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In 2012 the Arizona Diamondbacks found themselves in the precarious situation of having to fire one of the most popular figures in team history.

In early 2013, that figure is back with the team in a diplomatic capacity.

Former broadcaster Mark Grace, who was arrested on DUI charges for the second time in 16 months last August, is representing the Diamondbacks at their annual Fantasy Camp in Scottsdale.

Grace took a leave of absence to deal with his issues and was officially let go by the team at the conclusion of the season, but he holds no ill will for the decision the organization ultimately made.

"They had no choice," Grace told the media Monday. "One thing I try to teach my children and I expect from myself and expected from my teammates is accountability. The Diamondbacks didn't do anything wrong, I did."

Despite still dealing with the legal ramifications of his actions, Grace is thrilled to be wearing the Sedona red again this week for the annual event.

"Because of some circumstances, I wasn't real sure if I was going to be able to get out here or not, but about two weeks ago, I got the call and I obviously jumped at the chance and I'm thankful for the opportunity," Grace said. "A lot of guys in my situation don't get these kind of opportunities so kudos to such a class move on the Diamondbacks' part."

Grace played three seasons for the Diamondbacks, which included the 2001 season that ended in the franchise's only World Series championship. In 2004, Grace took over the color commentator role on D-backs television broadcasts, a role he held until his second arrest.

The Diamondbacks tabbed former manager and broadcaster Bob Brenly to take over Grace's position in the offseason.

"I'm doing as good as I can possibly do," Grace said. "I'm getting to spend a lot of time at home which means a lot of time with my two boys. A lot more fatherhood is always a good thing."

Grace joins other former Diamondbacks Luis Gonzalez, Matt Williams, Steve Finley, Reggie Sanders, Damian Miller, Mike Morgan, Mike Fetters, Greg Swindell and Jay Bell for the eighth annual Fantasy Camp. Eighty participants will spend the week living their own baseball dreams and will play in a game against the former stars to end the week.

"There's nothing better for a player or a former player than putting a uniform back on," Grace said. "It's probably like a soldier feels if they get back in uniform. It's a special thing to wear this, and once again, I'm thankful to the Diamondbacks for letting me put on the colors again, it's great."

14 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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  • Abuse
    Donald D wrote...
    Good Guy
    I hope he overcomes his deamons! Good Luck Mark!
  • Abuse
    Steve S. wrote...
    Don't be fooled
    He's not that great of a person. His on-air persona is much different in-person (fake). I've met him once and he's very arrogant. All he did was talk to the women. The only reason he's doing this fantasy camp is for the money. Nobody else is knocking at his door...His true colors came out when he got his dui...
  • Abuse
    cfroelich11 wrote...
    @Steve
    That's funny. I met him after the world series parade and he couldn't have been nicer. Maybe he's different now.
  • Abuse
    Steve S. wrote...
    Thats because
    he just won a WS, maybe he was happier..FYI when I met him, he was drinking haha...
  • Abuse
    mesa mad man wrote...
    Grace
    I get what he is saying, but to even infer that grace SHOULD have hard feelings against the D-Backs is absurd. He was lucky to have a job after his first DUI. Then to make the same poor decisions again..
  • Abuse
    perfectstranger wrote...
    phoney
    this guy is the biggest phoney. if his boys mean't so much to him why wasn't he with them instead of out boozing it up? as a man, he can talk a good game but he can't walk it
  • Abuse
    Bob F. wrote...
    Can't Wait
    I have March 19 circled on my calendar! Let's see how justice really works in AZ! If I were on trial I would probably get 3-4 years. Let's see what happens, but do not expect much.
  • Abuse
    Steve S. wrote...
    In the Meantime
    Sutt gets fired too for doing nothing but wanting to wear a suit. Both of them aren't working. With the new PAC 12 channel moving to COX, Sutt isn't working either. Amazing how he was screwed like Grace but did nothing wrong. Those of us that have Direct TV need to call and complain about them not carrying the PAC 12 channel!
  • Abuse
    Scovi wrote...
    Wow
    So the Arizona Diamondbacks supposedly fire Mark Grace for his drunk driving and then invite him to be in their fantasy camp. I understand that people make mistakes. I am all about forgiveness and getting a second chance, a third chance, etc. However, Mr. Grace was arrested not once, but twice and after the second time he thumbed his nose at the laws we are ALL suppposed to live by by not following the court order and wearing the device. He has yet to pay a price for his actions. The Diamondbacks continue to reward him.
  • Abuse
    Scovi wrote...
    Wow Continued
    Zero tolerance for drunk driving. Forgiveness, yes. More chances, yes. Tolerance no. As a member of this community I say he must pay a price at this point and change his ways. The Diamondbacks continue to reward him.
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