As the hitter responsible for the famous "blooper" RBI single to score the winning run in game seven of the 2001 World Series, there is no question that Diamondbacks' left fielder Luis Gonzalez ranks at the pinnacle of fan favorites in the Valley.
It was the bottom of the ninth inning, and on the mound to close out the series for New York was the legendary Mariano Rivera, arguably the best closer in the history of Major League Baseball.
But Gonzo defied the odds, the critics and the media's favorites, and brought home the championship trophy, sending 48,000 screaming fans into celebration and instantly cementing his name as one of Arizona's top sports figures.
So it's no wonder that fans are feeling some heartache at the loss of the now 39-year-old Gonzalez, who's departure appears imminent after the team informed him he would not be brought back next season.
Gonzalez is a class act on and off the field, from fundraising to autograph sessions to his pregame interaction with the fans.
It's easy to love a player who can hit the ball, but it's even easier to love one who repeatedly shows he's not just another arrogant, greedy athlete who puts dollar signs above his love for the game.
But let's not let feel-good emotions cloud our judgment as knowledgeable baseball fans.
Gonzalez is approaching the twilight of his career, and the Diamondbacks have a farm system bursting at the seams with quality talent.
Why stunt the growth of the young and upcoming by paying big money for an older veteran like Gonzalez?
This was a move, as unpleasant as it might have been, that had to be made. Shortstop Stephen Drew, 23, and right fielder Carlos Quentin, 24, already made a successful transition from the minors to the pros this season.
And Arizona's Justin Upton, Chris Young and Carlos Gonzalez rank among the top minor league prospects, each expected to make the majors by 2008.
Clearly the Diamondbacks have a young core forming that can grow together and lay the groundwork for a consistent playoff contender. Perhaps they can even bring home another World Series championship.
Gonzo is simply too old to fit into those plans. The man can still hit and will most likely remain a potent addition to any lineup for the next few years.
But it's time for the Diamondbacks to move on. Thanks for the memories, Gonzo, but fan favorite or not, the team always comes first.