On January 16, 1997, the Arizona Diamondbacks became the newest member of the National League West. At that time, it seemed like a natural fit with geographic rivalries and a history of National League through the Phoenix Firebirds and the influx of Chicago residents who now live here. Jerry Colangelo worked long and hard making his case for the Diamondbacks to be placed in the National League. The other owners agreed, or so it seemed. Even then, the then acting commissioner of baseball Bud Selig had a clause added that stated that Major League Baseball could move the Diamondbacks to the American League without the Diamondbacks approval in 2001.
