(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
The Arizona Diamondbacks were not a team many people expected to see in the playoffs this year.
In spring training, the Diamondbacks were just an afterthought for many people.
They seemed like a scrappy team that could maybe have a record around .500.
But, thanks to the expanded playoffs, having a record around .500 is good enough to get in.
According to Codify, the Diamondbacks have the third-fewest wins by a team ever to make the World Series.
Fewest regular season wins
by a World Series team
(in 162-game seasons):
82 – 1973 Mets
83 – 2006 Cardinals
84 – 2023 Diamondbacks
85 – 1987 Twins
86 – 1997 Indians
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) October 25, 2023
Under the old playoff format, 84 would most likely not be enough to make the playoffs.
But, they took the opportunity they were given and ran with it.
Arizona started the playoffs 5-0, by sweeping both the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Then after trailing 2-0 to the Philadelphia Phillies, the Diamondbacks were able to win four of the last five.
It seems like they have been counted out before or during every playoff series but continue to win.
Now, the Diamondbacks will face off with the Texas Rangers in the World Series.
Both teams entered the playoffs via the Wild Card.
These are the two hottest teams in the sport but only one will remain.
It will be interesting to see if the Diamondbacks can continue their storied run to becoming champions.
Neither of these teams was expected to be here at the beginning of the season.
But now that they are it should be a very good series.
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