With the addition of big-name talent like starting pitcher Zack Greinke, the buzz surrounding Opening Day 2016 at Chase Field was palpable -- and the pre-game festivities did not disappoint.
Here's a on-field timeline of events leading up to the first pitch between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies on Monday night.
First, D-backs legend Matt Williams made his return to Chase Field.
D-Backs coach Matt Williams taking in some BP. #OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/65IiFyYWiz
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) April 4, 2016
And D-backs manager Chip Hale helped out during batting practice.
D-Backs manager Chip Hale warming up with the team during batting practice. #OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/tMcOGdUlmj
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) April 4, 2016
Grumpy Cat celebrated his fourth birthday in style.
Happy 4th birthday Grumpy Cat! #DbacksOpeningDay pic.twitter.com/WO2pJctUL7
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) April 5, 2016
Grumpy Cat says: #GoDBacks! #DbacksOpeningDay pic.twitter.com/01OEMTxKBb
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) April 5, 2016
Also appearing on the field: Comedian and Arizona resident Frank Caliendo. Naturally, Caliendo and Grumpy Cat had to get a photo together.
Finally got the pic with @RealGrumpyCat I wanted. #GrumpyMeetsGruden pic.twitter.com/n2F0ykWAno
— Frank Caliendo (@FrankCaliendo) April 5, 2016
A D-backs icon (and a man who somewhat resembles Grumpy Cat) also got his photo taken with the famous feline.
Grumpy Cat + Randy Johnson = Grumpy Unit? #DbacksOpeningDay pic.twitter.com/ogNWaoObRt
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) April 5, 2016
After that, it was time for pre-game introductions.
Chip Hale & Jean Segura introduced. pic.twitter.com/ZvU9foEDdb
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) April 5, 2016
Goldy introduced pre-game. pic.twitter.com/47qNdjwpcY
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) April 5, 2016
The D-backs then paid tribute to the late Joe Garagiola.
Before the game, the D-Backs held a moment of silence for the late Joe Garagiola. #DbacksOpeningDay pic.twitter.com/krqDnxKW96
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) April 5, 2016
And before the game got going, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver and future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald threw out the first pitch of the season.
Larry Fitzgerald on hand for the first pitch! #DbacksOpeningDay pic.twitter.com/mgbDlfSR4B
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) April 5, 2016
Fitz's first pitch. #DbacksOpeningDay pic.twitter.com/kMSOOz7clp
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) April 5, 2016
