» September 19, 2001: The Cardinals beat the Brewers, 8–2, as Matt Morris wins his 20th game of the season. Albert Pujols drives in three runs for St. Louis to set a new NL rookie mark with 120 for the season. The old mark of 119 was set by Wally Berger of the Boston Braves in 1930.

» September 21, 2001: The Cardinals defeat the Pirates, 9–5, as Albert Pujols hits his 1st career grand slam. The homer gives him a new ML rookie record for extra base hits in a season with 83. The old mark of 82 was set by Brooklyn's Johnny Frederick in 1929.

» October 7, 2001: The Astros defeat the Cardinals, 9-2, to clinch their 4th NL Central crown in five years. The loss leaves the Cardinals with the NL wild card spot. Albert Pujols ties Emmet "Snags" Heidrick (1899) for most hits by a Cardinal rookie when he makes his 194th.

» October 10, 2001: St. Louis evens its series with Arizona by defeating the Diamondbacks, 4-1. Woody Williams notches the win for the Cardinals, who get a 2-run home run from rookie Albert Pujols. Randy Johnson takes his record 7th consecutive playoff loss for Arizona.

» November 12, 2001: Cardinals' 3B Albert Pujols is the unanimous choice for NL Rookie of the Year. In the AL, Ichiro Suzuki takes rookie honors.

» September 29, 2002: The Cardinals win their 97th, beating the Brewers, 4–0. Andy Benes pitches five innings before leaving with a back twinge. Wayne Franklin pitches seven innings for the Brewers. Edgar Renteria knocks in the game's 1st run in the 8th with the 1st of two RBIs. He finishes with 82 RBIs, the highest for a Bird SS since Doc Lavan's 82 in 1921. Albert Pujols has no RBIs, but finishes with 127, one behind National League leader Lance Berkman. Pujols is the first batter since Ted Williams in 1939–40 to drive in more than 250 runs in his first two seasons in the majors. Pujols drove in 257 runs in his first two campaigns. Just four big–leaguers have posted 250 or more RBIs in their first two years in the majors. Joe DiMaggio holds the record with 292 ribbies in his first two; Dale Alexander with 272, is in 2nd place.