D-backs dedicate softball field to Putz family

The name printed in white letters on a green scoreboard at the Arizona Diamondbacks’ latest field construction and renovation project tells you instantly why this one stands out: J.J. and Kelsey Putz Field.

You won’t have much trouble finding J.J. Putz on baseball sites. Putz, who recorded a career-high 45 saves for the D-backs in 2011, had a 12-year Major League career.

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You would also find Kelsey Kollen, listed under her maiden name before she married the big right-hander, prominently featured in the exploits of University of Michigan softball, where she excelled as a second baseman.

Kelsey Putz’s legendary — if lesser-known — career at Michigan included being selected for All-America first-team honors as a junior in 2001 and winning second- team All-America honors in 1999. She was honored as the All Big-Ten second baseman three times.

Now a special assistant to D-backs president and CEO Derrick Hall, Putz advocated for including the first softball field in the team’s “Diamonds Back” Youth Field Building program, which has donated $11 million to renovating and building fields since 2000.

That wasn’t too surprising, given that Putz is married to a softball legend and has three daughters, including 10-year-old twins who play at the Rose Mofford Sports Complex in northwest Phoenix, where J.J. and Kelsey Putz Field is located. It is the 36th field built or reconstructed by the D-backs.

And only fitting that @jjputz40 throw out the ceremonial first pitch, softball style. #PlayBall #DbacksGiveBack pic.twitter.com/dVdaVPaqN9

– Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) May 13, 2016

And only fitting that @jjputz40 throw out the ceremonial first pitch, softball style. #PlayBall #DbacksGiveBack …

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