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Mission accomplished An amazing experience; Grace fulfills World Series dream
Updated: Monday November 05, 2001 8:13 AM
By John Donovan, CNNSI.com PHOENIX -- Mark Grace loved being a Cub, but the Cubs got to the point where ... well, the feeling wasn't exactly mutual. So the two parted ways after the 2000 season. Grace found his way to Arizona and in the desert heat found what he never could with the Cubs. A World Series title. "I'm not good enough to play first base for the Cubs," he said, letting his guard down briefly in a joyous Arizona clubhouse Sunday, "but I'm good enough to play first base for the world champions." Grace played for 13 long seasons with the Cubs, and he loved darn near every minute of it. The three-time All-Star led the majors in hits in the 1990s. He appeared in two postseasons.
But when it came down to contract time in this past offseason, the Cubs let Gracie, 36, walk. They declined to offer him salary arbitration. The Diamondbacks, looking for a solid first baseman, snapped him up, signing him to a two-year, $6 million contract. Grace immediately vowed revenge. "I can't wait for the nine games we play against [the Cubs]. I want to kick their butts," Grace said after the Cubs. "I gave my heart and my soul for 13 years to the Chicago Cubs." Arizona seemed to be a natural for Grace, who lives in suburban Scottsdale. He hit .298 this season, with 15 homers and 78 RBIs and served as another steady veteran on a team filled with them. In Game 7 Sunday, he started the game-winning rally with a single to center off New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. "I guess that probably was the biggest hit I've ever gotten," Grace said as he was being soaked with champagne on all sides. "I'm just so proud to be a part of this.
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