Photo by Barry Gossage

By Josh Greene

It’s been a few years since 2011 American League All-Star Carlos Quentin last wore Sedona red for the D-backs, but that doesn’t mean Arizona doesn’t hold some sweet memories for the White Sox outfielder.

“My debut was here,” said the former first-round draft pick, who played for Arizona in 2006-07. “In my first game, I had a home run. My whole family was there, and it was great moment for me. That was a dream I finally realized, making it to the big leagues, and my first hit being a home run is something I’ll never forget.”

That two-run home run came off Mark Hendrickson in a win over the Dodgers, en route to 14 home runs and 63 RBI in 138 career games in Arizona.

Since his departure to the Windy City by way of a trade before the 2008 season, Quentin’s career saw an immediate resurgence. The former D-backs prospect quickly collected his first All-Star selection, as well as a Silver Slugger Award in his first year with the Sox, after posting a career year with 36 home runs and 100 RBI.

And as for his return to Phoenix, thanks to his 2011 All-Star selection via 17 home runs and 51 RBI in the first half of this season…

“It’s nice to be back here,” Quentin said. “I had some injuries here. Things didn’t work out. Another All-Star named Justin Upton came in and needed another place to play, so… That’s baseball. They made a trade to try and improve their team. I ended up going to Chicago where I got a chance to play and be healthy, but I was fortunate to have that chance (in Arizona).”