The San Francisco Giants Win the World Series as a Team

Growing up, my family wasn't into baseball. We might've occasionally watched the World Series because it was a big deal--but that's all.

Sometime after I started dating my sweetie, or after we moved to SF, I went to my first MLB game. I've probably been to about fifteen, now, and watched many many more on TV.

I completely fell in love with baseball, and the Giants, on August 9th this year. We had purchased seats in the special Jerry Garcia section, we took part in the attempt to set a new world record of simultaneous kazoo-playing, and the Giants won after a Very Exciting 11 innings. [story] ( http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/20... )

You could truly feel the magic inside. It was so exciting that the very next day, I bought tickets to the game that Friday. We lost that one, but it was still a neat experience. Looking ahead to how close the Padres would be with us, we got tickets six weeks in advance, to the Friday October 1st game vs. SD.

The explosion of orange Friday at that game was amazing. Even though we lost that one, there were a few times where we were in position to come back and take the lead--and once again, the magic, the energy, and the spirit of the fans was palpable.

In September, I spent several days with my mom and youngest sister, both of whom hadn't ever really watched, and they indulged my interest in watching the games. By the end of the season, and especially in the postseason, they also became enthralled with our colorful cast of characters, and realized how much more complexity and intellect goes into the game than was apparent on the surface.

A few times after that August game, my father-in-law [who went to the games with my SO & I, and is a huge baseball fan] said, "Wouldn't that be something, if the year you became a fan, your team goes to the World Series?"

Indeed, pops, indeed. It was an amazing ride. Thank you, San Francisco. ;D

In reference to the quote above about Giants staff being at the clinching game in Texas - the Giants flew all 389 employees out for the game.

Natalie writes Almost Never Clever ( http://almostneverclever.wordpress.com ), a deviant scrapbooking blog that just might surprise you.

At least those of us who are die-hard Giants fans :) There was something really special about this team and organization. That's why the fans were so dedicated, because they could sense the team dynamic (it's hard for me to accurately put it into words).

I was at the parade yesterday and everyone was a part of it. The front office, the ushers, ballpark security, the people who work with the mascot, the grounds crew, the little people who work for the radio station that broadcasts Giants games, everyone. It was amazing to see and the euphoria hasn't quite worn off yet.

You know how one can tell if there isn't one Jeter or Rodriguez dominating the team? The fact that over a handful of players have a cheer or phrase associated with them that the fans bellow out when they see them.

Not only did they pull every motorized cable car for the players, I think they got almost every tour vehicle in town to carry everyone else. Then they had UPS trucks and drivers pulling floats.

If anyone wants to see pictures, send me a message and I'll send over the link. I got pictures of everything! My favorite part was all of the SF police horses wearing little Giants hats.

Natalie writes Almost Never Clever ( http://almostneverclever.wordpress.com ), a deviant scrapbooking blog that just might surprise you.

The story behind the story is compelling. As a San Francisco immigrant who had spent almost no time at a baseball ground, I grew to love sitting down, one eye on my laptop blogging and one on the TV.

I was impressed with how articulate the players were at the parade yesterday - at least the ones they showed on the news - and how they all talked about the 'teamness' of it all.

And I loved how passionate people were here. How it brought together all the many, marginal minorities that make up the city.

I also have to say, 'Barry who?' :)

Alison Golden writes at The Secret Life Of A Warrior Woman ( http://alisongolden.com )

I'm the former Director of Marketing for the KC Royals. On the inside, the front office staff and supporting staff of a team are very supportive of our peers on the other teams. I remember going to the bi-annual marketing/sponsorship meeting less than two weeks after the Phillies won the World Series in 2008. When the marketing director from Philadelphia walked in, we gave him a standing ovation and everyone clamored around him to get a photo with him wearing his new WS Championship cap. Last week when the Giants won, within seconds the former Royals ticketing director was posting a "congrats" message to the Giants ticketing director and staff. It really is a huge family within the sports community because there are so few of us who have had those jobs.

Knowing the level of dedication it takes from the behind-the-scenes staff (many of us worked 40 hour weeks PLUS evenings and weekends at the ballpark) to give up time with family, hear the jeers from fans who are disappointed after a loss, and have everyone in the world tell us how to do our jobs better, it is really special to see how the Giants ownership and players have supported all of the employees to make the day-to-day operations possible.

I was cheering for the Rangers (my younger brother is a Season Ticket Holder with them), but I couldn't be happier with the outcome after seeing how the team has rallied together.

Debi, grinding through life at www.decafdiaries.com ( http://www.decafdiaries.com )
and paying the bills at www.brandnewconcept.com ( http://www.brandnewconcept.com )

This was the thing that struck me most about our winning Giants--everytime on of them was interviewed, even though all the attention was on that individual, he could never not mention another teammate's accomplishments. It was never about the contributions of one person, it was about how they collectively did it.

No stars, no insanely high salaries. Lots of players who were thought to be too old or on their way out.

I've never been a die-hard baseball fan let alone a die-hard Giants fan, but this post season really won me over and it was because of the way they pulled together and did it together.

Great article, Sarah.

Stefania Pomponi Butler

I blog:
CityMama ( http://citymama.typepad.com )
Kimchi Mamas ( http://kimchimamas.typepad.com )
MOMocrats ( http://momocrats.typepad.com )

I was rooting for the Giants. I like underdogs.

I mean, you know, I started out rooting for the Pirates. But it will be a much, much colder day in October (or November) when the Pirates win another World Series. heh.

Contributing Editor Jenna Hatfield (@FireMom ( http://twitter.com/FireMom )) blogs at Stop, Drop and Blog ( http://stopdropandblog.com ) and The Chronicles of Munchkin Land ( http://thechroniclesofmunchkinland.com ). She is a freelance writer and newspaper photographer.

I love stories like this -- where the team you never thought would win not only pulls through, but they do it with such grace.

Melissa writes Stirrup Queens ( http://stirrup-queens.com ) and Lost and Found ( http://lostandfoundandconnectionsabound.blogspot.c... ). Her book is Navigating the Land of If ( http://thelandofif.blogspot.com/ ).