50 Facts About The SF Giants

The Early Days of the SF Giants

The San Francisco Giants have a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about their early days.

1. The Giants were originally based in New York and were known as the New York Gothams before becoming the New York Giants in 1885.
2. The team moved to San Francisco in 1958, making them one of the first Major League Baseball teams to relocate to the West Coast.
3. Their first game in San Francisco was played at Seals Stadium, a minor league ballpark, before moving to Candlestick Park in 1960.
4. The Giants' first manager in San Francisco was Bill Rigney, who had also managed the team in New York.
5. The team's colors, black and orange, have remained consistent since their days in New York.

Legendary Players

The Giants have been home to some of the greatest players in baseball history. Here are a few legends who have donned the Giants uniform.

6. Willie Mays, often considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, played for the Giants from 1951 to 1972.
7. Barry Bonds, who holds the record for most home runs in a single season (73), played for the Giants from 1993 to 2007.
8. Christy Mathewson, a legendary pitcher, played for the New York Giants from 1900 to 1916 and was one of the first five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
9. Juan Marichal, known for his high leg kick, pitched for the Giants from 1960 to 1973 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.
10. Willie McCovey, another Hall of Famer, played for the Giants from 1959 to 1980 and is the namesake of McCovey Cove, the body of water outside Oracle Park.

Memorable Moments

The Giants have had their share of unforgettable moments. Here are some that stand out.

11. In 1951, Bobby Thomson hit the "Shot Heard 'Round the World," a walk-off home run that clinched the National League pennant for the Giants.
12. The Giants won their first World Series in San Francisco in 2010, defeating the Texas Rangers in five games.
13. In 2012, the Giants came back from a 2-0 deficit in the National League Division Series to win three straight games against the Cincinnati Reds.
14. The Giants won their third World Series in five years in 2014, with Madison Bumgarner delivering an iconic performance in Game 7 against the Kansas City Royals.
15. In 2002, the Giants reached the World Series but lost in seven games to the Anaheim Angels.

Oracle Park

Oracle Park, the Giants' home since 2000, is one of the most beautiful ballparks in Major League Baseball. Here are some interesting facts about it.

16. Oracle Park was originally named Pacific Bell Park and has also been known as SBC Park and AT&T Park.
17. The park features a giant Coca-Cola bottle and an old-fashioned baseball glove in the left-field stands.
18. McCovey Cove, the body of water beyond the right-field wall, is a popular spot for fans in kayaks hoping to catch home run balls.
19. The park has a capacity of 41,915 and offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.
20. Oracle Park was the first Major League ballpark to receive LEED Silver Certification for its environmentally friendly design.

Rivalries

The Giants have some intense rivalries that add excitement to their games. Here are a few of the most notable ones.

21. The rivalry with the Los Angeles Dodgers is one of the oldest and most intense in baseball, dating back to their days in New York.
22. Games against the Oakland Athletics, known as the "Bay Bridge Series," are always highly anticipated by fans.
23. The Giants also have a rivalry with the San Diego Padres, particularly in recent years as both teams have been competitive in the National League West.
24. The rivalry with the St. Louis Cardinals has been fueled by several postseason matchups, including the 2012 and 2014 National League Championship Series.
25. The Giants' rivalry with the Arizona Diamondbacks has grown as both teams have battled for division titles in the National League West.

Records and Achievements

The Giants have set numerous records and achieved many milestones over the years. Here are some of the most impressive ones.

26. The Giants have won a total of eight World Series titles, including five while based in New York and three in San Francisco.
27. Barry Bonds holds the Major League Baseball record for most career home runs with 762.
28. Willie Mays hit 660 home runs during his career, ranking him fifth on the all-time list.
29. Christy Mathewson's 373 career wins are tied for the third-most in Major League history.
30. The Giants have had 24 players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Community Involvement

The Giants are known for their strong commitment to the community. Here are some ways they give back.

31. The Giants Community Fund supports various programs that promote health, education, and violence prevention for underserved youth.
32. The Junior Giants program provides free, non-competitive baseball and softball leagues for children throughout Northern California.
33. The Giants partner with local organizations to host annual events like the Strike Out Violence Day and the Until There's a Cure Day.
34. The team has a long-standing relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
35. The Giants' annual FanFest event allows fans to meet players, tour the ballpark, and participate in various activities.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and quirky facts about the Giants that you might not know.

36. The Giants' mascot, Lou Seal, has been entertaining fans since 1996.
37. The team has a tradition of playing "Lights" by Journey after every home win.
38. The Giants have a garden at Oracle Park where they grow vegetables and herbs used in the ballpark's food offerings.
39. The team once had a player named John McGraw who also served as their manager from 1902 to 1932.
40. The Giants have retired 11 numbers, including Willie Mays' No. 24 and Barry Bonds' No. 25.

Giants in Pop Culture

The Giants have made their mark in popular culture as well. Here are some examples.

41. The team was featured in the 2012 film "Trouble with the Curve," starring Clint Eastwood and Amy Adams.
42. The Giants' 2010 World Series win was celebrated in the song "Black and Orange" by rapper Bailey.
43. The team's rivalry with the Dodgers was depicted in the 2007 film "The Bronx Is Burning."
44. The Giants' mascot, Lou Seal, made a cameo appearance in the 2014 film "Million Dollar Arm."
45. The team's history and achievements are chronicled in the book "The Giants of the Polo Grounds" by Noel Hynd.

Giants Fans

Giants fans are some of the most passionate and dedicated in baseball. Here are some facts about the team's loyal supporters.

46. The Giants have consistently ranked among the top teams in Major League Baseball in attendance since moving to Oracle Park.
47. The team's fan base includes several high-profile celebrities, including actor Robin Williams and singer Tony Bennett.
48. Giants fans are known for their creative and colorful signs, which they display at games to show their support for the team.
49. The team's annual FanFest event attracts thousands of fans who come to meet players, tour the ballpark, and participate in various activities.
50. Giants fans have a tradition of singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh-inning stretch, led by a guest conductor.

Giants' Legacy in a Nutshell

The San Francisco Giants have a rich history filled with memorable moments and legendary players. From their early days in New York to their triumphant World Series wins in San Francisco, the Giants have left an indelible mark on baseball history. Their iconic ballpark, passionate fan base, and commitment to excellence make them a standout team in Major League Baseball. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the game, the Giants' story is one of perseverance, talent, and heart. As you dive into the world of the Giants, you'll find a team that embodies the spirit of baseball and continues to inspire generations of fans. So, next time you catch a game, remember the incredible journey and achievements that have shaped this legendary team.