ATHENS, Ohio -- Former Bobcat and current Arizona Diamondbacks Manager Bob Brenly finally did it. After his team suffered two heartbreaking losses in New York, his team rebounded to win the World Series title on Sunday night by defeating the New York Yankees, 3-2. The win gave the Diamondbacks their first world title in only their fourth season of play.

With the win, Brenly became the first rookie Major League manager to win the title since Ralph Houk led the Yankees to the 1961 World Series championship.

In his first year as a major league manager, Brenly led Arizona to a 92-70 regular season record, a National League West Division title and a National League pennant. By doing so, he became the first rookie manager since 1997 to lead his team to the playoffs.

A 1977 graduate of Ohio University, Brenly was a third baseman-catcher for the Bobcats. The Coshocton, Ohio, native earned All-America honors as a senior when he tied Mike Schmidt's single-season record of 10 home runs.

In 1972, Brenly was recruited to Ohio University by legendary coach Bob Wren, who led the school to the College World Series in 1970. However, Wren retired before Brenly began his freshman year on campus.

"I called him to assure him that he chose the right school and told him he should still play here," Wren said. "He had all the things you look for in a catcher he was tough, had a good arm and was very, very smart."

Brenly played four seasons for Wren's replacement, Jerry France, who coached at Ohio University from 1972 to 1988. France said Brenly's drive and competitiveness is what set him apart from the rest. Brenly wasn't drafted, but signed with San Francisco as a free agent and the rest is history.

"Bob was a big, strong, exceptional athlete who really understood the game, so we were all shocked when he didn't get drafted," France said. "He is a great person and I am so happy for him and his family."

Before being named Arizona's second manager last October, Brenly served as the Diamondback TV color analyst where he worked alongside fellow Ohio University alumnus Thom Brennaman.

"Bob Brenly is a tribute to Ohio University and its baseball program," said Ohio University Head Baseball Coach Joe Carbone. "He has done a great job and wešre all Diamondback fans now."