When a team defies all odds and makes an unexpected MLB playoff run, the excitement is palpable. The players get a chance to showcase their skills on the biggest stage, the stadiums are filled to capacity, and the city comes alive with the team’s success. However, when even the members of the team themselves did not anticipate this level of achievement, there is a whirlwind of behind-the-scenes scrambling to rearrange plans that were made long before the realization of a postseason journey. In the case of the Arizona Diamondbacks, arguably the most surprising LCS participant in MLB history, this has led to a series of adjustments, ranging from concert rescheduling to nonrefundable vacation plans gone awry and even changes in wedding RSVPs.
First and foremost, it was the venue where the Diamondbacks play their home games that had to adapt. This is not an uncommon occurrence when facilities are used for multiple purposes. For instance, a Guns N’ Roses concert scheduled at Chase Field during the divisional series had to be relocated to accommodate the team’s unexpected postseason run. Furthermore, an upcoming event, the Hispanic Family Fiesta, faces uncertainty if the Diamondbacks manage to extend the series to Game 5 against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Diamondbacks’ postseason berth itself was only secured on the second-to-last day of the regular season. The team’s sweeping victories over the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers in the first two rounds of the playoffs left many within the organization scrambling to make last-minute adjustments.
Certain plans cannot be changed, no matter the circumstances. Catcher Gabriel Moreno and his wife planned for the birth of their baby to coincide with the end of the regular season. Their son, Gabby Jr., was born on time, but this meant that his father would be away for possibly the entire first month of his life. To ensure that they could still support the team, the Morenos made the decision to bring their newborn baby to Philadelphia for Games 1 and 2, with Gabby Jr. staying in a separate room at the hotel.
Reliever Ryan Thompson, attending seminary school, had anticipated a heavier course load for this month, assuming that his baseball season would be over by now. He regrets his decision to take an extra course, as the unexpected playoff run has disrupted his plans.
Advance scout Jeff Gardner is another individual whose plans have been interrupted by the Diamondbacks’ success. Unable to attend his daughter’s wedding in California, Gardner has to watch the games on TV, while his daughter ties the knot without him. Outfielder Corbin Carroll is missing out on important family time to help his team keep their season alive, canceling flights to his sister’s senior night.
Should the Diamondbacks defy the odds once again and rally from a 2-0 deficit in the National League Championship Series to secure a spot in the World Series, another round of plans will undoubtedly be interrupted. Reliever Kevin Ginkel, scheduled to attend his college roommate’s wedding on the 26th, realizes he may have to postpone the event if the team continues playing. Similarly, even the experienced Evan Longoria, who has participated in 42 postseason games with three different teams over his 16-year career, did not anticipate still playing in late October. Longoria’s wife had booked a nonrefundable cruise for their family at the end of the month, and he may have to accept the financial loss if the Diamondbacks’ postseason journey continues.
As the Diamondbacks aim to establish themselves as consistent contenders in October, perhaps the players can take a page out of their general manager’s book. Last year, Mike Hazen planned a fishing trip in Montana with his kids for October but had to cancel due to the team’s disappointing 2021 season. However, this year, Hazen’s faith in his team paid off as the Diamondbacks achieved an impressive turnaround, with 84 wins after 110 losses in the previous year. Hazen’s early belief resulted in tremendous success in the wild-card and divisional rounds. While unexpected postseason runs might be the only time loved ones are willing to accept being “blown off,” the Diamondbacks can observe how a team rich in playoff experience approaches October.
In the words of Phillies shortstop Trea Turner, a veteran of six playoff appearances, earning and expecting success is crucial. Confidence and a relentless drive are necessary to reach the postseason, eliminating the need for alternative plans. The Diamondbacks can aspire to create a future where October commitments remain undisturbed, but for now, they must navigate their way through the beautiful chaos of an unexpected MLB playoff run.
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