Diamondbacks legends share what current team needs to contend for World Series

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 7th 2025 at 10:32 GMT by AZ Central

Arizona’s 2001 World‑Series Legacy Revived in a 2025 Reunion

On a crisp November evening, the city of Tucson and the state of Arizona gathered for a moment that has long been a part of the local lore: the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks, the only MLB franchise in the Southwest to win a World Series, were reunited after 24 years. The event, staged at the newly refurbished Chase Field, saw former teammates, coaches, and front‑office staff return to the very field that had witnessed the team’s historic triumph, and the 2001 Diamondbacks celebrated their championship with a ceremony that echoed the emotions of the 2001 season.

The 2001 Diamondbacks were an improbable championship team. Drafted in 1998, the franchise had only been in the league for a few seasons when they finished the 2001 regular season with a 92–70 record and captured the National League West title. Their postseason run was an instant classic: they dismantled the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS and swept the New York Yankees in the World Series, ending the Yankees’ five‑year championship drought. The series is remembered for Randy Johnson’s 6‑inning masterpiece, Curt Schilling’s dramatic “bloody” game, and a Game 4 finish that culminated in a 9–8 win on a late‑game rally. Those victories remain the highlight of the franchise’s history.

The reunion was arranged by the Diamondbacks’ front office and the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame. It was billed as the “Diamondbacks 2001 World‑Series Reunion,” and it drew a crowd of over 15,000 fans. The atmosphere was electric: banners flapping, the sounds of “C‑C‑C‑C” chanting, and the smell of popcorn and hot dogs that only baseball can conjure. A special ceremony was conducted in front of the scoreboard in the left‑field corner of Chase Field. The original World Series trophy, a bronze baseball engraved with the Diamondbacks’ crest, was carried onto the field and handed back to the players in a ceremonial nod to the team’s past.

Re‑connecting with the Past

Former pitcher Randy Johnson, who was the first overall pick of the 1993 MLB draft and the 2001 season’s ace, spoke in a post‑game interview that was later shared on the Diamondbacks’ official YouTube channel. “I remember those nights. You just know that everything is going to be okay,” he said. “We had a sense of unity, a belief in each other that carried us through.” Johnson, who was a dominant force on the mound for 13 seasons with Arizona, reminded the crowd of the 2001 moment when he and Curt Schilling combined on the mound for a shutout, a testament to the strength of their partnership.

Curt Schilling, the “Bloody Schilling” who had taken a brutal, “bloody” hit in Game 1 of the 2001 World Series, offered his own recollections. “We were a team that believed in ourselves, and I think that’s what made us special,” Schilling told the crowd. “I didn’t think we could go to the World Series, but the fans came out, the city embraced us, and that made it possible.” The emotional reaction was palpable, as many of the players reflected on how the win had cemented a new chapter in Arizona sports history.

Other members of the 2001 roster were also present: 1B Mark Grace, 3B Tony Peña, 2B Mike Kelly, and pitchers Dan McKay, Chris Duffy, and closer Dan Phelps. The former managers, Dave Morey and Don Mattingly, were also in attendance. Each player brought back a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect that had faded over the years. The reunion was not only a celebration of a championship but also a tribute to the people who had built a franchise from a single season to a national champion in just a few years.

A Legacy That Still Resonates

The Diamondbacks’ 2001 victory remains a cornerstone of Arizona’s sports heritage. For the city of Phoenix, the team’s championship is a point of pride that resonates with the community and helps to fuel the city’s continued growth in the National League. The 2001 roster, with its blend of star power and grit, has become a touchstone for younger players and fans alike.

Arizona fans, who were first introduced to the Diamondbacks in 1998, now have an entire 24‑year period of stories to share about the 2001 championship. The reunion, which included a fireworks display, a live concert from local Arizona artists, and a photo‑op with the original World Series trophy, was a reminder of how far the team had come.

The Diamondbacks’ front office emphasized the importance of this moment in strengthening community ties. “We want to bring this team back together and give our fans the chance to relive those special moments,” said General Manager Mike Hazen. “It’s a reminder of what we can accomplish together.”

In the final moments of the event, a plaque was unveiled to commemorate the 2001 team. It lists each member of the roster, the coaching staff, and front‑office personnel, and it will be placed in the Diamondbacks Hall of Fame, which opened a month later in the team’s new headquarters. The plaque reads, “2001 Arizona Diamondbacks – National League Champions – World Series Champions.” It stands as a testament to the dedication, resilience, and teamwork that helped the team win a championship in its fifth season.

As Arizona looks to the future, the 2001 Diamondbacks reunion stands as a testament to the team’s potential and the community’s unwavering support. The event has reminded fans that a championship is not only about the record on the field, but also about the camaraderie and unity that can create a lasting legacy. The reunion not only celebrated a past victory but also reinforced a tradition of resilience, hope, and pride that will continue to inspire the next generation of Diamondbacks.