Arizona Diamondbacks

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1998

  • Original Name/City: Arizona Diamondbacks

  • Current Ballpark: Chase Field

  • World Series Titles: 1 (2001)

  • Franchise Nicknames: The D-backs, The Snakes

A History of the Arizona Diamondbacks

Joining the league in the 1998 expansion, the Arizona Diamondbacks achieved success faster than any other franchise in North American professional sports.

Determined to win immediately, ownership spent aggressively to build a veteran roster. In just their second season, they won 100 games and their first division title. The franchise's defining moment came two years later, in 2001.

After acquiring star pitcher Curt Schilling to pair with fellow ace Randy Johnson, the Diamondbacks reached the World Series to face the formidable New York Yankees, who were seeking a fourth consecutive title in a city still healing from the 9/11 attacks.

In one of the most dramatic and emotionally charged World Series ever played, the underdog Diamondbacks went to a deciding Game 7. Trailing in the bottom of the ninth inning against legendary closer Mariano Rivera, Arizona mounted a stunning comeback, winning the game and the championship on a walk-off, bloop single by Luis Gonzalez. The victory made them the fastest expansion team in MLB history to win a World Series.

After that peak, the franchise has seen periods of both struggle and success. They have made several postseason appearances, including a surprising run to the National League pennant in 2023, where a young, exciting team built on speed and defense once again captured the attention of the baseball world. The 2001 championship, however, remains the franchise's crowning achievement.

Franchise Timeline

  • 1998: Founded as an expansion team.

  • 1999: Won their first NL West division title.

  • 2001: Won their only World Series in a dramatic Game.

  • 2023: Won their second National League Pennant.

Legendary Players

Randy Johnson (1999-2004, 2007-2008)

  • "The Big Unit" was the intimidating ace who gave the franchise instant legitimacy. He won four consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1999-2002 while in Arizona and was the co-MVP of the 2001 World Series. He pitched a perfect game for the club in 2004 and is their most iconic player.

Luis Gonzalez (1999-2006)

  • "Gonzo" was the popular, beloved face of the Diamondbacks. A consistent slugger, he is responsible for the single greatest moment in franchise history: his walk-off single against Mariano Rivera to win the 2001 World Series. He hit a remarkable 57 home runs during that 2001 season.

Curt Schilling (2000-2003)

  • The fiery co-ace who, alongside Randy Johnson, formed one of the most dominant pitching duos in history. Schilling was the final piece of the championship puzzle, sharing World Series MVP honours with Johnson in 2001 for his incredible postseason performance.

Paul Goldschmidt (2011-2018)

  • "Goldy" was the homegrown, humble superstar who anchored the team for eight seasons. A perennial All-Star and MVP candidate, he was a model of consistency at first base, winning multiple Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards and establishing himself as the best player of the post-championship era.