How the Arizona Diamondbacks Defied Expectations and Reached the World Series
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ journey to the World Series has been nothing short of remarkable. As a writer, I have had a unique relationship with the team, and while I can’t take credit for their success, there is a running joke that suggests otherwise.
In recent years, I have written favorably about the Diamondbacks in the first half of the season, only to see them falter. General Manager Mike Hazen has mock-pleaded with me not to write about his team ever since. It’s become a lighthearted exchange between us.
On June 1, when the Diamondbacks were 33-23, just half a game behind the Dodgers in the NL West, I sent Hazen a text. I jokingly warned him that it would be professionally irresponsible for me to ignore his club. Hazen, sensing my intentions, replied with a playful plea to focus on the hot team, the Reds.
While it may seem like Hazen was overreacting, it’s all in good fun. As a member of the Baseball Writers Association of America, I understand that executives can be sensitive to media coverage.
In June 2019, I praised the Diamondbacks for their refusal to tank and their resilience. Surprisingly, my analysis did not jinx them. The team finished the season with an 85-77 record and even used their top draft pick on outfielder Corbin Carroll, who is now a strong contender for National League Rookie of the Year.
However, my story from late April 2021 was not as fortunate. I described the Diamondbacks as a possible contender for a playoff berth, which turned out to be a poor prediction. The team ended up losing a staggering 110 games.
Last season, Arizona showed improvement by winning 22 more games but still finished with a lackluster 74-88 record. This season, though, the Diamondbacks became a much more interesting team. In June, Jayson Stark wrote about how they were capitalizing on Major League Baseball’s new rules and surprising the sport. I mostly kept my distance, not wanting to ruin anything, until I collaborated with Will Sammon on a feature about outfielder Tommy Pham, who was acquired at the trade deadline.
Around that time, with the Diamondbacks still in contention, Hazen and I jokingly discussed the idea of him publicly apologizing to me. It was all in good fun, of course. I assured him that no apology was necessary. But on September 20, as the Diamondbacks closed in on their 84-win wild card, I sent him another text suggesting that a public apology might be in order. His response? A simple “Hahahaha.”
Now, as I cover the World Series for The Athletic and Fox Sports, I can confidently say that the Diamondbacks have proven themselves. They have already upset the Brewers, Dodgers, and Phillies in these playoffs, and now they are set to face the Rangers in their first World Series appearance since their historic victory over the Yankees in 2001.
I couldn’t have stopped them if I tried. Whatever spell I may have cast on them in the past, they have managed to break free from it. The credit for their success goes to Hazen, his assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye, manager Torey Lovullo, the coaching staff, and the players who have authored one of the most surprising stories in recent baseball history.
As the Diamondbacks prepare for the World Series, all eyes will be on them. Their journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of baseball and the resilience of a team that refused to give up. Regardless of the outcome, they have already achieved something extraordinary.
Congratulations to the Arizona Diamondbacks for defying expectations and reaching the World Series. It’s a well-deserved accomplishment, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.
(Photo of Mike Hazen: Elsa / Getty Images)