From Expansion Franchise to World Series Champions The Arizona Diamondbacks are one of Major League Baseball’s youngest franchises, but they have already built an impressive history. Arizona was awarded an expansion franchise in 1995 and began National League play in 1998. In only their sixth season, the Diamondbacks won the 2001 World Series, defeating the New York Yankees in one of the most dramatic World Series ever played. The franchise has also produced or featured MVPs, Rookie of the Year winners, Cy Young Award winners, All-Stars and future Cooperstown Hall of Famers. The Birth of the Arizona Diamondbacks Major League Baseball announced the addition of Arizona and Tampa Bay as expansion franchises on March 9, 1995. Aizona’s ownership. The group was headed by Jerry Colangelo, the longtime Phoenix sports executive who had also been involved with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. The Diamondbacks began play in 1998 as members of the National League West. Their first regular-season game was played on March 31, 1998, against the Colorado Rockies at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix. Arizona won its first game, defeating Colorado 9-2. The expansion Diamondbacks immediately demonstrated that they intended to compete rather than simply develop slowly. Arizona Diamondbacks Ownership History The Diamondbacks have had two principal ownership eras. Years Principal Owner/Ownership 1995-2004 Jerry Colangelo-led ownership group 2004-present Ken Kendrick-led ownership group Jerry Colangelo — 1995-2004 Jerry Colangelo was the driving force behind bringing Major League Baseball to Arizona. He assembled the original ownership group and served as the Diamondbacks’ managing general partner during the club’s formative years. Colangelo’s aggressive approach helped Arizona become competitive almost immediately. The Diamondbacks won the National League West in only their second season, 1999. Ken Kendrick — 2004-present In 2004, Ken Kendrick became the Diamondbacks’ managing general partner and controlling owner. Kendrick had been an investor in the franchise before becoming its controlling owner. He remains the Diamondbacks’ managing general partner. The current ownership group also includes prominent Arizona business and sports investors. Diamondbacks Home Ballparks Arizona has had one permanent home stadium. Bank One Ballpark — 1998-2005 The Diamondbacks opened their franchise at Bank One Ballpark. It featured a retractable roof and was one of the first major-league stadiums designed specifically to deal with Arizona’s extreme summer heat. The stadium also featured a natural-grass playing surface. Bank One Ballpark became one of the most recognizable facilities in Major League Baseball. Chase Field — 2005-Present Bank One was acquired by JPMorgan Chase, and the stadium was renamed Chase Field in 2005. Chase Field remains the home of the Diamondbacks. The retractable roof allows the club to play through Phoenix’s hot summer weather. The stadium also contains one of baseball’s most unusual features: a retractable swimming pool beyond the right-center-field fence. Chase Field hosted the 2001 World Series, the 2001 All-Star Game and numerous memorable postseason games. The Amazing 1998 Expansion Season The Diamondbacks were expected to struggle in their first season. Instead, they quickly developed a competitive roster. Some of the early stars included: Randy Johnson, Luis Gonzalez, Matt Williams, Jay Bell, Steve Finley, and Andy Benes. The Diamondbacks finished their first season 65-97, but the foundation for something much bigger had already been established. Randy Johnson Arrives One of the most important transactions in franchise history came before the 1999 season. Arizona signed Randy Johnson, already an established star but entering the prime of his career. Johnson became the greatest pitcher in Diamondbacks history. From 1999 through 2002, he won the National League Cy Young Award four consecutive times. His 1999 season was extraordinary: 17 wins 9 losses 2.48 ERA 364 strikeouts He struck out 364 batters in 1999, one of the greatest strikeout totals of the modern era. The 1999 Diamondbacks Arizona went from expansion team to division champion almost overnight. The Diamondbacks won 100 games in 1999 and captured the National League West. They became the fastest expansion franchise to reach 100 victories. Although Arizona lost to the New York Mets in the Division Series, the 1999 season announced that the Diamondbacks had arrived. Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling The Diamondbacks eventually formed one of the greatest pitching combinations in franchise history. Randy Johnson The intimidating left-hander was nearly unhittable during his prime. Curt Schilling Arizona acquired Schilling from the Philadelphia Phillies in 2000. Together, Johnson and Schilling became the foundation of the 2001 championship team. Their combination of power, experience and postseason pitching made Arizona one of baseball’s strongest clubs. The 2001 World Series The 2001 Diamondbacks won 92 games and captured the National League West. They defeated: St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees to reach the World Series. The Yankees had won the previous three World Series and were attempting to win a fourth consecutive championship. Arizona had other plans. Diamondbacks vs. Yankees — 2001 The World Series became one of the most memorable in baseball history. Arizona won Games 1 and 2 at home. The Yankees won Games 3, 4 and 5 in New York. The series returned to Phoenix for Games 6 and 7. Arizona won Game 6 behind Randy Johnson. Then came Game 7. The 2001 World Series Game 7 The Diamondbacks led 2-1 entering the bottom of the ninth inning. Mariano Rivera was pitching for New York. Arizona rallied. Tony Womack singled. Luis Gonzalez came to the plate with the bases loaded. Gonzalez hit a soft single over the head of Derek Jeter. Bob Brenly scored from third base. Arizona won 3-2. The Diamondbacks became World Series champions. It was the first professional major-league championship for an Arizona team. 2001 World Series MVP Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling shared honors. The two aces combined to dominate the Yankees throughout the Series. Arizona’s championship was particularly remarkable because the franchise was only four years old. Arizona Diamondbacks World Series History The Diamondbacks have reached the World Series twice. Year Opponent Result 2001 New York Yankees Won 4-3 2023 Texas Rangers Lost 4-1 World Series Championships 1 — 2001 The 2023 World Series Return More than… Continue reading Arizona Diamondbacks: Complete MLB History
