It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone. ~A. Bartlett Giamatti, “The Green Fields of the Mind,” Yale Alumni Magazine, November 1977
For 53 years and 53 teams, baseball broke the hearts of San Franciscans, but tonight an improbable team ended years of frustration and enhanced the love of a sport and 25 guys who worked as one. As their management and the team tried to convey, the victory was for a city, for fans, for past players and for past generations. The atmosphere has been electric for the last month. You could feel how badly people wanted this one and perhaps needed it.
Torture was the word of the year to describe this team, but it really wasn’t one year. It was 53 years. A team of underdogs, a team of misfits, a team that nobody ever believed had a chance, was the team that everyone fell in love with. The team with a rich history of Hall of Famers had its most successful season with a bunch of no-names. In the future, many will not remember some of the names that helped to bring San Francisco it’s first baseball championship. As I mentioned previously, the City of San Francisco loves its champions, but more they love their champions who do it the right way. The 2010 San Francisco Giants did it the right way. There will be many who say they knew this team had it from day 1, but if they tell you that, they are liars. A team of misfits, discards from other teams, showed the world what teamwork is all about. They have said repeatedly this post-season that the most talented team doesn’t always win. It’s the team that plays the best that wins. As late as the beginning of August this team was in 4th place and 7 or 8 games out of 1st place, but the team showed how baseball is a parallel to life. You work hard, you keep grinding, and you never stop believing.
As a San Francisco native I am overwhelmed. There are hundreds of thousands and perhaps millions of natives who grew up in the same generation as me, who had moms or dads that introduced them to baseball at Candlestick Park or Seals Stadium and had to wait their whole lives. Everyone has their own unique story. There are many people like me who wish the dad that introduced them to the sport were here to enjoy and celebrate with them. Yes baseball is just a game, but it is America’s past time. It is like life itself. Unlike those in New York who have 27 Championships, this is San Francisco’s first. For those who have waited their whole lives for this day, it is a day to be savored. Hopefully it won’t be 53 years until another championship is won. Those who had seen things go wrong in the past know the heartache and how sweet this victory is. This will not be taken for granted. It will be cherished. It will be savored. The team itself reminded everyone of the history of the organization. It reminded those not old enough about the heartaches of the 3 previous attempts at the World Championship. It reminded me of the great history of San Francisco, and it reminded me of all the great things the City has to offer. The team helped me to teach my son about all the great history and people that built this City. My son saw Joe Montana, Bob Weir, Steve Perry, Danny Glover, and a slew of other celebrities from the area cheering for the team just like him. Somewhere around the 7th inning of Game 2 he started to grasp the gravity of the situation and understood the passion around the desire to win the whole thing. A World Series victory would be the beginning of a big healing process.
There is an old adage in baseball that as Spring Training begins, hope always springs eternal. No matter what I am always optimistic about the Giant’s chances. This year I wasn’t. I really felt this team didn’t have what it would take. It shows how life is so unpredictable, how what is perceived could also be deceiving. Baseball and life are unpredictable and just when you least expect it, it will serve you up a surprise.
Growing up watching Mays, Marichal, Perry, Cepeda, McCovey, Clark, Mitchell, Speier, Fuentes and all it is amazing this team has accomplished something that those other teams couldn’t. No heroes, just a bunch of blue collar ballplayers. Fortunately for me I was able to share a little bit with my own son and helped him to understand how unique an experience this is and how unique this team is. Attending the last game played at home and also participating in the Opening Ceremonies of Game 2 of the World Series was not only a unique experience, but it was the creation of a memory that he will keep forever. Having my son tell me, “I will never ever forget this day” was a highlight for me. I remember when my dad took me to see Ed Halicki’s no-hitter back in the late-70s as if it were yesterday. I know my son will be thinking the same even 30 years from now.
It is only fitting that Edgar Renteria, a player that is at the end of his career and contemplating retirement was the MVP of the series. He spent many months on the bench, has a torn muscle in his arm, yet was one of the many heroes in the end. Hard work, determination and a never say die attitude, were Edgar’s message to all. It’s one we should all learn to employ in life.
I am speechless to say the least. I am more choked up than anything else. The memory of all those who never got to see this day, but taught us to love this team, this City, and the game of baseball would be proud of the 2010 World Champion San Francisco Giants. They were not only a team of destiny, but true deserving champions in every sense of the word. A team of misfits who fit perfectly together.
As I write this, there is honking and hollering in the streets. The younger generations are celebrating in the bars and dancing in the streets, but I know there are many like me also sitting at home with not so dry eyes thinking of those who never got to see this but helped us to appreciate this moment. They taught us how to “love the laundry” (as Seinfeld calls it). Such a bittersweet time in San Francisco.
The much maligned announcer, Joe Buck, said it best….”America’s Most Beautiful City now owns Baseball’s Sweetest Accomplishment”.
Bout time.
Nice post!
The last one was 1954, so isn’t that more than 53 years?
53 years of teams in San Francisco. ’54 was the New York Giants. Giants moved to San Francisco in 1958. This was the 53rd team.
Congrats to the Giants!! But, living here in Dallas it’s hard to see the Rangers lose 🙁 I am so happy we beat the Yankees because I am tired of seeing a team with all the money always make it to the playoffs. I was glad to see the Rangers, a team that has never made it to the world series, defy all odds and come together at the right time. I am glad we lost to a team like the Giants because they are just as deserving. I guess we have to wait until next year. Just not the year for Texas teams 🙁
http://www.runtobefit.wordpress.com
Sorry for you Runtobefit. Unfortunately one of these teams had to lose. A great run. Fortunately, Texas now has a good management team in place. Your team is young and ready to roll (with or without Cliff Lee) for years to come.
Unfortunatley I am on the other end of the World Series, with a loss. A loss by a team who has never won. It is a sad day in Texas.
Kitty,
We feel for you. The 4th time was a charm for us. Our hearts were broken 1) By the rival Yankees in 1962, 2) By a force of mother nature earthquake in 1989, and 3) a 5-0 blown lead just 9 outs from the Championship in 2002.
Those losses made this victory even more sweeter. This loss will make your eventual Championship just as sweet.
Wow..finally the drought is over. I am a San Francisco Giants fan and can’t believe the incredible hitting and total domination of the pitching staff. Go Giants!
I grew up in San Francisco and remember Seals Stadium. Keep up the great blogging.
Thanks..you beat me….I only heard the stories, but did get to meet DiMaggio.
As a Bay Area native (South Bay born, East Bay transplant) it was wonderful to see the Bay bring something home. I was a kid watching Joe Montana win with the 49ers and had only heard tales of the A’s bringing home a pennant. I was on a flight from D.C. on Sunday that had the game and watching it (with a flight full of other fans) was pretty special. This is still just sinking in for me!
It’s a well deserved honor for this team! Congrats to the Giants!
You should be proud!
Blessings,
Ava
xox
Thanks Ava. Loud AND Proud
i agree with the first comment. i live in Houston, Texas and as sad as it is that the rangers lost 🙁 San Francisco deserves it. i loved the story. baseball is more than a game to some people its a way of life. Congrats to the Giants!
WAY TO GO GIANTS! My local team did it! Hunter 71 http://www.hcrproducts.com
Dear Reader’s Guide,
Thanks for your interesting perspective. Although, as a true San Francisco native who lives here because of the history it has brought to one’s own family…I do love the food, the eccentricity of the people…and the moderate weather (if you spent this past summer here you would call it anything but good), I respectfully want to say that I am not a fan of the (and you gracefully admit it) dialogue by band wagoners or fair weather fans who root for this team as a symbol of politics or sexual preference.
The story of the Giants as you point out, is interesting, and that should sit with the team and the players alone. There is no need to project a bigger story on the City and those who chose to move here because our city is more accepting of the differences in people.
BTW, Mrs. Pelosi was a class mom of mine in elementary school, I play golf with her husband…and no I did not vote for her. I’m not gay, I don’t smoke pot, I did vote for both Bushes, and I was taught in grad school by Barack (none of this matters thought). Most of all, I love my Giants.
Beautifully written and nicely conveys the importance of victory for SF. You should all be so proud! CONGRATULATIONS!
Thanks
It’s a great feeling isn’t it? As a Pirates fan I wouldn’t know but we’ve had hockey and football champs here in the Burgh. I’m happy for Freddy Sanchez too who got out of Pittsburgh and became a winner.
It is. Well it sounds like you are too young to have lived through the “We are Family” days of the late 70s with Stargell, Sanguillen and Parker. I lived in Pittsburgh during college when the Steelers suffered under Brister and Malone. I think there is a nice “Family” heartwarming connection between those Pirate teams and this Giants team.
We are Bay Area natives and SO excited for the Giants!! I now live in LA and I was surprised how little it was talked about. It seriously got like 5 seconds on the local news. The rivalry is alive and well, but I am just proud to be a Californian!!
M
http://stopbeingaloser.org
Unfortunately that is just indicative of the people in LA (not the natives) and the transient nature in general of that city. it’s the proverbial, “There’s no there, there” Seriously, it has been 22 years since they won their last World Series. They don’t deserve you two down there. Return to your roots up here. Culture is different and a way of life, and not the way life is. As you know in LA, if there isn’t stardom and glitz around it, then there is now news. This Giants team was not about glitz or drama. It was blue collar….the way baseball should be played.
Amzing post!
http://autospirit.wordpress.com/
Great writing aside, I’m also very happy the Giants won. If not because it wasn’t the Yankee’s or another big money team, but because they actually earned it. Let’s send my Chicago Cub’s to San Fran and see if some of that can rub off…
Thanks Dave….As a Giants and baseball fan, I lived the last 15 years as a kindred spirit of all Cubs and Indians fans. May your wait be over soon.
It is so true about wishing to have the parent with you so as to enjoy the moment. Good post!
At the last out, I laughed and said “Fear the Beard indeed!” It’s not like they weren’t warned.
Great post! Texas is a great young franchise with a bright future. Nolan Ryan knows baseball thats for sure, The Rangers have actually been a back pocket team of mine since the thrill went there and represented in the all star game. I just put my first blog up and am looking for feedback from some pros. Check it out @ Hyphynation.wordpress.com and let me know what you think. Once Again great post, these guys had me tearing up last night See you at the parade!
Well done. My sentiments exactly.
Thank you.
Congrats!
This Giants team reminds me of my 2006 Cardinals, a gritty team with some real playoff mojo that carried them through, beating a ‘more powerful’ (according to ‘analysts) in the ‘Series in five games.
Yes, a new nucleus of pitchers in 2006 anchored by Carpenter and Wainwright with a young catcher in Molina and a slugger in Pujols….although St. Louis has had championships before.
As a baseball fan (Mets) I love your post. I love the joy, excitement, celebration the winningest of the season brings. Only one team a year gets that honor. Baseball fans sometimes forget that although we don’t all root for the same team, we are all fans of the same game. Congrats to the Giants, it was a long time coming and Congrats to you, plus being freshly pressed!
Thank you. Freshly Pressed is a great side benefit, but mostly for me it is my way to, as you say it, express the joy of winning a championship in America’s Past Time. Having seen 5 Championships in America’s Passion (Football), I can say this one fits like a glove and I want to wear it to bed!
And oh, yeah, Brian Wilson is the man!
His sarcastic gestures during the post season were hilarious. “I feel like…wanting to raaage .*raises eyebrows in accordance*”
He IS Spartacus!…Or the Machine! You need to look up The Life of Brian on YouTube to see his really funny 30 minute shows.
Aw, I love your post. I wrote something similar when my Rays (Tampa Bay) made it to the playoffs two years ago.
I hope someday it’s our turn . . .
Thanks….hmmm the Rays….Giants were spared from moving there many years ago. Glad they remained the San Francisco Giants instead of becoming the Tampa Bay Giants
Well said. I was reading comments in SF Gate last night and one man said that his wife was killed by a drunk driver 5 years ago and was a big time Giants fan. He was wishing his wife could have seen them win and that just touches on what you said about wishing that loved ones who are no longer here could have witnessed this. Isn’t it funny how a baseball team could create such emotions?!
Absolutely, As a Bay Area native (South Bay born, East Bay transplant) it was wonderful to see the Bay bring something home. I was a kid watching Joe Montana win with the 49ers and had only heard tales of the A’s bringing home a pennant.
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nice to see you dude
I want to thank everyone for the wonderful comments which made this blog entry selected as the Freshly Pressed Blog of the Day on WordPress.com
Great Post. Yes the Giants have a rich history and they deserved the win. Congratulations!
http://ginzotalk.wordpress.com/2010/11/03/playoffs/
It was the perfect blend of events and players….particles baby!
Thank you for writing this post! I especially liked how you addressed those who never got to see the Giants become World Series champs but are the reason that many of us are fans today. For me, my grandpa was that person. He dearly loved baseball and was a fan of both the A’s and Giants. I fondly remember going to games of both teams with him when I was small, as well as watching on the TV. He is the reason I am such a huge fan today. He would have LOVED this. As an A’s and Giants fan myself, I have never been alive to see either team with a World Series until now (I was 6 mos old during the 1989 World Series so I don’t remember it at all) and the excitement of it is just amazing. This was definitely a special year for all of us–the fans, the players, the city, and the whole Bay Area really. No one thought we’d make it and we proved every disbeliever wrong. Go Giants!!!
I wish the game had more press, many didnt watch because it wasnt the bigger named teams in for the hunt.
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Unfortunately, that is the case with most sports championships. The only way to get others to watch is to make it a spectacle like the Super Bowl and commercials. Did you notice that all the commercials that were pre-shot were about the Yankees (Taco Bell Mariano Rivera and joe Girardi starred).
The good part about the Giants is that people were relating to them even beyond baseball reasons and I think they drew interest with some of the interesting characters like Brian Wilson. Although I’d prefer people like the Giants because they are fans of the team, I think if the team makes more people like baseball then that is a good thing
As the article said, as the victory of a team is more important is their unity, team spirit is a never fail
Well said…Awesome Article.