Who Won the 2002 World Series? Full Breakdown

By Emma Wilson · September 18, 2027

The Anaheim Angels won the 2002 World Series, defeating the San Francisco Giants in seven games to claim their first and only championship in franchise history.

Overview of the 2002 World Series

The 2002 World Series was a thrilling matchup between the Anaheim Angels and the San Francisco Giants. After a hard-fought seven-game series, the Angels emerged victorious, winning Game 7 by a score of 4–1 at Edison International Field in Anaheim, California. This marked the first World Series title for the Angels since the team's founding in 1961.

Key Highlights from the Series

The series went the full seven games, with momentum shifting multiple times.
Anaheim trailed 3–2 in the series before winning Games 6 and 7 consecutively.
Game 6 featured a historic comeback as the Angels overcame a 5-run deficit in the 7th inning.
Troy Glaus was named World Series MVP after posting a .385 batting average with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs.
Barry Bonds hit 4 home runs for the Giants but received limited offensive support from teammates.

Team Rosters and Performance

Both teams entered the Fall Classic with strong rosters. The Angels relied on balanced contributions across their lineup and solid starting pitching, while the Giants leaned heavily on Barry Bonds' historic season and veteran leadership from manager Dusty Baker.

Notable Players

Anaheim Angels: Tim Salmon, Garret Anderson, Troy Glaus, John Lackey, Francisco Rodríguez (rookie), and manager Mike Scioscia.
San Francisco Giants: Barry Bonds, Jeff Kent, Rich Aurilia, J.T. Snow, and pitcher Robb Nen.

Stat	Anaheim Angels	San Francisco Giants
Wins	4	3
Home Runs	10	9
RBI	31	26
Team Batting Average	.272	.254
ERA (Pitching)	3.68	4.02
Walks	28	35

Table data source:1, 2

The Angels outperformed the Giants in key offensive categories despite fewer walks. Their lower ERA indicates superior pitching execution under pressure, particularly in late-inning situations. The consistency across starters and relievers gave Anaheim a strategic edge in close games.

Historic Comeback in Game 6

Game 6 is widely regarded as one of the most dramatic games in World Series history. Trailing 5–0 entering the bottom of the 7th inning, the Angels scored three runs and then added two more in the 8th to tie the game. Scott Spiezio hit a crucial three-run homer, and Darin Erstad followed with a single that tied the game. In the bottom of the 10th, Tim Salmon delivered a go-ahead double, and the Angels won 6–5.

This victory forced a decisive Game 7, where rookie John Lackey outdueled Giants starter Russ Ortiz, and the Angels pulled away with late-inning insurance runs.

Legacy of the 2002 World Series

The 2002 championship remains the only World Series title in Angels history. It validated the leadership of first-year manager Mike Scioscia and marked a turning point for a franchise long overshadowed by other MLB teams in California.

For the Giants, the loss was heartbreaking, especially given Barry Bonds' dominant performance. They would return to the World Series in 2010, eventually winning their first title in San Francisco.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2002 World Series

Who won the 2002 World Series?

The Anaheim Angels defeated the San Francisco Giants in seven games to win the 2002 World Series, securing their first and only championship in franchise history.

What was the final score of Game 7 in the 2002 World Series?

The Anaheim Angels won Game 7 of the 2002 World Series with a final score of 4–1, clinching the title at home.

Who was named MVP of the 2002 World Series?

Troy Glaus of the Anaheim Angels was named the 2002 World Series MVP after hitting .385 with 3 home runs, 8 RBIs, and stellar defensive play at third base.