D-backs recreate first pitch of inaugural game on 20th anniversary

On March 31, 1998, the Arizona Diamondbacks played their first-ever game, inside a stadium then known as Bank One Ballpark.

Coming three years after the city was awarded an expansion franchise, the inaugural game in downtown Phoenix was met with much anticipation and excitement. And at 8:22 p.m., D-backs right-hander Andy Benes stepped on the mound and threw the first pitch in team history. Colorado Rockies second baseman Mike Lansing took the first pitch for a ball as it sailed into the glove of Arizona catcher Jorge Fabregas.

That all sounds just like what happened on Saturday night at Chase Field, exactly 20 years later.

The D-backs replicated that very moment before playing the finale of a season-opening series against the Rockies.

The celebration is part of a season-long nod to the 20th anniversary of the D-backs, who begin their 21st season fresh off an appearance the National League Division Series. This year, the team introduced 20th-anniversary patches on the uniforms, a 20th-anniversary museum in right field, and more.

The Diamondbacks wore their throwback uniforms in honor of the event Saturday.

Follow @mattjlayman