[Here’s the latest in our irregular series, in which SnakePit writers and readers tells us a little bit about themselves. If you want to take part, speak up in the comments, and I’ll email you the questionnaire. Jim]
SnakePit username: gzimmerm
My actual name is Gary. Had I known that the username would be so prominent on this site, I would have chosen something better than an old work login
Place of birth: Milwaukee, WI
Other hobbies: Gardening, music and all things Disneyland
Favorite food: Thin crust pizza
Favorite film/TV show: Movie – Tombstone, TV show – Seinfeld
What else should we know about you?
Married to Barbara for 37 years, we have three adult children and eight grandchildren (so far)
Why are you a Diamondbacks fan?
I was already a huge baseball fan when we moved to AZ in the late 90s. The D-Backs organization was already up and running and construction was happening on then Bank One Ballpark, so I’ve been invested emotionally in the team since day one.
Who’s your all-time favorite Diamondback?
Probably David Peralta given his drive to get back into baseball after his injuries. Seeing him do the freight train whistle in other uniforms is painful, though.
Outside of post-seasons, what’s your best D-backs memory?
First thing that comes to mind is Jay Bell’s million dollar grand slam. When you think of all the variables that go in to just getting to that situation, much less him actually hitting a home run, it seems very magical.
How did you end up on the SnakePit?
I’ve been here since 2019. I can’t recall how I actually found it, but was relieved to find a place where knowledgeable people exchanged views. Up until then, it seemed anything online was one extreme or the other – crazy homers who think the team will win the World Series every year or fair-weather “fans” on Facebook who think Gonzo is still in the lineup.
What other MLB teams do you care about – good or bad!
Being from Milwaukee, I was too young to remember the Braves or the heartache of losing them, but was nine years old when the Seattle Pilots moved to Milwaukee to become the Brewers. So, I grew up listening to Bob Uecker calling the games and rejoiced in their one World Series appearance in 1982 with future Hall of Famers Robin Yount and Paul Molitor and that whole cast of characters. While the Diamondbacks are first for me, I will always cheer for the Brewers when they’re not competing with the D-Backs.
Why do you love baseball?
I love the combination of simplicity and complexity of the game. You can explain the game easily to a child and they can enjoy it at that level. You can learn more about the intricacies of the game and enjoy it at a higher level. You can really study the game and watch where the catcher sets up or how the centerfielder moved three steps to his left and enjoy the chess match. I also love the history of the sport itself as well as the history of the players. How MLB only went as far west as St Louis until air travel became a regular thing, yet the west coast had their own league that produced great stars. The Negro leagues, etc. Such great stuff!