Anyone out there who follows baseball probably knows that spring training is about to come to an end and the baseball season is about to begin. Every year, I am reminded why I am a Giants fan. A lot of people would think I became a Giants fan once they started winning the World Series. They couldn't be more wrong. Nobody in my family could be considered a bandwagoner. My brother and I were both born and raised San Francisco Giants fans thanks to my mother, who has been a Giants fan her entire life. Though the Giants have given us plenty of reasons to remain loyal fans during these past six years, the World Series championships are not why I have remained a fan. That is what I want to talk about, why I think so highly of our San Francisco Giants and have been a fan for twenty-one years.
Yes, you heard me correctly: I was born a Giants fan. Just about twenty-one years ago I went to my first Giants game. I was five months old. My brother went to his first game when he was five weeks old (the benefit of being born during baseball season). I went to several Candlestick Park games before the Giants moved to their new stadium at AT&T Park. I will admit that because I was so young I don't remember Candlestick that well, but I remember the fans perfectly. They are the same fans that frequent AT&T and, in my experience, they are some of the best fans in baseball. I have been to just about every Major League Baseball stadium in the country and none of the fans at the other stadiums seem to have the same camaraderie as the Giants fans. I have taken people who have never liked baseball before to a Giants game and they always comment on how friendly our fans are. There is a reason the Giants used the slogan "Together We Are Giant" so often.The fans make the team stronger.
The second reason I am such a fan of the Giants is because of the stadium. AT&T park is a gorgeous park. I mean, just look at it.
Not only is AT&T one of the only stadiums I will buy seafood at, but you also get the amazing view of the bay. In my opinion, there is not one bad seat at AT&T because of those views. Also, having been to some of the historic ballparks like Fenway and Wrigley, I feel like the architecture of AT&T is reminiscent of the older ballparks. Then there is the fact that there are people who will sit out in McCovey Cove just to try to get that occasional splash-hit baseball. AT&T Park gives off the perfect baseball feeling and, as long as you remember a jacket, you will undoubtedly enjoy yourself.
The other main reason the San Francisco Giants are my number one team is because of the players. My all-time favorite player was Barry Bonds and there is no doubt in my mind that he should be put into the Hall of Fame. On the current team, however, my favorite player is Hunter Pence. He strikes me as the hype man for the team. He keeps everyone energized as the game is going on. Still whether it is Posey, Blanco, Bumgarner, or Panik, I know that each member of that clubhouse fulfills an important role. If I were to take the Saint Mary's approach here I would say that the San Francisco Giants have built a very strong and successful community. The team is entertaining to watch both on and off the field because they all get along so well.
What I want everyone to take away from this is the opinion of one lifelong Giants fan: I don't want anybody to think I am trying to convert you to liking the Giants, because I'm not. If you like another team that is perfectly fine. Unless of course, it is the Dodgers. The only people that I do not get upset at for being Dodger fans are the ones who were born and raised in Southern California. I still give them hell for being Dodgers fans, but at least they are being loyal to their home team. The way I see it is that the Giants have the trifecta of baseball. They have the fans, the location, and the team. I am a Giants fan because those three things make it fun to be a fan. I never have a bad time when I go to see them play whether it is at AT&T or Scottsdale Stadium. I am proud to have been a Giants fan for as long as I have, and to have witnessed this dynasty take place. You all know who I will be cheering for this year during baseball season, and hopefully you will find me at AT&T.
