Building the 2001 Diamondbacks’ World Series Roster
By Ethan Holtzinger, Cronkite News
April 14, 2026
This article is part of a series from Cronkite News reflecting on the Diamondbacks’ 2001 World Series victory.
A Shift in Strategy
PHOENIX – After the Arizona Diamondbacks’ inaugural season in 1998, owner Jerry Colangelo convened with his team to discuss the franchise’s trajectory. Initially, they aimed to replicate the Colorado Rockies’ strategy by focusing on the draft and establishing a farm system.
Embracing Competition
However, with a significant drop in season ticket sales heading into the second year, Colangelo recognized that to be successful, the team had to become competitive. He decided to fully commit to winning. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” Colangelo stated. “You have to be willing to take calculated risks and never fear failure; ultimately, it leads to success.”
Executing the Plan
With Colangelo’s vision firmly backed by his executives, the Diamondbacks shifted to a win-now mentality. Colangelo made a name for himself in Phoenix sports through strategic risk-taking. His leadership was key in securing the Valley’s first and only major professional championship with the expansion team in just its fourth year.
Strategic Signings
In the offseason, Colangelo and general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. began to shape the roster with significant multi-year acquisitions, including pitcher Randy Johnson and outfielder Steve Finley. Convincing Johnson to join was challenging, yet Colangelo prevailed through determination and humor.
Balancing Budgets
Throughout this process, the Diamondbacks spent nearly $119 million on six free agents, raising their payroll from approximately $31.5 million to over $80 million by their championship season. Initially constrained by budget limitations, they deferred portions of player salaries for financial flexibility, a strategy that created future debt.
Building Team Chemistry
As the 2001 season approached, a change in management occurred with Bob Brenly replacing Buck Showalter. Colangelo sought a manager who could connect with the now veteran team. With additional veteran acquisitions, including Mark Grace and Reggie Sanders, the team’s confidence soared, and players felt something extraordinary was on the horizon.
The Legacy
Reflecting on that season, players recognized their distinct roles and contributions. Nearly 25 years later, those who created this championship team acknowledge their collective effort. “We had our plan,” Colangelo reminisced. “Bringing together talents like Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling was exhilarating.”
This article first appeared in Cronkite News and is shared under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
