Man on The Moon

March 31, 1998 - What a grand, cathartic evening the Inaugural Game of the Diamondbacks franchise was. Fireworks, pageantry, stars human and celestial. The Suns' gorilla careening from the impossibly high steel rafters to theatrically deliver and install brand new bases.The first breathtaking aperture of the world's most advanced retractable stadium roof. A blessing, not from a priest or minister, but from a native American elder. Memorable rites of passage for a self-conscious cowtown desperate to celebrate and build upon their identity.

On the same date, Tampa Bay was celebrating their own coming out party. Stan Musial and Ted Williams each threw out ceremonial first pitches to the delight of Florida's newest MLB fans.

Back in Phoenix, an eclectic group of local singers (Alice Cooper, Rob Halford, Nils Lofgren, Margo Reed, Sam Moore and two of the sisters Sledge) harmonized a disarmingly sweet version of the national anthem.  The star chosen to throw out the first ball, however, remained secret. Colangelo, the master conductor, was an even money favorite to call his own number. He, it could be fairly said, earned it. A surprise appearance by ailing Barry Goldwater was the dark horse gameday buzz. Willie Mays and Rachel Robinson were in the house ...either would have been a worthy and dynamite choice. Mainly, I was hoping my minor league burg wouldnt cart out a local B-lister like Acquanetta or the Mayor of Phoenix.

Instead, what Jerry did, on national television with all the dignitaries in attendance, was pick an unsuspecting six year old boy and girl to do the honors. From 331. Not some sponsor's kids. Upper deck. By the foul pole. Children lucky to just be in the stadium. Young enough to be awed by the electric feel in the ballpark; old enough to appreciate this serendipity the rest of their lives.   

At his moment of greatest professional triumph to date, Colangelo shared the spotlight to demonstrate that in life, as in its metaphorical ally, baseball - anything is possible.  His childlike faith in possibility captained a fledgling franchise through challenge and disappointment - all the way to Luis Gonzalez' improbable bleeder just beyond Derek Jeter's grasp. Yes, the 2001 World Series was his crowning acheivement - but make no mistake as to this franchise's defining moment. That which married this team to a city - and gave promise to any future glory. It was when Jerry handed the ball off to those kids.