As we transition into the off-season, we will only address one or two questions per week. This time, the primary question stems from a post on Purple Row, which examined who stands as the Rockies’ rival and concluded that it is the D-backs. Let’s check if the writers from SnakePit share this perspective…
Do the D-backs have a defined “rival”? If so, who and why?
Spencer: I would argue that they do not. While there is potential for a rivalry similar to that with the Rockies, Major League Baseball tends to overlook teams in the middle tier. As fans of a less successful team, we want to identify a rival comparable to LAD, SF, or SD; however, we simply lack the historical backdrop or triumph to legitimize that claim outside of a season or two of unexpected success. If this current version of the team flourishes as we all hope, and as Hazen, Hall, and Kendrick anticipate, we might enter the realm of serious rivals. Ultimately, I believe we will need to wait for expansion and new divisions to establish a principal rival.
Preston: What truly defines a rival? Typically, it involves geographical closeness or intense animosity toward a particular location, along with teams competing against one another on a regular basis. Since I don’t live in the Valley, I can’t say for certain if these elements exist; there’s certainly a dislike for the Dodgers, and Phoenix seems to harbor resentment toward LA, but that sentiment isn’t mutual. Moreover, the Diamondbacks have not performed consistently enough to genuinely contend with the Dodgers or to cultivate animosity among Dodgers’ fans. No team is situated close enough to vie for the same fan base.
There are several potential rivalries, but they would require one or both teams to maintain a high level of performance. The Rockies and Padres share the same predicament of lacking a true rival, yet the Padres have seen greater success lately, while the Rockies have historically never captured the division title. Expansion likely won’t alleviate this; no new team is poised to encroach upon Diamondbacks’ territory. Cities like Charlotte, Nashville, Austin, and Portland are the most probable candidates for expansion. Our best chance for a rival may be the A’s if they relocate to Las Vegas, as they would become the nearest team geographically. Yet, with only four games a year and no expectation of meeting in the World Series, that seems unlikely.
Ultimately, we will establish a rival once we consistently oust a team in the postseason, which necessitates frequent postseason appearances—something this franchise has not accomplished since Randy Johnson was in his prime.
Sam: An important aspect to consider is that rivalries are often asymmetrical. They typically ascend the competitive hierarchy. Currently, every team in the NL West seems to regard the Dodgers as their main rival. However, it would be inaccurate to claim that the Diamondbacks or Rockies are genuine rivals of the Dodgers. The Padres, with their recent playoff encounters in 2020, 2022, and 2024, or the Giants, due to a longer historical context, are more fitting candidates.
Makakilo: One argument is that the Rockies and Diamondbacks are indeed rivals for two reasons:
- The MLB has scheduled games between rivals from May 16-18, 2025, which includes the Rockies and the Diamondbacks.
- This article (a site for Rockies fans) officially categorized the Diamondbacks as their most intense and bitter rival.
My perspective is different. While I anticipate victory or a sweep in every series against the Rockies, I hold no animosity towards them and do not consider them rivals.
The Texas Rangers have the potential to be a significant rival. Here are a few reasons:
- Each team consistently competes fiercely for every win. Out of the last four series between the teams, three ended in sweeps (the D-backs were swept once, while the Rangers faced two sweeps).
- Both teams have faced off in a World Series (which the Rangers won).
- In 2023, the Diamondbacks held a 3-1 record against the Rangers, despite barely qualifying for the playoffs.
- In 2024, the two teams were even with a 2-2 record, and the Diamondbacks fell just one win short of playoff contention.
- In 2025, while the Diamondbacks remain competitive, they will face the Rangers in six games (from August 11-13 and September 1-3). The stakes will be high: the Diamondbacks’ chances of making the playoffs.
DBacksEurope: Rivalries typically develop organically, often due to geographical closeness or the significance of their matchups. If a team has been uncompetitive in its division for years and lacks proximity to rivals, it doesn’t foster rivalry. Thus, I conclude that the Diamondbacks lack a true rival. While the Rockies present a potential option, I actually have too much appreciation for them to consider them rivals. Perhaps the Las Vegas Athletics might evolve into an artificially promoted MLB rivalry, akin to the Desert Series or something similar. I have no doubt that Las Vegas can market that successfully.
Jim: This led me down a fascinating path. I’m most familiar with rivalries in British football, which often arise from geographical factors. However, we don’t really have that dynamic here, apart from Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. In fact, teams are practically prohibited from being established near one another. The Mariners, for example, have no opponents within 800 miles, making them the most distant team from their divisional “rivals” in Texas. In contrast, imagine every team stationed in North Carolina, which reflects the situation in the English Premier League. London alone houses seven teams, accounting for more than a third of all franchises, in an area that is one-fifteenth the size of Maricopa County.
There’s also a richer historical context in the EPL. The youngest teams, Chelsea and Crystal Palace, were established in 1905, making them older than 14 MLB franchises. Such legacies are typically forged over generations. Here, we are still at the nascent stage of cultivating dedicated Diamondbacks fans. On a positive note, at least MLB rivalries don’t often stem from issues like religion. However, I feel that many U.S. sporting rivalries lack the intensity of those I’ve witnessed in Britain. While we may harbor resentment towards the Dodgers for various reasons, legitimate or not, it’s hard to assert that they truly qualify as our rivals.
James: The only team in Arizona with a genuine, reciprocal rivalry is the Suns. Technically, the Cardinals share the oldest rivalry in the NFL with the Chicago Bears, but that rivalry has significantly diminished in importance since the Cardinals relocated to the Valley. The arrival of their stadium in Glendale essentially extinguished the rivalry’s relevance. Fan sentiment among Diamondbacks supporters tends to strongly resent the Dodgers and their affiliations; however, the Dodgers hardly recognize the Diamondbacks’ existence. Their major rivalry is with the Giants and has deep historical roots.
The closest thing to a rivalry for the Diamondbacks could be the Padres. During the Diamondbacks’ early success, the Padres and Giants were the teams they competed against fiercely. Currently, the Padres are the team most similar to the Diamondbacks in terms of performance and geographical closeness within the NL West. Beyond that, I also concur with those from our sister site that the Colorado Rockies likely represent the closest analogy of a rivalry for the Diamondbacks.
When it comes to identifying a rivalry, the “best fit” designation is often applied. Considering MLB distances, these teams are fairly close to one another. They are an expansion team that came after Arizona. Over the years, there have been some memorable clashes between them. The Rockies, during their one World Series appearance, eliminated the Diamondbacks. For the most part, neither team garners much attention from others, as they consistently find themselves in the lower half of the division.
Dano: I find the points made by everyone compelling. However, rivalries, in my view, stem from a visceral response to a specific team from the fans. So yes, on a year-to-year competitive balance, you might argue that we lack a true rival. Yet, in terms of how it feels, the FTD definitely fits that bill. This is partly because they are the “best” team money can buy, and partly due to the blatant disrespect they and their fans often show us—if they even acknowledge our existence. Mainly, though, it’s because they once intruded on our pool and, quite literally, made a mess of it. That’s just not acceptable, and this is how rivalries are born.
Which team are you supporting in the Championship Series?
Spencer: I’m firmly supporting Cleveland, and it’s an easy choice. They represent the only significant storyline, suffering the longest championship drought in MLB history, while the other teams simply do not interest me. I expect the Yankees will receive favorable calls, just as they did against Kansas City. Once Cleveland loses, I will cease to follow the scores until spring arrives.
Preston: I concur with Spencer. The NLCS lacks excitement for me since it features the Dodgers against the team that eliminated the Diamondbacks. Cleveland was at the top of my list for teams I wanted to see succeed at the season’s outset, and they are now the sole team left that I’d be happy to see win.
Sam: I’m always against the Dodgers, and as I mentioned previously, I’m rooting for the Guardians, who haven’t claimed the title since 1948.
Makakilo: I’m cheering for both the Mets and the Yankees, hoping they face off in the World Series. Here’s my reasoning.
I discovered that Yogi Berra played for both the Mets and the Yankees, and I verified that this is indeed true. Furthermore, many players have shared this experience.
I began to wonder if any players have participated in the World Series for both the Mets and the Yankees.
The answer is yes! In 2000, Todd Zeile played in the World Series for the Mets. Then, in 2003, he was on the roster for the Yankees in the World Series. Each time, his team fell short of winning.
David Cone is another near-miss example. In 1988, he pitched in the NLCS for the Mets but lost. Subsequently, in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000, he pitched in the World Series for the Yankees.
Because I easily found information about Todd Zeile and David Cone on the Baseball Reference website, I didn’t conduct a thorough search—there may be additional players with similar experiences.
If these two teams were to meet in the 2024 World Series, future seasons might see the addition of more players to that list!
DBacksEurope: I support the Yankees and Mets, but if it turns out that Cleveland and the Dodgers win, I’d be okay with that. I’ve noticed that without the Diamondbacks in the playoffs, my interest wanes, and I’m generally more invested in the regular season than in the postseason. Between the AL and NL series, I tend to care more about the NL since those are the teams I historically follow in baseball.
James: At this point, I’m inclined to root for the Guardians. However,
I am not expecting the Mets to triumph over the Yankees in a seven-game series. As much as it pains me, I will be supporting the Dodgers’ elimination instead. Honestly, I would prefer to see Cleveland and the Yankees battle it out and end it there. If the Yankees reach the World Series (which I suspect they will), we will be burdened with the endless marketing of yet another Subway Series or the MLB’s dream matchup of Dodgers versus Yankees, harking back to the sport’s glory days. There is something anticlimactic about witnessing the two biggest free-spending teams in the sport compete for bragging rights.
Dano: I’m dangerously close to entering “a pox on all their houses” territory. I’m definitely supporting the Mets since they are the only team left in the NL aside from our rivals. In the AL, I’m all in for Cleveland. In fact, if they get past the Yankees, I’ll be backing Cleveland all the way. If not, it will depend on who wins the NLCS. If it turns out to be Cleveland against anyone, I’m rooting for the Guardians. If the Mets defeat FTD and we find ourselves with a Subway Series, I’ll begrudgingly cheer for the boys from Queens. If FTD wins and the Yankees also come out on top, then I’ll grit my teeth even more and back New York, as I am and will always be ABD (Anyone But Doyers).
Jim: I’m firmly aboard the Anyone But Dodgers bandwagon and wouldn’t mind seeing the Mets succeed. Their ballpark was the first one I ever visited, and they were Mrs. SnakePit’s team while she grew up in New York, so they hold a special place. However, part of me, somewhat perversely, wants the Dodgers to win, which would prove my point from last December when I realized baseball is broken. But I would prefer to be wrong: ABD it is.
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Exploring the Diamondbacks’ Rivalry Landscape: Do They Really Have a Competitor?
Understanding the Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks, established in 1998, have carved a niche for themselves in Major League Baseball (MLB). Based in Phoenix, Arizona, this National League team has seen both triumphs and challenges throughout its history. With a dedicated fan base and a history of competitive spirit, the question arises: do the Diamondbacks have a true rival?
Historical Context of the Diamondbacks’ Rivalries
Rivalries in sports often stem from geographical proximity, playoff battles, or historical significance. The Diamondbacks have engaged in various rivalries, most notably with:
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- San Francisco Giants
- San Diego Padres
Key Rival: The Los Angeles Dodgers
The rivalry with the Dodgers is perhaps the most heated. The proximity of Los Angeles to Phoenix has played a significant role in the development of this competitive relationship.
Reasons for the Rivalry
- Geographical Proximity: Being on the West Coast, both teams share the same time zone, leading to more frequent matchups.
- Playoff Encounters: The two teams have faced off in crucial games, intensifying their rivalry.
- Fan Engagement: Both teams have passionate fan bases that contribute to the electric atmosphere during games.
Recent Performance
To understand the current state of this rivalry, let’s take a look at the recent performance of both teams over the last few seasons:
| Season | Diamondbacks Wins | Dodgers Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 | 11 |
| 2021 | 5 | 14 |
| 2022 | 8 | 11 |
| 2023 | 9 | 10 |
Rivalry with the San Francisco Giants
Another significant rivalry for the Diamondbacks is with the San Francisco Giants. This rivalry has been marked by some memorable moments, particularly during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Historical Significance
The Giants and Diamondbacks often battled for supremacy in the National League West. Key factors contributing to their rivalry include:
- Division Battles: Both teams have been contenders for the division title at various times, leading to high-stakes games.
- Player Matchups: Iconic players such as Randy Johnson and Barry Bonds have added depth to this rivalry.
- Memorable Games: Several games between these two teams have had playoff implications, further fueling the rivalry.
Recent Encounters
In recent seasons, the Giants have maintained a competitive edge over the Diamondbacks, but close games have kept the rivalry alive:
| Season | Diamondbacks Wins | Giants Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 4 | 6 |
| 2021 | 5 | 14 |
| 2022 | 8 | 10 |
| 2023 | 7 | 11 |
The San Diego Padres: A Rising Rivalry
In recent years, the rivalry with the San Diego Padres has gained traction, particularly with the emergence of young talent and competitive team dynamics.
Emergence of New Talent
The Padres have made significant moves in acquiring star players such as Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, which has positioned them as formidable opponents.
Competitive Matchups
- Recent Playoff Aspirations: Both teams are striving for playoff positions, leading to intense matchups.
- Fan Experience: The rivalry has become a fan favorite, with exciting games drawing large crowds.
- Social Media Engagement: The interactions between players and fans on social media have added an engaging layer to this rivalry.
Recent Performance Overview
Here’s how the Diamondbacks have fared against the Padres in recent seasons:
| Season | Diamondbacks Wins | Padres Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 5 |
| 2021 | 6 | 11 |
| 2022 | 7 | 12 |
| 2023 | 10 | 9 |
Do the Diamondbacks Have a True Rival?
While the Diamondbacks have engaged in rivalries with the Dodgers, Giants, and Padres, defining a “true” rival often depends on various factors:
Factors to Consider
- Geography: Proximity plays a crucial role in rivalry development.
- Competitive Balance: Consistent competition at a high level strengthens rivalries.
- Historical Context: Past encounters, particularly in high-stakes situations, enhance the significance of a rivalry.
Current Landscape
As of the latest season, the Diamondbacks have shown competitive spirit, with a mix of historical rivalries and emerging challengers. The ongoing development of young talent and strategies will play a role in shaping future rivalries.
Benefits of Understanding MLB Rivalries
Understanding the dynamics of rivalries can enhance the experience for fans. Here are some benefits:
- Increased Engagement: Fans become more involved when they understand the stakes of rivalries.
- Enhanced Game Atmosphere: Rivalry games often feature heightened tension and excitement.
- Historical Appreciation: Knowing the history behind rivalries deepens the appreciation for the game.
Practical Tips for Fans
For fans looking to engage more deeply with the Diamondbacks’ rivalries, here are some practical tips:
- Attend Rivalry Games: Experience the intensity in person by attending games against rival teams.
- Follow Social Media: Stay updated with player interactions and announcements regarding rivalry matchups.
- Join Fan Communities: Engage with fellow fans to share insights and experiences related to rivalries.
Case Studies: Memorable Rivalry Moments
Throughout history, the Diamondbacks have had their share of memorable moments that encapsulate the essence of their rivalries:
- 2001 World Series: The dramatic victory over the Yankees added a historical layer to all rivalries.
- Walk-Off Wins: Several walk-off victories against both the Dodgers and Giants have solidified the intense nature of these matchups.
First-Hand Experience from Fans
Many fans have shared their experiences about the rivalries:
“I will never forget the energy in the stadium during the 2017 game against
