Arizona Diamondbacks Mount Rushmore all-time legends

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Despite their brief history, the Arizona Diamondbacks have had a number of stars pass through their clubhouse. Which of those players makes up their Mount Rushmore?

The Arizona Diamondbacks may not have a long history, but it has been a successful one. They came into the league in 1998, joining the Tampa Bay Rays as the two most recent expansion franchises. However, unlike the Rays, the Diamondbacks found success almost immediately.

After a rough initial campaign, the Diamondbacks began their march to relevance. They won 100 games in their second season, making their first postseason appearance. Just two years later, they managed to defeat the mighty Yankees dynasty, as Luis Gonzalez singled up the middle to win Game Seven.

Although the Diamondbacks have not returned to the World Series, they have generally remained in contention. They have made the playoffs six times, an impressive total considering how difficult the National League West can be. This year was another success, as Arizona again returned to the postseason. Given their solid core, it would not be a surprise to see a return engagement in 2018.

As to be expected, given their success, there have been a few stars that have passed through their clubhouse. Which of those players comprise the Arizona Diamondbacks Mount Rushmore?

Luis Gonzalez (1999-2006)

A solid player who was nothing more than a decent part of the lineup, Luis Gonzalez exploded to stardom with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In his first year in the desert, Gonzalez led the National League with 206 hits. He recorded his first career 100 RBI campaign, and made his first All Star Game. From that point, Gonzalez continued to improve, culminating with his stellar 2001 season. That year, he had an incredible .325/.429/.688 batting line, belting a career high 57 homers and driving in 142 runs.

During his time with the Diamondbacks, he was a five time All Star, and won the 2001 Silver Slugger award. Overall, he produced a .298/.391/.529 batting line, hitting 224 homers and 310 doubles. Gonzalez became an intimidating presence in the lineup, drawing 650 walks, 94 of which were intentional, while striking out only 580 times.

As good as he was, Gonzalez is remembered amongst Diamondbacks fans by one at bat. In the bottom of the ninth in Game Seven, while facing the great Mariano Rivera, Gonzalez dropped a base hit up the middle, plating the championship winning run. He was dubbed “Mr. November” in Arizona, as his clutch hit brought about the Diamondbacks first World Series.

Luis Gonzalez made sure that he was an important part of Arizona Diamondbacks history. That base hit alone may have been enough to make him a part of the franchise’s Mount Rushmore.

Brandon Webb (2003-2009)

Seemingly on his way to stardom, Brandon Webb’s career was derailed by shoulder injuries.

He certainly appeared to be the next bright star for the Diamondbacks. A home grown talent, Webb had become the ace of the team in his mid 20s. He was a three time All Star, and won the 2006 National League Cy Young award. In 2007 and 2008, Webb finished second in the voting. He led the league in wins twice, and became a dominant workhorse, with five consecutive seasons of over 200 innings.

Unfortunately, right when he was in the midst of his prime, disaster struck. Webb started on Opening Day in 2009, and was roughed up in his four innings of work. that was his last major league appearance, as he underwent numerous shoulder surgeries for bursitis and rotator cuff issues. After holding out for four years, hoping to return, he retired prior to the start of the 2013 campaign.

When he was healthy, Webb was a star. During his six year, and one game, Webb posted an 87-62 record, along with a 3.27 ERA and a 1.239 WHiP. In his 1319.1 innings, he struck out 1065 batters, while issuing only 435 walks. Of those walks, 187 came in his first two seasons, as Webb learned to command his arsenal from that point on.

The Arizona Diamondbacks may always wonder what could have been with Brandon Webb. Even in his brief time in the majors, he proved to be a star.

Paul Goldschmidt (2011-present)

Already one of the top players in the history of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Paul Goldschmidt has a chance to become the best player in team history.

He already has quite the start to his career. A five time All Star, Goldschmidt has finished second in the MVP vote twice, although he may well land that coveted award this year. He already has won some hardware in 2017, being named the Gold Glove winner at first for the third time. Goldschmidt has also won two Silver Slugger awards, and may not be done there either.

In just those seven seasons, Goldschmidt has already produced an impressive resume. He has a .299/.399/.532 batting line, with 176 homers and 232 doubles. One of the rare first basemen with speed, Goldschmidt has also stolen 117 bases in his career. It may not be a surprise if he puts together a 30-30 season at some point in the near future.

The only hurdle to Goldschmidt becoming the best player in Diamondbacks history may be how long he remains in town. He is signed through the 2018 season, although Arizona does hold a team option for the following year. An extension could make sense, but will the Diamondbacks be able to find the resources to get Goldschmidt the type of contract he would get in free agency?

Paul Goldschmidt has become the latest star for the Arizona Diamondbacks. If he keeps up this pace, and remains in the desert, his number could be retired when his career comes to a close.

Randy Johnson (1999-2004, 2007-2008)

The Arizona Diamondbacks were looking to contend immediately when they signed Randy Johnson as a free agent. That plan worked perfectly.

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It did not take long for Johnson to prove he was the pitcher the Diamondbacks needed. He led the NL in ERA, complete games, innings, and strikeouts that year, making the All Star team and winning the first of his four consecutive Cy Young awards. He was a five time All Star in his first stint in the desert, and fired a perfect game in 2004, the oldest pitcher to do so.

Although he was not the same pitcher when he returned to Arizona, Johnson’s body of work speaks for itself. He had a 118-62 record with the Diamondbacks, along with a 2.83 ERA and a 1.068 WHiP. In his 1630.1 innings, Johnson struck out 2077 batters, while issuing only 416 walks. He was truly a force to be reckoned with.

Johnson was a key part of the Diamondbacks success in the 2001 World Series. He fired a complete game shutout in Game Two, then won Game Six to keep Arizona from being eliminated. Yet, it was his Game Seven performance, when he came out of the bullpen to end a Yankee threat, and then threw a scoreless top of the ninth. When Luis Gonzalez drove home the winning run, Johnson had earned his third victory of the series, and shared MVP honors with Curt Schilling.

Next: Cubs Mount Rushmore

Randy Johnson was one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. He was also the greatest player for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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