D-backs celebrate 23rd birthday on anniversary of Phoenix expansion
Mar 9, 2018, 1:39 PM
It’s been 23 years since the city of Phoenix was informed it was one of two cities awarded a Major League expansion team.
A “name the team” contest followed, allowing fans to vote for the nickname of the new franchise. Shortly after, the Arizona Diamondbacks were born.
Happy Birthday to…us!
23 years ago, the #Dbacks franchise was born. This year, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the inaugural season. And a lot has happened in 20 years. #GenerationDbacks pic.twitter.com/HUeSIic8Fe
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 9, 2018
Three years later, the D-backs took the field at then-named Bank One Ballpark for the first time on March 31, 1998 to take on the Colorado Rockies. In front of a sold out crowd, the D-backs fell to Colorado 9-2.
Arizona finished 65-97 in its first season, but success quickly followed.
The D-backs made the postseason in three of their first five seasons as a franchise, with the most notable appearance coming in 2001 when they defeated the New York Yankees to become the quickest MLB expansion team to win the World Series.
But since capturing the pennant, the D-backs have made the postseason just four times, the most recent coming in 2017.
More celebration is on the horizon as the team recognizes its 20th anniversary.
The D-backs announced that a 2,000 square-foot exhibit called the “D-backs 20th Anniversary Experience” will be on display at Chase Field to give fans a look-back at the franchise’s history.
The team will also bring back Throwback Thursdays, wearing uniforms from the six postseason teams.
The celebration kicks off with the ceremonial first pitch by members of the six postseason teams on March 29 when the D-backs face the Colorado Rockies on Opening Day.
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