PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks organization is relatively young, but after 26 years it’s been decided that it’s time for a team Hall of Fame.
There was no doubt who the first inductees would be. They are two of the most iconic players to ever wear the Diamondbacks old colors, purple and teal: Former pitcher Randy Johnson and former outfielder Luis Gonzalez.
Diamondbacks coaches, players and fans wore teal Hall of Fame shirts to commemorate the occasion and celebrate with two of the greatest pros to ever play in Arizona.
Their numbers and likeness can be seen all around the ballpark. Their nicknames — Gonzo and The Big Unit — are known by fans of all ages. The pair helped bring Phoenix its first championship in a major sport and they delivered formative memories for sports fans growing up in the Valley.
“It's a great moment for this organization and a special honor for these players," Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. "It's the two right players. You know, everybody associates the World Championship with them, and Gonzo is such a fixture in this community. The Big Unit had some unbelievable moments and he supports his team wholeheartedly to this day. We love those guys and the fact that this organization can honor them is going to be a great moment.”
The pair are now the first Arizona Diamondbacks Hall of Fame inductees, making even more history together in downtown Phoenix. The players were presented with Hall of Fame plaques, engraved plates from Tiffany's, and diamond-encrusted rings from Josten's.
Lovullo was asked who else he’d put into the organization’s Hall of Fame. He suggested 2001 World Series manager Bob Brenly, former player turned broadcaster Mark Grace, and team president and CEO Derrick Hall.
The D-backs wrap up their series against the Pirates on Sunday at 1:10 p.m.
Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to four major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events every year, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
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