When a team unexpectedly makes a deep playoff run in MLB, it’s not only the players who are caught off guard. Behind the scenes, there is a scramble to rearrange plans that were made before the realization that October baseball would dominate the calendar. The Arizona Diamondbacks, who have become the most surprising League Championship Series (LCS) participant in MLB history, have had to deal with a series of unforeseen consequences as they continue their Cinderella story.
One of the first challenges the Diamondbacks faced was adjusting their home ballpark. Chase Field, where they play their home games, had to accommodate other events that were scheduled during the postseason. The team had to move a Guns N’ Roses concert, and a Hispanic Family Fiesta might also be canceled if the Diamondbacks force a Game 5 against the Philadelphia Phillies. The team’s unexpected success left the organization scrambling to make necessary adjustments.
For the players and staff of the Diamondbacks, their unexpected playoff run has meant making personal sacrifices. Front office special assistant Jason McLeod had to postpone a rotator cuff procedure multiple times due to the team’s extended season. Catcher Gabriel Moreno and his wife had planned to have a baby near the end of the regular season, but the unexpected playoff run meant that Moreno would miss the first month of his son’s life. They made the decision to bring their newborn baby to Philadelphia for Games 1 and 2, although he stayed in a separate room. Reliever Ryan Thompson, who is also in seminary school, had planned a heavier course load for the month of October, assuming that his baseball season would be over by then.
The unexpected success of the Diamondbacks has also resulted in missed personal milestones. Advance scout Jeff Gardner had to watch the games on TV as his daughter got married in California. Outfielder Corbin Carroll had flights booked to attend his sister’s senior night in Seattle, which he had to cancel. However, he understood that his commitment to the team came first.
Should the Diamondbacks continue their surprising run and win the LCS against the Phillies, more plans will have to be postponed. Reliever Kevin Ginkel has a wedding to attend on the 26th, but he would gladly miss it if it meant continuing to play in the postseason. Even veteran Evan Longoria, who has played in 42 postseason games, did not expect to still be playing in late October. He and his wife had booked a nonrefundable cruise at the end of the month, assuming that they would have canceled due to not being in the playoffs. Now, they may have to eat the cost of the cruise.
The Diamondbacks’ unexpected success has forced everyone in the organization to adjust their expectations. General manager Mike Hazen had planned a fishing trip in Montana with his kids last October, but the team’s poor performance made him change his plans. This year, he had more faith in the team’s abilities, and his faith has been rewarded with a turnaround season. However, as the Diamondbacks continue to make October baseball a regular occurrence, they must learn from their more experienced opponents on how to approach the postseason.
The Phillies’ shortstop Trea Turner, who is making his sixth playoff appearance, believes that teams must earn their place in the postseason and be confident in their abilities. He has avoided making plans in October for years and hopes that it stays that way. As the Diamondbacks navigate their unexpected playoff run, they are learning that unexpected success often comes with its own set of challenges and sacrifices.
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ surprising playoff run has led to a series of unforeseen consequences and personal sacrifices. From adjusting the venue of their home games to postponing personal procedures and missing important family milestones, the players, staff, and even their loved ones have had to adapt to the team’s unexpected success. As the Diamondbacks continue to make a name for themselves in October baseball, they are learning valuable lessons about the rewards and challenges that come with being MLB’s darlings for one unexpectedly special month.
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