refer to: Brian Hunter (baseball) a baseball infielder who played in the 1990s. ... John Smiley (born March 17, 1965) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for four teams, the Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins, the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians in a 12 year career from 1986 to 1997. ... John Andrew Smoltz (born May 15, 1967 in Detroit, Michigan) is a Major League Baseball player. ... José Lind Salgado, nicknamed Chico, (Born May 1, 1964 in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico) is a former Major League Baseball player, and the current manager of the Atlantic Leagues Bridgeport Bluefish. ...

Avery won the series MVP award. Pitching 16.1 innings, the Braves starter did not allow an earned run, giving up nine hits and walking four while striking out 17. Avery said, "It's been the best time of my life."

In what may be the ultimate irony, the Braves scored fourteen runs in the games Smiley pitched (three and seven), including nine off Smiley, and only five runs in the other five games combined. Smiley had been the Pirates biggest winner, notching twenty victories for the only time in his career in 1991.

The trip led to Atlanta's first ever trip to the World Series, where they lost an exciting seven-game classic to the Minnesota Twins. Dates October 19, 1991–October 27, 1991 MVP Jack Morris (Minnesota) Television network CBS Announcers Jack Buck, Tim McCarver Umpires Don Denkinger (AL), Harry Wendelstedt (NL), Drew Coble (AL), Terry Tata (NL), Rick Reed (AL), Ed Montague (NL) The 1991 World Series was played from October 19 to October 27... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 6, 14, 29, 34, 42 Name Minnesota Twins (1961–present) Washington Nationals/Senators (1901-1960) Ballpark Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 1982-present Metropolitan Stadium (1961-1981) Griffith Stadium (1903-1960) a. ...

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