The Arizona Diamondbacks have been able to build an identity and a good relationship with their fans through the years.
They are inching closer to a cool anniversary this year, one that will happen as the franchise shakes off five unproductive seasons with no playoffs.
Arizona born. 🌵 pic.twitter.com/0FhcXTqTAk
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) January 19, 2023
Arizona born, indeed.
This year, the franchise will turn 25.
One of MLB’s expansion franchises in 1998, the D-Backs made a huge impact almost immediately back in the late-1990s and early-2000s.
In their first five seasons of existence, the Diamondbacks won three division titles (1999, 2001, 2002) a National League pennant (2001), and a World Series (2001).
We all remember that shocking moment in which Luis Gonzalez put an end to the 2001 World Series with a bloop single against Mariano Rivera.
In 1999, the D-Backs won 100 games in only their second season and took the NL West title.
Usually, it takes expansion franchises a bit longer to find their footing.
But the D-Backs of those days had three superstars in Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, and Gonzalez.
After 2002, however, the organization only has three playoff berths.
They could use a successful year in 2023 to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
Fortunately, they have some impressive young prospects that will help them break through sooner than later.
Corbin Carroll looks like a future superstar, as does Gabriel Moreno.
Zac Gallen is a bonafide ace, and they have several additional interesting pieces to fortify their bid towards resurrection.
With the tough NL West landscape, 2024 could be the D-Backs’ year.
We shall not be surprised, however, if they “arrive” a season earlier than expected and manage to contend in 2023.
That would certainly be cool.
NEXT: The Diamondbacks Have Been Busy This Offseason