"We decided to donate a portion of all tickets sold for the remaining 20 home games to children's charities," Hall said. "I remember suggesting $1 per ticket and without hesitation, Ken decided on $5."

That decision by Kendrick wound up raising $622,880, which was donated to 28 different non-profit organizations.

"Believe me, being able to do that was almost as exciting to us as winning the NL West," Hall said.

That donation was just one of the many ways the D-backs gave back to the community in 2007 and it upheld the tradition of community involvement that started before the franchise's first pitch was thrown in 1998.

"Our tremendous impact on the community is what defines us and distinguishes us from all other teams," Hall said. "We are committed to contributing at all levels, from ownership, to management, to the front office, to the players. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing that we continue to make a difference in the lives of millions of Arizonans."

Here is a look at some of the ways the D-backs did that this past year:

Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation:
Established in 1997, before the franchise ever played a major league game, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation focuses on the three areas of need: homelessness, indigent healthcare and youth education programs of all types. The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation generated more than $3.5 million in 2007 to be distributed before the beginning of the 2008 season. Funds for the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation are raised through events such as the annual the Evening on the Diamond, "Shirts Off Our D-backs," and other team-related activities.

'Diamonds Back' Field Building Program
The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and Arizona Public Service partner to construct new and rebuild current youth fields for baseball and softball. Since 2000, 26 fields have been built. In 2007, the $3.7 million Diamondbacks Youth Complex at the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix was constructed and included Brandon Webb, Chad Tracy, D-backs Partners and Rich Dozer Fields. The complex featured two adaptive fields for youth that experience disabilities and were constructed using TotTurf, a unique rubber surface allowing for easy maneuvering by wheelchairs and walkers.

Evening on the Diamond This year's star-studded event took place on the field at Chase Field and was filled with music, food and charity. Guests mingled and dined with D-backs players, coaches and executives. The evening was highlighted by a silent and live auction along with a musical performance by The Phoenix Symphony and Kenny Loggins. The gala raised over $1.1 million for the D-backs Foundation.

Season Ticket Donations
The D-backs donate more than 60,115 tickets per year to non-profit organizations and individuals who would not otherwise be able to attend a game due to financial or physical limitations. D-backs season ticket holders also share in the spirit of generosity by donating otherwise unused tickets to the D-backs Community Affairs Office.

Grand Slam Awards The Grand Slam Award was established in 2002 to make a larger impact on community organizations by providing a grant in the amount of $100,000 or more. Past recipients include Southwest Autism Research Center and Resource Center, ACCEL, the Amblyopia Foundation, Clinica Adelante, Chrysalis Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence, Arizona Helping Hands, Phoenix Herpetological Society, UMOM and Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix. The grant is made possible by fundraising efforts by the Diamondbacks Foundation and by contributions from the Diamondbacks Partnership Group.

Baseball's Giving Spirit 2007 | MLB in the Community

Program Grants
Each year, The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation donates more than $250,000 to support more than 90 community programs statewide. All 501 (c) non-profit organizations in Arizona are welcome to apply for funding. Priority is given to organizations who fall under the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation's focus areas: youth education, homelessness and health care for the indigent.

Sedona Red Cap Program
In partnership with the City of Phoenix and Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, the Arizona Diamondbacks donated 100, 000 tickets to school age children across the state of Arizona. Kids that took part in the program also received a Sedona Red D-backs hat to wear to the game.

Chad Tracy's "Cover-to-Cover" School Reading Program
Chad Tracy is the spokesperson for the Cover-to-Cover Reading program, which encourages kids to "finish what they start" and more specifically, encourages children to develop a passion for reading. In partnership with Communities In Schools of Arizona, this program delivers a strong message that reading at home with a parent or guardian is key to a child's future academic success. During three home games, the D-backs host top winners from each school. These students receive great seats for the game, dinner at Friday's Front Row and have the opportunity to participate in an on-field pre-game ceremony with Tracy.

O-Dog's Web Gems
The D-backs and Orlando Hudson donated five luxury suites to the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center throughout the 2007 season. Families with children affected by autism were able to enjoy a D-backs game in an environment that is comfortable for the children. These young fans also received a T-shirt and met Hudson prior to the game.

Military Appreciation Day
Tony Clark hosted over 2,000 fans from nearby Luke Air Force Base who had family members serving overseas at the May 6 Military Appreciation Day. He met with these fans before the game and donated tickets for them to watch the D-backs take on the Mets. The game was also broadcast on the American Forces Network across 176 countries and aboard 200 ships so those serving overseas could enjoy D-backs baseball. These fans were given the opportunity to e-mail a message to the broadcasters who read those messages on-air.

Winter Classic
The D-backs host the annual Diamondbacks Winter Classic at Chase Field inviting children from local non-profit organizations to enjoy games, entertainment and special visits from D-backs players and Santa Claus. In partnership with George and Laura Duerr of Ashley Manor, each child also receives a gift and lunch. In addition, D-backs employees provide a new pair of athletic shoes for each child.

Arizona Diamondbacks Native American Intertribal Tourney
The D-backs are the only Major League baseball team that has established a tradition of hosting a five day baseball tournament for more than 500 Native American youth. The Inter-Tribal Youth Invitational Tournament is held each summer and encompasses members from 12 tribes throughout Arizona and New Mexico. The Arizona Diamondbacks also host Native American Recognition Day at Chase Field. This annual event celebrates the rich diversity of the Southwest's Native American culture, with exhibits and entertainment during the game.

In Kind Giving
Fundraising events are an important activity for non-profit organizations. Many of these organizations seek in-kind support from the D-backs, who often donate game tickets or autographed memorabilia for these events. In 2007, the D-backs donated hundreds of thousands of dollars of in-kind support and merchandise to assist more than 1,500 community organizations.

Hometown Tour
In January 2007, in partnership with APS, Dillon's RV and D-backs radio affiliates across the state, D-backs players, coaches and broadcasters visited 18 Arizona communities to interact with fans and promote the game of baseball.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.