Players relive former glory in Alumni Game

PHOENIX -- A small cluster of former D-backs players and coaches gathered around home plate at Chase Field Saturday afternoon to witness a batting practice display.
Except, it wasn't Paul Goldschmidt or Jake Lamb at the plate, but rather David Dellucci, who last played in a Major League game in 2009. The former 12-year veteran, who played for Arizona from 1997-2002, was smoothly lining home run after home run into the left-field bleachers.
Dellucci was accompanied by some of the most beloved players in D-backs history as they took part in the team's Alumni Game, presented by Sanderson Ford. The three-inning event was split into two squads: the Red Team and Purple Team. 
As Matt Williams, who finished third in the National League MVP voting for the D-backs in 1999, noted before the game, many of the players were just trying to leave standing.
"It's not like riding a bike," Williams, who played third base for Team Red, joked. "You can always ride a bike. This is different. I'm just trying to survive and see what we can do."
Arizona fans were treated to plenty of familiar sights: Luis Gonzalez with his signature open stance, Orlando Hudson smoothly turning 6-4-3 double plays and Steve Finley patrolling center field. The game featured eight members of the 2001 World Series champion roster.
"The World Series championship is at the top," Williams said. "It's why we all played, to make it to that point. That's the most fond [memory]. It was nice that so many guys are back who were part of that."
In the end, Team Red topped Team Purple, 3-0. The game scoring was sparked by a one-out triple by Robby Hammock, which ended with him sliding head-first into third. He scored one batter later on a lined single by Dellucci. 

"This is always fun to come back and relive it," Hammock said. "It's a great event that the D-backs do and I'm glad to be a part of it."
Hoover throws simulated game
Arizona relief pitcher J.J. Hoover threw 23 pitches in a simulated game on Saturday, D-backs' manager Torey Lovullo said. 
Hoover was placed on the 10-day disabled list on June 23 with shoulder inflammation.  
"Reports were that everything felt good," Lovullo said. "Fastball velocity is what we expected; the shape of his breaking balls is very good. Everything was positive, so we'll get some more information about how he feels and then figure out the next part of this process." 
A timetable for Hoover's return hasn't been set.