The Arizona Diamondbacks announced today they will retire the uniform number (No. 20) worn by former D-backs’ outfielder Luis Gonzalez during a special ceremony that will take place prior to the team’s Aug. 7 5:10 p.m. game against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field.
Gonzalez will be the first former D-backs’ player to have his number retired by the organization. Gonzalez’s No. 20 will be seen in 5-foot purple numbers on the façade of the party suites in right field next to Jackie Robinson’s No. 42, which was retired in perpetuity by Major League Baseball on April 15, 1997.
"We have had a change of heart regarding our policy for retiring uniform numbers, and no longer require the players to be members of the Hall of Fame first," said D-backs’ President & CEO Derrick Hall. "We have a rich history since our inception and our players who played a large role in our success deserve recognition. When we announced Gonzo’s retirement last season and return to the organization in a front-office capacity, it was clear that a major touch was missing. Paying tribute to our franchise’s most popular player is fitting indeed."
By happy coincidence, this will also be the next SnakePitFest. Tickets for this will be going on sale soon, so you probably want to get in quickly - I think this one might well be a sell-out...