Former Diamondbacks Johnson and Gonzalez to dedicate Baseball Fields in Payson

By AZLatinos Staff

Iconic they are, former left-handed pitcher Randy Johnson and Luis Gonzalez will forever be remembered as two key players who brought to the Valley the first Major League Baseball World Series Championship.

It is hard to believe that is was back in 2001 when the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the storied New York Yankees in seven games.

The fans still remember and those two iconic players have not forgotten the support and love they got from the fans across the State of Arizona.

On Friday Johnson and Gonzalez will be at the town of Payson, Arizona along with its Mayor Kenny Evans, and Diamondbacks play-by-play announcer Steve Barthiaume for Dedication of the 37^th and 38^th fields in the “Diamonds Back” Youth Field Building Program.

Since 2000, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation has built or refurbished 38 baseball fields representing a community investment in youth sports programs exceeding $10 million.

With support from APS, and charitable contributions from D-backs players, the program has allowed children from across the state to play baseball and softball at quality facilities.

The fields generally feature new lights, a branded electronic scoreboard, new fencing and backstops, new irrigation and new grass and dirt with additional support provided by local contractors and businesses.

The dedication of the fields will take place at Rumsey Park, 400 N McLane Rd. on Friday at 9:45 a.m.

Currently Hall of Famer Johnson is  Special Assistant to the President & CEO, Gonzalez is also a Special Assistant to the President & CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

It never gets old seeing Randy Johnson and Luis Gonzalez at a ballpark near you, whether at a Major League stadium or dedicating a renovated field for the benefit of our youth.