ESPN study names D-backs No. 1 MLB franchise

Sep 19, 2013, 9:03 PM | Updated: 9:03 pm

Arizona Diamondbacks President Derrick Hall has made the fan experience a focal point since taking over in late 2006.

The fans have taken notice.

The D-backs announced Thursday that they have been named the No. 1 franchise in Major League Baseball and No. 6 of 122 organizations in the four major U.S. sports by ESPN. The rankings are based off results from fan surveys and financial analysis, and focus on eight categories, such as fan relations, affordability, bang for the buck, stadium experience, players, ownership, title track and coaching.

The full rankings will be released in Friday’s issue of ESPN the Magazine.

“This honor is particularly rewarding because it is decided upon primarily by the fans,” Hall said in a press release. “We’re extremely proud to be recognized in this fashion.”

The D-backs ranked second among MLB franchises and 10th overall last year.

Team Marketing Report has named the D-backs the most affordable for families for seven consecutive years, and the D-backs were the first sports organization to be named “Best Places to Work” by the Phoenix Business Journal and BestCompaniesAZ.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Munetaka Murakami #55 of Team Japan celebrates after hitting a two-run double to defeat Team Mexico...
Associated Press

Japan walks off Mexico to set up World Baseball Classic final vs. USA

Shohei Ohtani sparked a ninth-inning rally as Japan walked off Mexico 6-5 to advance to the World Baseball Classic final against Team USA.
1 day ago
Tommy Henry #47 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches during the first inning of the game against the...
Arizona Sports

LHP Henry optioned as D-backs key in on final starting candidates

The Diamondbacks optioned Tommy Henry to Triple-A on Monday, whittling down their options to cement the backend of their starting rotation.
1 day ago
Starting pitcher Merrill Kelly #29 of Team USA throws a warm-up pitch during the first inning of th...
Alex Weiner

D-backs’ Merrill Kelly set up to start World Baseball Classic final for Team USA

Team USA "looks like" it will turn to Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly in the World Baseball Classic final on Tuesday. 
1 day ago
Paul Goldschmidt #46 of Team USA celebrates with Moookie Betts #3 after hitting a two-run home run ...
Associated Press

Turner, Goldschmidt lead Team USA to WBC final with win vs. Cuba

Defending champion United States romped over Cuba 14-2 on Sunday night to reach its second straight World Baseball Classic final.
2 days ago
David Peralta #6 and Eduardo Escobar #5 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after scoring on a si...
Haboob Blog

Former D-backs OF David Peralta rekindles Eduardo Escobar’s cat fear with Team Venezuela

David Peralta had some fun with Eduardo Escobar's fear of cats when they were teammates with the Diamondbacks.
1 day ago
Brandon Pfaadt #90 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches in the second inning against the Cincinnati ...
Kellan Olson

Diamondbacks reassign Brandon Pfaadt, send Seth Beer to Triple-A

The Arizona Diamondbacks made 11 roster moves on Sunday that cut their spring training roster down to 40.
2 days ago
ESPN study names D-backs No. 1 MLB franchise