Steve Finley

A cornerstone of the 2001 championship squad, Finley brought power, speed, and Gold Glove defense to Arizona.

Steve Finley was a pivotal figure for the Arizona Diamondbacks during their formative years, joining the team via a trade from the San Diego Padres on November 10, 1998. A standout all-around player with power, speed, and elite defensive skills, he was one of many players in history to reach 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases. His tenure with Arizona spanned from 1999 through the 2004 season, culminating in a historic World Series victory. Finley was a two-time All-Star during his career, earning selections in 1997 and 2000, the latter while playing for the Diamondbacks. Known for his durability and consistency, he anchored the outfield and provided crucial leadership as the franchise evolved from an expansion team into a World Series champion.

Quick Facts

Position: Center fielder
Bats: Left
Born: 12 March 1965
Birthplace: Union City, Tennessee, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: April 3
Debut year: 1989
Debut team: Baltimore Orioles

Lore & Background

Finley's arrival via trade on November 10, 1998 marked a turning point for the young Diamondbacks franchise. He immediately established himself as a leader, building on the Gold Glove Awards he had already won with the Padres from 1995 to 1998, and then adding a fifth consecutive Gold Glove in 1999 with Arizona. On September 8, 1999, he hit two home runs with five RBIs in a single game. The following season, he reached a career-high .544 slugging percentage with 35 home runs, earning his second All-Star selection in 2000, while the team's Player of the Year award went solely to Randy Johnson. His most defining moment came in 2001 during the postseason run against the New York Yankees. Luis Gonzalez led the Diamondbacks with a .421 batting average in the National League Division Series, while Finley contributed five RBIs in the National League Championship Series, helping Arizona secure its first World Series title in seven games. Notably, on August 30, 2001, he became the franchise's first position player to serve as a relief pitcher during a 13–5 loss to the Giants, showcasing his versatility even amidst their championship quest.

Reader's Guide

Steve Finley played for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 1999 through the 2003 season, arriving via free agency after a December 1998 signing. During this period, he was instrumental in the team's rise to contention, earning his second career All-Star selection in 2000 and winning his fourth Gold Glove Award that same year. His playing style combined power hitting with elite range in center field; in 2003, at age 38, he became the oldest player in major league history to lead the league in triples with 10. Finley's tenure included a historic 2001 postseason where he batted .421 in the Division Series and drove in five runs during the Championship Series en route to the World Series title. He also made franchise history on August 30, 2001, by becoming the first position player to pitch for the Diamondbacks. His departure came after the 2003 season when he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in July 2004, though his impact as a foundational piece of the championship core remains unmatched.

Did You Know?

Finley led the NL with 10 triples in 2000 at age 35, but he was not the oldest player in major league history to lead his league in triples.
In 2001, Finley helped the Diamondbacks win their first World Series title, batting .286 (4-for-14) in the Division Series and recording 5 RBIs in the Championship Series.