My love affair with the San Francisco Giants began twenty-five years ago on the opening day of the 1986 season. Back then I was a chubby ten-year-old who was very unhappy to learn that that day’s episode of the “Transformers” cartoon was being preempted by the Giants’ game. I crossed my arms, sullen, but didn’t change the channel. Instead, I kept watching as the announcers discussed the game’s big story – the debut of the Giants’ 22-year-old rookie Will Clark – and couldn’t believe my eyes when the kid smacked a home run in his first big league at bat off the great Nolan Ryan! I leapt to feet, cheering for the Giants, and haven’t stopped ever since.
Once initiated into Giants’ fandom one ominous fact kept popping up on radio broadcasts and in record books – the Giants had never won the World Series since moving to San Francisco in 1958. This ugly fact also reared its head on the playground at school where the small but vocal contingent of Oakland A’s fans taunted me by yelling “The San Francisco Giants have never won the World Series! Jose Canseco rules!!!” Punks.
The next year, 1987, the Giants won the National League West and made the playoffs. My Dad managed to get tickets to all three home games, and despite the fact they were the kind of seats that even Bob Uecker would complain about, I was in heaven. At the end of the fifth game The Giants had a 3-2 lead against the Saint Louis Cardinals thanks to the offensive heroics of Jeffrey “Hac-Man” Leonard, and were just one win away from the World Series.
Unfortunately, The Cardinals took game six to tie the series at three a piece. To my horror I realized that the deciding game seven would be played the night my fifth grade class was at Nature Camp where there wasn’t a television for miles! As we set out on a night hike minutes before the start of game seven, a camp counselor promised me that he would listen on the radio and then post the final score on the message board so that I could find out what happened when I got back from the hike.
The hike, as you can imagine, was torture, and each of our guide’s labored descriptions of plant life made me want to put my eyes out. All I could think about was the game, and wonder what could possibly be happening. Finally, when the hike was almost over and we were within a mile or so of camp, I broke into a sprint. I may have been a fat kid who hated to run, but I never slowed down because I knew that at the end of my journey was the Giants’ fate.
I reached camp, huffing and puffing, and looked to the board. There I saw:
CARDINALS – 6
GIANTS – 0
I stared at it, stung, then retreated to my bunk and cried myself to sleep.
In 1989 the Giants defeated the Cubs in the NLCS and made it to the World Series to play the hated Oakland A’s. The school yard, more than ever, became a breeding ground for taunts and name calling. Bloods and Crips likely treated each other better than Giants and A’s fans did at our junior high that fall. Sadly, the A’s took the first two games, and then the big earthquake hit. The Series was suspended ten days, and when it returned, the A’s quickly completed the sweep. Between the devastation of the ‘quake and the A’s easy victory, the Series was a total bust.
From there things didn’t get much better.
The Giants had a great team in 1993 with a 3,4,5 of Clark/Bonds/Williams, but failed to make the playoffs despite winning 103 games (this was back in the pre-Wild Card days).
In 1997 the Giants made the playoffs for the first time in eight years, and I drove up from college to go to the third game of the Division Series with my Dad. Unfortunately, the Marlins won the game and series that night, and my Dad and I sulked in the stands as the Marlins celebrated on our team’s field.
In 2000 the Giants made the playoffs again, but were knocked off by the New York Mets. The World Series championship remained seemingly unattainable. It had been 42 years in San Francisco without a ring.
But then…the 2002 team, lead by Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent, plowed through the Braves and Cardinals to win a spot in the World Series! Even better, the Giants took a 3-2 lead in the Series and then jumped out to a 5-1 lead in game six. With just five outs to go it seemed that – after all these years – the dream was about to become a reality. We were finally going to win the World Series!
But then Scott Spiezo, that stupid rally monkey, and other obscene things happened, and inexplicably the Angels celebrated one of the greatest comebacks in World Series history.
The Giants had one more great shot the next year, but once again lost in the first round to the Marlins. In a horrific mirror of the Nature Retreat Incident of ’87, the climactic game of this Series was on my sister’s wedding day, and I only received news of the Giants loss minutes before the ceremony. If you look at the wedding photos, I do not look very joyous on such a joyous occasion.
The following years were pretty bleak. I kept rooting for the Giants even when they were at their worst though, and am happy to say that I got to take my Maddie to a game in San Francisco in 2008.
Things weren’t supposed to be any different this season as no one expected the Giants to win their division let alone the World Series, but slowly but surely the Giants started to look like contenders. I took Annie to her first game in San Francisco in July, and even she got in the spirit of things!
The Giants clinched a playoff spot on the last day of the season, and though everyone expected the Phillies to win the National League Championship, I held out hope the Giants would pull off an upset. Despite years and years of having my hopes dashed, I still had hope. Part of me wondered if I was being a fool…after all, how many times do you have to be smacked in the face until you get the message?
Amazingly, fifty-two years after moving to San Francisco, the Giants did the impossible – they defeated the Texas Rangers to become World Champions! Fittingly, Rangers’ president Nolan Ryan, the man who was on the mound twenty-five years earlier when Will Clark hit the home run that made me a Giants’ fan, sat behind home plate watching the Giants get the better of him once again.
Jerry Seinfeld has a joke where he makes fun of fans who chant “We’re number one!” by saying something like, “No, guys, you’re not number one. The team is number one. You just bought a T-shirt.” And I get that. But watching your team accomplish something that seemed so elusive after years of struggle is emblematic of something bigger than just having bought a T-shirt. It reminds us that if we keep trying our best and are patient in life, something great and unexpected can happen. It reminds us that, though life at times can seem hopeless and full of sadness and despair, something good – unforeseeable today – could come in the future as long as you don’t give up. It is a message of hope. And everyone needs hope in their life.
So good on ya, San Francisco Giants. We finally did it! And to all those little punks on the playgrounds of my youth, I say: “The Giants just won the Series, suckas! And Jose Canseco does NOT rock!”
{ 83 comments… read them below or add one }
Mike, I don’t follow baseball (it’s not played much here), but I can imagine a little of how you feel. One of the best nights out in my life was seeing our national football (soccer) team win the game that sent them to the 2010 World Cup. They didn’t win a single game once they got there – but they didn’t lose one either, and came home the only undefeated team.
Enjoy “your” victory, revel in it, and buy that t-shirt!
I admit I’m not a sports fan although I do like hockey. Grown men on ice skates hitting each other= awesome. Love your reaction in the video and the lion king part was adorable. Also I think more men need to wear panda hats, it would make the world a better place.
Elle´s last [type] ..In This Moment
WoooooHooooooooo!!!!!!
I’m glad you got to experience this!
I hope someday, preferably in my lifetime the Brewers will win the series too!
Annie Y´s last [type] ..Advice Needed
All I understood was bla-bla-bla, Mike laughs like a teenage girl when he’s happy. LOL Congrats Mike and team! I’m glad they finally made it!
My favorite sport is whatever sport my kids is playing at the time. I don’t follow baseball too much expect for my 7 year old’s Little League team! Ha! But the video of Mike whooping it up with Annabel is so sweet.
Katrina´s last [type] ..Crazy Hair
I’m a Phillies fan, and it was obvious during the NL playoffs that the Giants were playing WAY better than we were. Congratulations on a Giants’ World Series win!!! They (and you) deserve it!
Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last [type] ..Apparently- teens don’t enjoy Teletubbies
Hey MikeI’m so happy for you!! I’m glad your team won the play offs and you got to take both of your girls to see your favourite team!! Take in the bliss Mike…you deserve it!!!
I was expecting this from you, Mike. I am a Texas Rangers fan and it’s been a tough series to watch. I grew up in Houston, watching the greatness of Nolan Ryan. The first year I moved to Dallas, I was introduced to the greatness of Will Clark.
If the Rangers had to lose the series, it’s not so bad losing to the Giants. They seem like a bunch of great guys.
Even though I don’t watch it now, I used to love going to baseball games with my dad as a kid. I don’t know if it was the dad/daughter time I loved… and the fact that I learned so many new words when his team was losing.
I was watching the game last night and hoping for Mike that they were going to win. Glad they did! Not my team,but Boston never made it so I was happy to see someone other then the New York Yankees win it. Congratulations Giants’ fans. It’s always a great feeling to have your team win. Hoot! Hoot!
My momma is a HUGE Yankee fan. HUGE. Although she is a die hard Yankee fan, she was rooting for the Giants this year (she doesn’t like Texas very much). My grandmother told her that sometimes the Yankees have to let other teams play and win the World Series and my 61 year old mom sat there with her arms crossed shaking her head… I was hoping the Giants would take it, so glad that they did. I LOVE how they shut out Cliff Lee! Put a smile on all the Yankee fans faces! Congrats- that reaction was absolutely fabulous!
Lisa Marie´s last [type] ..Little Bird
Congratulations Mike! I know exactly how you feel when your team finally wins– though I had to wait a few more decades than you Giants fans did, I’m a Red Sox fan
Enjoy your victory and savor it, you guys deserve it!
We’re a baseball loving family, too! Our beloved Detroit Tigers had a not so hot season, so it’s nice to see the Giants as champions bring so much happiness to your family!
Also, how cool that the first game you saw had Nolan Ryan pitching, and they beat his team in this series!
I live in Texas and was rooting for the Rangers. This was their first trip to the World Series, and I would have loved to see them win. But somehow I still celebrated with the Giants last night. It was so neat to see their celebration, and they were class act competitors. They were kind and humble. And you just gave me another reason to celebrate for them. But I still look forward to the day our Rangers win the World Series too!
Awesome win for your team!!!! That year (87′) when the Cardinals edged you out, they then went on to play the KC Royals (which being a baseball fan I am sure you know). Well, I live smack dab in the middle of MO, well a little further West than the middle. I was a sophomore in high school. I was rooting for the Cards which was a travesty at my small town high school! The night of the last game, we were at a wedding just north of St. Louis. No one was at the reception, even the bride and groom were in the bar next door, watching that game!
Not that it really matters, but St Louis Cardinals played the MN Twins in the 87 World Series not KC, which MN won. As a lifelong MN resident…of that I’m sure
I *totally* thought of Mike last night when the Giants won! I love that you got his reaction on camera! Whee!
Deborah´s last [type] ..Photography Goals and Some Complaining!
Barry Lamar Bonds (born July 24, 1964) is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. That trial is currently scheduled to begin March 21, 2011. Bonds played from 1986 to 2007,for that Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants.He is that son of former major league All-Star Bobby Bonds.Bonds’ accomplishments during his baseball career place him among that greatest baseball players of all-time. I think that this whole thing is BS.
On common law you must have a injured third party.
So why don’t they just leave him alone. On 2007, he was indicted on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to that grand jury during that government’s investigation of BALCO, by testifying that he never knowingly took any illegal steroids.
Their is no injured third party.
He debuted on that Major Leagues with that Pittsburgh Pirates on 1986 and joined that San Francisco Giants on 1993, where he stayed through 2007.Bonds has led a controversial career,notably as a central figure on baseball’s steroids scandal.
– Richard Daniels
As a Phillies fan, the season ended for me when the Giants beat us in the NLCS, but who likes Texas? Congrats, when the Eagles win their first Superbowl, I’m sure I’ll cry like a baby.
The “Scott Spezio beard” (you know what it’s called) is the #1 sign of douchieness. His stupid red one makes him the king.
Maura´s last [type] ..Less Treat- more Trick
Being a die hard Saints fan and living through the experience of last year’s Superbowl…I know how you are feeling. Totally Awesome! Congratulations!
Four Gambel Girls and a guy – documenting the adventures we call life´s last [type] ..Now this was a fun weekend!
That’s just what I was thinking! Watching the Saints win the superbowl is something I’ll never forget!
I know something about how you feel, Mike… The Red Sox won their first ring in 86 years on my (21st) birthday!
Although previous generations of my family claim that I couldn’t know their lifelong baseball pain, some of my prime childhood baseball-watching seasons were when the Sox positively stunk. From ages 8-15, I watched them win exactly ONE postseason game… and they broke my heart in ’99 and ’03.
So yes, the “curse reversed” days were infinitely sweet. And yes, I made absolutely sure that my wedding took place before the playoffs started. (And yes, they won that year, too!)
Savor every minute!
There’s baseball in November?
I wondered if you were going to let Mike post something
I thought of him last night when they won.
I’m a Tigers fan and although they had a disappointing season, there’s something about the World Series that brings people together – even I got a little verklempt lol.
I’m sure it was hard for you, Heather, being a fan of another team
keep your head up, there’s always next year!!!
Congrats, Mike. I’m glad someone cares about this year. Like a poster above, I’m a Tigers fan, so my life has been pretty bleak since 1984.
As someone that has been to fourteen Rangers games this year and lives fifteen miles from the stadium I was naturally rooting for the Rangers. It was a let down for them to lose but I have to agree that it was not that bad because the Giants Earned that World Series Title. They played like world class ball players and if we had to lose I’m glad it was to these guys.
Congratulations to the Giants and congratulations in finally having your team win it all! Watch out for those Rangers next year!
Love the story, video and pictures. Happy for you Mike!
I was thinking of you last night when i watched the game. Wish it could have been the Twins playing in the world series, but those stupid Yankies ruined that chance. Congratulations, you should feel proud of your team.
I’m a Cubs fan- so I sympathize with your struggle. Also I need all of your prayers haha [;
Loved watching your reaction of the victory
Congrats to the Giants and all their fans who have waited for this.
Lisa´s last [type] ..A Weekend of Halloween Fun
Why did this make me CRY?!
Geeze. So, so, so happy for you. Congrats!
Well I live in Dallas and I’m a huge Texas Rangers Fan..
having said that, the Giants also seem like such a great group and even though we are sad our Rangers lost… it was nice to have a team like the Giants beat us … instead of say.. the Yankees! Congrats!
As a Texan (I love my Astros) I was so happy to see the Giants win. My main reason for not cheering for the Rangers (from Texas) because I didn’t want the Rangers to be the 1st Texas team to win the World Series. Duh, the Astros were the first Texas team to make it to the World Series (2005) they MUST be the first Texas team to win a World Series…that’s just the only thing that would be RIGHT!!!
I was also cheering for the Giants because I knew that you would be thrilled! I love it when friends (who are BIG fans of their teams, like me) get to reap the rewards of winning. I shall live vicariously through you, until the Astros make my World Series dream come true!!
Congrats!!!
AmazingGreis´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday – Sunbathing…
Try being a Cubs fan. I’m still waiting. Congrats to you and your team!
Reading this reminded me of listening to my dad tell his stories of living in Chicago and watching the Cubs play. There’s something so nostalgic about baseball, isn’t there?
Congrats on your big win! I may or may not have gotten a little bit teary eyed at the very end of this post.
Lessons in Life and Light´s last [type] ..Sometimes- paybacks are a bitch And other times- they’re gnomes
I typically don’t do baseball but found myself watching a little of this series and rooting for the Giants for you Mike! Yay!!
i was watching the game here in nyc, cheering for the giants and when they won, no lie, i thought about you, mike! way to go giants! i actually loved this scrappy little team and their “homegrown” pitching staff. great team, great win. tremendous! [and you can count me among the buster posey fans from now on!]
Just moved to San Francisco this summer and became a total Giants bandwagon jumper. You’d have been in good company here last night, Mike. The city went crazy, and I could hear cheering, illegal fireworks, and horn honking out my window for hours. What a fun run to the championship! Also, I can’t get over what a team effort it was. Finally, did you think that the TV commentators were totally biased towards the Rangers? I had to mute it in the fifth inning because I just couldn’t take them anymore.
The city was off the hook last night. Never, ever has there been a vibe like that and we totally deserved it after all these years of heartache! My 11 yr old got a champagne bath outside the ballpark and declared it the best party he’d been to in his whole life.
From one Giants fan to another…congratulations!!!
Congrats Giants!!! I was happy enough when they beat they Phillies, I’m a Mets Fan :-X shhh don’t tell anyone!
From a Philles fan to a Giants fan… congratulations, Mike. I’m very happy for you. Your team winning the World Series is a special kind of joy that we get to enjoy only a couple times, if that, in our lifetimes. Unless you’re an effing Yankees fan… but screw them because they buy their World Championships. Ugh. But I digress. I’m so happy that you’re getting to experience all this. If you’re going to the parade… which how could you not be with this kind of fan history… enjoy. Knowing you are enjoying this win makes the downfall of the Phillies bareable. Congrats, Mike.
Hamlet’s Mistress´s last [type] ..30 Days of Truth – Day 5
Congratulations Mike!! I know today is a wonderful day for you. Celebrate until your heart is content.
If it weren’t for you two I’d have no idea who was even in the World Series, let alone who won. Woo!
That’s awesome for you Mike!!!
We are Rangers fans, and it was not fun watching the games. Oh well. My 6 1/2 year old son called it though. Within the first 10 minutes of the first game he said he had a bad feeling… the Giants were going to win not only the first game, but the whole World Series.
Kristin´s last [type] ..T-ball
As a bay area native, GO GIANTS!!! I totally know what you’re feeling! I’ve been a fan since around 1988 and grew up with Robbie Thompson, Matt Williams and Will Clark and I just have to say last night was AWESOME!
ps. Love your Kung Fu Panda hat
Yeah!!! The Giants rock … last night was a dream come true. What a freak Lincecum is! And I agree with Ashley, those Fox commentators have been biased the whole series – losers!
Next spring is gonna be fun!
Congrats, Mike! I’m a Red Sox fan, so I understand the years of disappointment! I actually cried in 2004 when they won the World Series, haha! Enjoy your celebrations!
The Cardinals are pretty awesome but since they didn’t even make it to the playoffs this year…………Go Mike and your team! Congrats!
Rebecca´s last [type] ..Dear Resotration Hardware
Congrats Mike! I’m a huge baseball fan and actually worked for a MLB team that Renteria was on. One time I had to take him to the airport and he tipped me when he obviously didn’t have to! Glad he got was MVP.
Oh and that Brian Wilson post-game interview was the funniest thing I have ever seen. Fear the beard!
Congrats, Mike! My husband and I w ere lucky enough to be in the stands when his beloved Cardinals won the World Series in ’06 and it was definitely his best day ever. Now for an entire year, you get to point out that the Giants are the champs — doesn’t matter if they suck ass for the whole 162 games next season, they’re the ones with the rings.
Snarky Mommy´s last [type] ..Happy Halloween!
Seeing as though we are from St. Louis, we are huge Cardinal fans!! But congrats to you on your team winning this year!
Nicole´s last [type] ..Halloween 2010
All I read was “blah blah blah blah blah”.
:-p Damn them Giants.
Let me start by saying, I am a TEXAN!!!!! Therefore, I am a RANGERS fan and faithfully wore my RANGERS t-shirt for every game as did Captdon and Daisy (our dog). It was not meant to be for us to win but we made it to the series for the FIRST TIME EVER!!! So, congrats to you and to your GIANTS! They were certainly the best team. They were also so fun to watch! Maybe a rematch next October????
Congratulations, Mike! As a huge baseball fan I know how awesome it feels. 2006 was our year and just like the Giants no one picked us to win, much less in 5 games. A wonderful day in the city by the bay, no doubt. Enjoy the post-victory glow.
Thanks for reminding us that all it takes is a “little” hope! Great post!
Yay! I thought of you last night when I heard that they won. As a lifelong Cubs fan, I completely understand the feeling. Congratulations!!
Yay for Mike & the Giants. As a Canadian on the west coast, my husband usually is a Mariners fan, but I took him to San Francisco (our first time) this summer and we got to see the Giants play the Dodgers (twice). My husband has been following the Giants religiously since our trip and was thrilled last night when they won. He may have joined in late as a fan, but picked a great year to do it! He is already planning another trip to San Francisco again next summer so we can see the Giants again, this time with our kids.
Congrats to the Giants & to you Mike for cheering them on thru the good, the bad & the ugly. I am from Dallas, Texas therefore I was praying that the Rangers would make a comeback, but your Giants were by far the better team. But I am still very proud of my Rangers for making it as far as they did for the very 1st time. At least I got the joy of them beating the Yankees with A-Rod at bat, not knowing what had just happened. Maybe we will get our turn in the near future!!!
Congrats to the Giants and I’m thrilled they won! Even if I have a great distaste of Lincicum’s long hair!
It was AWESOME seeing the Rangers and their smug looks on their faces disappear when Cliff Lee fell apart!
Go Giants, you’re the reigning world champs… and you deserve it, even though I’ll ALWAYS be a die hard Yankee fan!
Congrats to the Giants and to you too Mike!
I’m glad the Giants beat the Rangers who beat my Yankees 
Way to go Giants! Great series!!!! Let’s go Yankees lol 
Being a HUGE Cubs fan – I can only say I am jealous! Yeah for you though! Someday I KNOW I will feel the same joy when it comes to my favorite baseball team!
Bren´s last [type] ..Mommy and Me Monday – Halloween
YES YES YES! Last night was one of the most exciting nights of my life! I work in San Francisco and you, Annie and Heather should all come up for the parade tomorrow! GO GIANTS! WORLD SERIES CHAMPS 2010!!!
The city was unbelievable last night, and well into early this morning. What an awesome victory after months of torture. Go Giants!!
i immediately thought of you, mike. you’re one of the only giants fans i know. i’m from the midwest, where it’s strictly cards v. cubs (go cards!) when the cards won the world series in 2006, i was holding a sleeping 6 month old and was silently screaming & cheering. glad annie was awake so you could react appropriately without waking her up!
Coming from a Red Sox fan–I know how you feel! Congrats!
My brother is a Giants fan like you. The Giants make him happy…or devestate him, in some cases. I think one of the reasons our family loves the Giants like we do is because of my brother. How could we not??
(Plus, going to a game at AT&T park is one of my favorite things, really.)
This season made no sense but perfect sense all at the same time. I’m so glad that THIS is the team that won the World Series. This Giants team made it that much more awesome of a win.
I’m very excited for all of us.
It is a great feeling when “your” teams win…congrats on the win!
Good to hear from you Mike, and glad that your team won!
As someone who earlier this year got to experience my beloved New Orleans Saints’ very first Super Bowl win, I know just how you feel!!! Congrats!!
AMEN! I can honestly say I’ve never experienced anything like being at Game 7 of the Angels / Giants 2002 World Series and watching my team win. It’s an indescribable feeling for me…but you did a wonderful job of putting it into words.
Congratulations, again, Mike!
Mike! Congratulations! I really enjoyed watching the playoffs this season!
Also, you summarize perfectly the reason why I am compelled by sports. March Madness is my biggest sports love, but yes! Commitment and patience and faith and effort! No irony, just watching people try their best every play, every game, by themselves and with the support of other people.
And then to WIN? Amazing! And inspiring!
So happy that this made u so happy!
Maria Delgado´s last [type] ..GEORGIA VOTER!
…Annies still a Dogera fan! that was the best part of the whole video! LOL
HAHAHA I’m not a baseball fan, but when I heard the Giants won, I thought oh Mike must be thrilled!!!
I also loved the way Heather says at the end of the video Annie is still a Dodger Fan…..LOL
Mike,
I was going for the Rangers but thought of you often. Ironically, I’m originally a Dodgers Fan and have enjoyed the rivalry between your team and Heather’s. I am very happy for you! Congratulations to you, the loyal and devoted fan! I really enjoyed this posting as well, especially the pictures:)
Rock on Mike!! Rock on Giants!
I’m so happy for you! The Saints are my Giants.
MIKE! You HAVE to read “Last Days of Summer”. It’s a baseball book that takes place in 1930s-40s New York!! About a teen age boy and his love of the game!!! READ IT!! I don’t watch organized sports but the book was given to me by a friend and it’s one of my all time favorites!!! Hope you love it.
PS: The 1st 20 pages set up the story. It’s a little slow and it’s all written in the form of letters. Give it time. You will be SOOO glad.
Should I look for you at the parade? I’ll be the one on the bandwagon.
What a fun fun place to be. Thanks for a great column.
We live just south of SF and watching the series with my 5 year old twin boys has been really fun. We’re not huge fans (this year we took them to two games), and this is the first time they’ve really been into watching a sporting event. As the last game was coming to a close, they were just getting more and more into the game and it was so fun for them to hear the excitement on the street and in the houses near us after the final out.
For me, the best part of watching this team has been that they are the misfits and it’s always fun when people are celebrating them (Lincecum was by far the most popular halloween costume for boys at my kids school).
Love it! Congrats to you and your team!
That giggle at the very beginning was the best!
beckie and the grub´s last [type] ..Getting Barfed on is a Trick and a Treat
What an adorable story!!!
Look how happy Annie looks for him! “Wow, dad is stoked. I’M STOKED TOOOO!”
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