MLB and weather: Diamondbacks vs Yankees vs 7th-inning dust and rainstorm

Published on Nov. 4, 2020, 10:36 AM

Updated on Nov. 4, 2022, 4:37 AM

In the top of the seventh inning, a small but irritating dust storm blew into Bank One Ballpark, sending dirt and trash flying around the field. This was accompanied by a downpour, covering fans and players in mud.

This Day In Weather History is a daily podcast by Chris Mei from The Weather Network, featuring stories about people, communities and events and how weather impacted them.

On Nov. 4, 2001, one of the more unique weather occurrences coincided with the conclusion of one of the most intense seasons in Major League Baseball history.

The Arizona Diamondbacks were clinging to a 1-0 lead against the New York Yankees going into the seventh inning. But the weather had other plans for the third-last inning. In the top of the seventh inning, a small but irritating dust storm blew into Bank One Ballpark, sending dirt and trash flying around the field.

Fans and players were shielding their eyes from the dust and dirt while also working to get the grit out at the same time. Blowing dust is common in the Arizona desert, but the rain that followed minutes later was certainly unexpected.

A cold front swept in, with a gust front ahead of it, pushing the arid, dry desert dust up and over the stadium, preceding the passage of the system. The front, however, was associated with a low that had ample moisture, bringing the rain close to the timing of the dust.

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There were fans in the stands now covered in mud. The dust, still fresh, was now caked on many who were also getting rained on.

On today's podcast, Chris Mei talks about the unique circumstances and weather conditions surrounding Game 7, what led to the dust storm and downpours and how the game ended with everyone covered in mud.

"This Day In Weather History” is a daily podcast by The Weather Network that features unique and informative stories from host Chris Mei.