The Craziest Comeback in MLB History

On August 5, 2001, the Seattle Mariners jumped out to multiple 12-run leads against the Cleveland Indians. With their backs against the walls and a win expectancy as low as 0.03%, the Indians mounted the craziest comeback in baseball history to steal a dub from one of the best teams of all time.
Follow us on Twitter:
/ baseballquotes1

[@lorimeyers3839]

I remember watching this live on espn. It was the end of the summer before I started 7th grade middle school, only a couple weeks prior to 9/11. Jim Thome was my childhood hero and as a New York kid, I only got to see Cleveland on ESPN or against the Yanks/Mets. I watched the whole game, was jumping up and down, screaming. Lol. I’ll never forget one of the commentators going into the 8th inning giving Cleveland credit for not laying down, although it was now too late in the game for the Indians to tie it up or take the lead. A few years later I went to Cooperstown and saw Jolbert Cabrera’s broken bat barrel, signed in gold marker by him. Wild game. One of the greats!

[@louisminati]

Same. It was a Sunday night. I just got home from my friend Elliott's and flipped on the game only to witness them do this ! Crazy. And altered history, they share the best single season win total because of this win.

[@Ballhawk-bi6ly]

If this game had the Yankees in it, People would be saying this was one of the greatest games of all time.

[@BaseballQuotes1]

it's still one of the best regardless!

[@johncharlie3919]

Yeah, but we all know it’s only the bumm-ass jankee fans who feel that way. 🤮

[@jpaul775]

That's why I call them the "Bankees" because they buy everyone else's best players,

[@LeafInFlames]

@@jpaul775 you mean free agents not on any team?

[@Colts814Life]

@@jpaul775 sick burn

[@zachzelman418]

My cousin, a lifelong cleveland fan, was at the game and left early. Since that day he has never left an MLB game early

[@louisminati]

I've done the same thing when Indians came back vs red Sox and same. Never again😅

[@commonsense6534]

A good idea now, with this team in 2024.

[@chefherb]

I was there and stayed for the entire game. I met my brother at the game. He was working in Japan at the time and was visiting with two of his Japanese friends. This was the first MLB game they ever attended in the States. They were excited to see Ichiro. They were Mariners fans, mostly because of all of the press coverage Ichiro had in Japan that year. We had tickets high up in right field. After the third inning, many people left. So we could move much closer to the action. Unfortunately for my brother's friends, Ichiro was replaced in the game. As the Indians started their comeback, one of my brother's friends started to root for the Tribe to the consternation of the other. When the Indians completed the historic comeback, he was high fiving anyone within range.

[@chefherb]

And, the Cleveland catcher's name was Einar, like Eye-Nar, not Elnar.

[@brandon3251]

Bob Wickman was one of the most frustrating closers I have ever watched. I think he was close to the top that year in saves. But, every single game it seemed like he let a man or 2 on base.

[@jimbutke]

I was just thinking that lol. He was the Indians version of the Kardiac Kids!

[@coreyjones3515]

Joe borrowski was worst

[@tylerburgess5197]

“Wickman’s a bum”

[@CHman712]

Always fun to watch the 2001 Seattle Chokiners in action. They would go on to choke in October against the NYY.

[@stellertonybeller1972]

Rick Sutcliff was one of the Espn announcers in this game and talked up the Mariners for 7 innings ......so glad The Tribe had the last laugh

[@matthewdowling6549]

I mean, they were up 12

[@louisminati]

Omars triple is among my favorite plays in baseball history. Tom Hamiltons best call too. Remember watching live age 11. Those were the days man. One of rhe final great memories of this group together. As this Mariners team got revenge and knocked us out of the postseason.

[@Farmwald10]

One of my favorites hammy calls also

[@commonsense6534]

Seattle Manager Lou Piniella's fault. He should have had a no-doubles defense at the corners. The Tribe actually had a 2 games to 1 lead in that year's five game divisional playoff against Seattle.

[@louisminati]

@@commonsense6534 yes I went to one of the home losses in Cleveland. Very historical season for Seattle, Ichiro rookie and MVP, and tied best record in regular season history. Would have had the record alone if not for this collapse

[@Whit_Siever]

I remember watching this game live on ESPN when I was in high school. Unreal rally

[@BaseballQuotes1]

Absolutely wild rally!

[@vincentkrych2158]

I was vacationing in Disney World with my family watching the game!

[@clevelandbci9562]

My dad told me don't bother coming home cuz we were getting blown out so bad. Went to dinner with my girl instead. Got in the car and my phone was ringing. Brother screaming at me to get home. Got home when Omar tripled. Was absolutely unreal.

[@alexflores9582]

I was also a freshman in high school. If seattle won the fucking game they would of had 117 wins. Jesus Christ. Life of a Mariner fan.

[@shelly1298]

Indians fan. I was at this game. Best I've ever attended!

[@BaseballQuotes1]

thats awesome!

[@shelly1298]

My dad took my 3 yo son and I (I even have a photo). So many people left at about 14-9, but not us. We stayed until the end. It was amazing!

[@clevelandbci9562]

@@shelly1298 Talk about a lifelong memory!!! I gave my niece my ticket for the Cavs-Raptors game 4 a few years year back. Her first Cavs game (We live in central Indiana) and it was Lebron hitting that running bankshot buzzer-beater to advance to the ECF. I still can't watch the damn highlights without wanting to punch my nuts 200 times.

[@thomaslynch1853]

OMG prime Jim Thome just clubbing the ball is such a treat to watch.

[@clevelandbci9562]

I was house-hunting and about to head home to my parents house with my girlfriend to catch the last half of the game, but my late dad told me not to bother cuz we were down 10. I instead went to dinner with my girl, and forgot my phone in the car. I answer it as I get in, and my brother was screaming at me to get home. I walked in as Omar came up to bat. Amazing night that still feels like yesterday.

[@kingjames329]

I was 8 years old at this game with my dad. He always taught me 3 "nevers": 1) never say never 2) never boo your own team and 3) never leave a game early. I still live by those today and I'm glad I was able to experience this with him

[@thejohnnycway2b]

Bruh say El-Nar Diaz one more time I swear 🤦‍♂️😂 It's E-Nar Diaz

[@FS2K4Pilot]

I know! Punch him in the arm every time he mistakes Diaz for an elf!

[@dwaynehoward240]

The day before my bday living in Cleveland that will always be one of the best feelings ever ...

[@beermike2169]

I was at this game. Section 117 down the first baseline right by the foul pole.

[@BaseballHistorian]

Love “The Fang” nickname. We should start nicknaming pitches more.

[@BaseballQuotes1]

agreed! Love the concept

[@SwordHMX]

The September 11th attacks messed up that team. It was clear a few games after their return that it was not the same team anymore.

[@commonsense6534]

Sunday Night Baseball. Amazingly, Seattle won 116 games in 2001, tying the all time MLB record. This game would have been their 117th win.

[@michaelsnyder6922]

Watched this with my wife who hated baseball. I’m a life long Indians fan so I was going crazy after that triple. Even my wife at the time watched the entire game with me. Also, Eddie fucking Taubensee. Loved that he wouldn’t let go of Lofton

[@BaseballQuotes1]

It was a crazy game that’s for sure!

[@shoukatsukai]

Fun fact: Taubensee was the guy Cleveland traded away to get Lofton in the first place.

[@clevelandbci9562]

@@shoukatsukai How the hell am I just hearing this?????? I'm 30 years late but cool to hear.

[@JollyOlive]

Banger

[@BaseballQuotes1]

🔥🔥

[@mystermysterio5348]

Great Upload ... This was a great comeback 👍

[@BaseballQuotes1]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@PTBNL]

in my favorite baseball book, The Shift by Russell Carleton, he talks about how he left this game early and regretted it his whole life. solid video, your edits and voiceovers are super clean, wish i found your channel earlier

[@BaseballQuotes1]

I would have regretted leaving as well! Thanks for checking the channel out!

[@clevelandbci9562]

I'd have been suicidal.

[@adamnorvell]

You know 30% of the people left in the 8th inning and missed one of the most exciting games in history haha

[@MrJaythomas23]

I remember watching the end of this game because it was on my birthday and I had just gotten off work

[@sbrown9020]

Great video

[@Pensfan5919]

11:54 This graphic is crazy for one reason. Look at the Pittsburgh Pirates one. This insane comeback with mostly bench players wasn't even the craziest comeback THAT WEEK! For anyone wondering, the walk-off from that game is still on KZbin, and Pirates fans consider it to be the christening of PNC Park, Brian Giles' walk-off grand slam against Houston.

[@tballgame43]

I remember this game, and for some reason I was still watching entering the 7th inning... prob cause the Tribe was never on TV much.

[@oceano3118]

hey Dave Burba was my pitching coach. very cool

[@BaseballQuotes1]

That’s awesome!

[@sethhilyard9520]

I remember this game we just moved to Ohio from Michigan and we were going by the stadium when this game was going on I remember there was a really bad accident on Dead Man's curb. Tea top or whatever you want to call it was flipped upside down and then another vehicle was up into the grass and sidewalk area right after Dead Man's curve it was crazy!!!! But I will never forget that night that was like one of the most unforgettable nights ever especially growing up in Michigan being a DieHard tribe fan 👍👍👍 and I hope this year we can do it as long as we can get over these darn injuries and our pitching can get back to where it was at the beginning of the season 🤔🤷🏼‍♂️ GO TRIBE BABY!!!!!

[@BaseballQuotes1]

That’s a wild story for a wild game!

[@sethhilyard9520]

@@BaseballQuotes1 you're telling me and thank you for this video this video was awesome. It takes the The Sting off from that other night from that 17 to 0 demolition, run ruled, beating, straight ass whooping!!!!! 😆🤦🏼‍♂️ But it was great video man or woman!!! Whichever one you are I don't want to be disrespectful.

[@BaseballQuotes1]

@@sethhilyard9520 haha glad you enjoyed!

[@vincentkrych2158]

I was vacationing in Disney World with my family watching the game. We felt bad for our neighbors in the our hotel room, we were screaming so loud!!

[@Mrseancouture]

Hearing EL NAR Diaz hurts my soul

[@jakehart7193]

Love the video, but FYI it’s Einar (ay-nar) Diaz, not Elnar

[@RetroBaseball]

Well I can’t wait to watch this!

[@BaseballQuotes1]

Hope you enjoy!

[@RetroBaseball]

@@BaseballQuotes1 I very much enjoyed it was wonderful!

[@BaseballQuotes1]

@@RetroBaseball appreciate you!

[@chrisofchris]

If you live in DFW, you know who Bacsik is, dude is on local sports radio. Nutty guy!

[@privatejets9992]

I WILL BET ANYTHING that Seattle was "Letting up" in this game a few times,..the "unwritten rule" came back to bite them ,..

[@GamerForLifeDrakunia]

Has anyone realized that the scoreboard guy gave the run to the wrong team? 11:28

[@JeffJefferyUK]

9:18 "...and the first fastball of the at-bat missed a bit inside..." That's being kind to the umpire! Looks like a strike to me.

[@MDC33]

I agree they should bring back the catcher's mask camera

[@bazzer124]

Caveat for Seattle's 116-win tie with the Cubs: 162 game season for Seattle v 152 game season for the Cubs. Based on winning pct, the Cubs would have won 123 games in a 162 game season. But that's all "what-if." Cheers....

[@mrmoonman7268]

Me betting on a game,and losing it currently, watching this to motivate me lol

[@BaseballQuotes1]

There is always hope!

[@mrmoonman7268]

@@BaseballQuotes1 Philadelphia is turning it around,but blues.....man

[@michaelcoughlin3013]

That's why there's no mercy rule in baseball. Check out the Phillies' comeback against the Dodgers, 1990. Entering the top of 8th, the Phillies were down 11-1. They eventually won 12-11. It only took two innings, but the Indians had more outs (time).

[@BaseballQuotes1]

thats a good one!

[@SwordHMX]

9:18 - ESPN K-Zone said that pitch was strike 3

[@ReidTheRulesGuy]

Wish you didn't spoil the hits right before you get to watch it happen but very good video

[@BaseballQuotes1]

thanks! glad you enjoyed

[@alexflores9582]

This was an August game. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was an ESPN game on Sunday. Long story short, once they lost the game, I knew we were doomed in the playoffs... JUST ONE FUCKING WIN TO HAVE 117 FOR THE RECORD AND NOT TIE IT WTF...

[@alexflores9582]

I was a 14 year old kid playing little league in love with the mariners and everything baseball in seattle.

[@alexflores9582]

Mariners would have had 117 wins in a season to be the most for ANY TEAM EVER DURING REGULAR SEASON BUT OF COURSE THEY BLOW IT. I was a 14 year old kid watching this game on a Sunday at a family friend's BBQ. I told my dad that evening the Mariners are cursed.

[@englenn806]

The Mariners got punched in the groin by the Indians that year

[@DASCO2136]

To be fair, they’ve been getting dick punched since 1996

[@tylerrogers4992]

I had Mariners ML bruhhh

[@poshko4144]

It's Einar Diaz (AY-nar). Not EL-nar.

[@chrisalbanese7050]

Lol no one talking about the missed strike walk in the 9th to set it all up .. coulda been the end of the game

[@cluxich24]

I wonder what alive bet line would have looked like when they were up that big. Probably like Cleveland ML +4500 lol or +12.5 +100 lol

[@redfern2236]

Cardinals comeback against Reds. 0-7 in the beginning of the 6th inning. Came back to win it 12-11.

[@BaseballQuotes1]

Another great comeback!

[@jonathanfrimerman8855]

Giants vs Reds Reds led 8-0 in 3rd Giants won 14-11 in 10

[@redfern2236]

@@jonathanfrimerman8855 true. Great comeback.

[@smurphftw2008]

This is the game I use as example of why all the unwritten rules of baseball are total fuckin bullshit.

[@daswaggotnumber1fan]

imagine betting on the indians in the fifth inning… if you were even able to

[@BaseballQuotes1]

that would have been some payday!

[@smokechannel]

100%

[@lelio422]

Not as brutal, but further the lnext laugh for the mariners vs blue jays in the wildcard

[@hofDuran]

😮

[@djbryanladd]

Eye nar Diaz.

[@staciemohler4624]

Who would have gussied something bad happened to the M’s

[@BaseballQuotes1]

😂

[@TheRicknelsen]

So who is Elnar Diaz? Lol. Good try there kiddo.

[@DJMichaelShay]

Einar Diaz..... Not Elnar.....

[@pauls.5815]

He did not break Hank's record. Dude was a cheater. He should be shamed and forgotten. GOT style walk Barry Bonds naked down the street and shamed.

[@andrewhofstetter7694]

Of course it was against the mariners lol

[@BaseballQuotes1]

Best team in American League history!

[@joashjohnston7119]

Rigged of course so I wouldn't read too much into it brother