Why Is Arizona’s MLB Team Called the Diamondbacks?

Published 10/26/2023, 3:10 PM EDT

Sports team’s names are often unique and echo the geographical and cultural significance of the state. Apart from reflecting the strong connection with the region, names also represent the true nature of the region. The Arizona Diamondbacks, playing in the World Series for the first time since 2001, are one of the truest representations of the state.

Having debuted in 1998 as an expansion team, the club had an explosive first few years. Although the fire died down for the next few decades, they’re back at the top in 2023. As they prepare to give it their all against the Texas Rangers in the Fall Classic, let’s take a look at how they came to have an iconic name.

How Did the Club Become the Arizona Diamondbacks?

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Picking the perfect name is never an easy decision, especially for a rookie MLB extension team. The franchise decided to go with fan suggestions for the final name. Then-owner Jerry Colangelo held a public contest with the winner getting lifetime season tickets to games. A huge number of suggestions came in, making it challenging to whittle that list down to five names. But, somehow they managed it. The winning choices were ‘Diamondbacks,’ ‘Coyotes,’ ‘Phoenix,’ ‘Rattlers,’ and ‘Scorpions.’

A local design firm, the same one that created the iconic Phoenix Suns symbol, submitted the logos for all selected five names. The management decided to hold a secret ballot vote and it came overwhelmingly in favor of the Scorpions. But Rich Dozer, the first president of the team, told MLB.com how Colangelo wanted to be the overruling voter. The former owner was not the biggest fan of the eight-legged creature.

“He[Colangelo] loved — and we all did — the play off the baseball diamond and having the team called Diamondbacks. He called me a couple of days later and said he couldn’t do Scorpions, we were going with Diamondbacks,” Dozer said. And so was born the iconic team.

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The Diamondbacks Aptly Reflect 2023

The Diamondbacks not only consolidate the team’s connection to the sport but also embody their local identity. Named after the diamondback rattlesnake, the creature is known for injecting a large amount of venom when it strikes. Diamond-shaped markings on the rattlesnake’s back bear a resemblance to the facets of the gem. We don’t know about the precious stone but the 2023 team has certainly risen like underdogs, ready to devour all.

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With an average regular season, the Snakes are suddenly postseason heroes. Toppling favorites with ease, Arizona has emerged almost unscathed to make it to its second World Series appearance. Like the first time, will they create history this year?

WATCH THIS STORY – Diamondbacks Shatter MLB Records With Epic Home Run Rally After ‘Fraud Dodgers’ Slip-Up, Leaving Fans In Awe

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Written by:

Edited by:

Arunima Bhanot

Why Is Arizona’s MLB Team Called the Diamondbacks?

How Did the Club Become the Arizona Diamondbacks?

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The Diamondbacks Aptly Reflect 2023