Every spring, baseball comes home to the Valley. And for Arizona, spring training is more than a season, it’s a reminder we’re a hub for America’s Favorite Pastime.
As the Diamondbacks mark 25 years since the 2001 World Series, our Home Issue lands exactly where it should. With the men who helped define that unforgettable season. On the cover. At home. Jay Bell, Luis Gonzalez, Greg Swindell, Matt Williams, Greg Colbrunn, and Mike Morgan come together not just as former teammates, but as the faces of a legacy that still lives in Arizona.
This isn’t a look back for the sake of nostalgia. It’s a recognition that some moments never stop belonging to a place. The 2001 championship didn’t just happen here. It lives in the Valley’s collective memory. Before smartphones and Instagram, those in the stadium captured the moment the only way they could, by etching it into memory.
Luis Gonzalez hears that memory every time he’s stopped.
“When fans meet me today and bring up 2001,” Gonzo says, “they remember where they were at that day or what a special day it was. It never gets old. I love it. Feels like it happened just yesterday.”
Jay Bell remembers it from inside the frame.
He was standing on third base when it happened. Close enough to see the ball lift over Derek Jeter’s head. Close enough to react before the stadium even caught up.
“I was right on third base and got to see it up close and personal,” Jay tells us. “As soon as I saw the ball get over Jeter’s head, I turned and started running home.”
Around them were veterans who understood the weight of October and the patience it demands. Mark Grace brought championship pedigree to the desert, delivering a .286 World Series performance, outstanding defense, and finally earning the ring that had eluded him through years in Chicago. Matt Williams was the steady pro, a strong postseason bat with edge and big game composure that anchored the club throughout October.
Jay remembers the seconds when everything slowed down.
“To be able to celebrate with my family on the field after the game,” he says. “To see my mom and dad and my wife crying. That was the first time I realized how important what I was doing really meant,” Jay says.
Greg Swindell, left-handed relief pitcher for the Diamondbacks from 1999 to 2002, says picking just one moment from that World Series run is nearly impossible.
“That’s a tough one, because it played out as one of the best World Series of all time, in my opinion,” Greg says. “But if I could relive one moment, it would be the game winning hit and running in from the bullpen for the celebration. One of the best feelings ever.”
Greg continues, noting how monumental that moment felt during such an emotional year for Arizona and the country.
“At first, we didn’t even know if there would be baseball after 9/11. To go on and play, and ultimately win, meant everything to everyone in that locker room. It meant something to the country, too. It gave people a chance to step away from reality for a moment and just enjoy the game.”
In fact, if Greg could speak to his 2001 self, the message would be simple.
“Congrats, you’re about to win a World Series (laughter). I was 36 at the time and had played 15 years in the Big Leagues and eventually went on to play 17 seasons by the time I retired. I’d remind myself to enjoy the moment and have fun.”
For Gonzo, what grounded him once the uniform came off was staying rooted in Arizona. Time hasn’t distanced him from the moment; it’s only sharpened his understanding of it, especially after stepping away from the daily rhythm of playing and into his ongoing role within the Diamondbacks organization.
“At first, it was a little difficult,” Gonzo says. “You go through different routines for so many years, and now all of a sudden you find yourself doing something different. You don’t realize how many intangibles it takes to make the wheel spin in baseball.”
He continues.
“What I’m most proud of now,” Gonzo says, “is still being involved in the community. Being able to help out, make an impact in different organizations and charities. Whether they realize who I am or not, as long as I’m helping them get to their goals, that’s what matters.”
The closeness never disappeared.
“We’re a very tight team still to this day,” Gonzo says. “Even though we haven’t played like that in years, whenever we get together it feels like yesterday. A bond from the locker room, sharing that celebration.”
Jay remembers going to Krispy Kreme the morning after the World Series. Inside, a reporter spots him and starts an interview, asking about the game and whether he had been there. Jay answers yes, joking that he had great seats, and the interview wraps. As he’s leaving, the reporter suddenly realizes who he is, runs outside, drops to her knees, and begs him to redo the interview.
“The moral of the story,” Jay says, “is you better enjoy it while it lasts. Because they’ll forget you in a second.”
That perspective only comes with time.
“If I could talk to my 2001 self now,” Gonzo says, “I’d say enjoy the ride. You don’t know how many opportunities you’re going to get to do something special like that.” He pauses. “To be the guy who got the game-winning hit in a World Series, that’s part of baseball history. It’s only happened a handful of times.”
Greg hopes the next generation of Diamondbacks players understands what truly defined the 2001 team.
“Embrace playing as a unit. Being a team and playing for each other. There wasn’t one selfish person on that team, and that’s what made it such a special group.”
As Arizona marks the 25 year anniversary, the meaning feels just as present.
“This year we're celebrating a milestone. The city deserved it. The state deserved it. We understood that. The only Big-4 championship to ever come to Arizona. I hope the fans are as proud as we are for accomplishing the moment. It’s definitely going to be a fun weekend when we get the team back together,” says Greg.
“It’s incredible,” Gonzo continues. “To celebrate it with our fans, with the former players, with this state. It’s special. It’s home.”
Where Are They Now
Twenty five years later, the men who defined the 2001 championship remain woven into Arizona’s sports fabric. Some appear on this month’s cover. Others remain just beyond the frame. All remain part of the story.
Luis Gonzalez continues his work with the Diamondbacks organization, staying closely connected to the franchise and deeply involved in Arizona’s charitable and community initiatives.
Jay Bell has transitioned into life beyond the field, focusing on family, mentorship, and maintaining meaningful ties to the game and to the Diamondbacks organization.
Mark Grace remains one of the most recognizable figures from the 2001 club, remembered for his veteran leadership, consistency, and clutch presence throughout the championship run.
Matt Williams continued his baseball career through coaching and leadership roles, carrying forward the authority and experience he brought to the Diamondbacks.
Greg Swindell remains part of the championship fabric as a key contributor to a pitching staff built for October.
Mike Morgan appeared in the 2001 postseason and remains remembered as part of the depth and experience that defined the roster.
Randy Johnson remains deeply connected to the Diamondbacks organization while pursuing his passion as an acclaimed professional photographer.
Curt Schilling remains forever etched into postseason history as one half of one of the most dominant pitching duos baseball has ever seen.
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the 2001 World Series
The Arizona Diamondbacks will mark the 25 year anniversary of their 2001 World Series championship with a season-long tribute honoring the franchise’s defining moment.
“This was the first World Championship for any major team in the state of Arizona, and it remains a tremendous point of pride for our organization,” says Derrick Hall, President, CEO and General Partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The 25th Anniversary celebration is set for Saturday, September 19th and will feature a replica throwback jersey giveaway, former player appearances, special giveaways, and in-game spotlights.
“This year we celebrate a milestone. The city deserved it. The state deserved it. We understood that. The only Big-4 championship to ever come to Arizona." -Greg Swindell