Waldlaw Blog

Friday, October 29, 2010

How 'Bout Them Giants?!

I admit it -- I'm a baseball fan. There are few things I'd rather do, on a summer afternoon or evening, than go to a baseball game.

I am having A LOT of fun with this postseason, as my team wins first the division series, then the league championship, and now is up 2-0 in the World Series. I'm sure that it's exciting having your team in the World Series no matter where you live. But San Francisco really knows how to celebrate, and San Francisco has really embraced this band of colorful characters known as the Giants. They are so ... well, so San Francisco! From the seamless blend of Spanish and English heard on the field and in the clubhouse, to the red rally thong and the beards that have sprouted on every single relief pitcher's face, this band of boys (and many of them really are more boys than men -- our oldest starting pitcher is 27!) has won the hearts of San Franciscans young and old.

The San Francisco Giants show their appreciation for this city in so many ways. There are ball games dedicated to the celebration of every cultural aspect of this city: Filipino Day, Latino Heritage Day, Lesbian & Gay Night, Marine Mammal Preservation Day, Halloween in July, and Dog Days at the Ballpark when the bleachers are opened up to people for whom a baseball game just wouldn't be complete without the company of their canine best friends. There is a Jerry Garcia Tribute Night, in honor of the Greatful Dead's legacy to our City by the Bay. The Negro League is honored every single day the ball park is open, with a stand full of Negro League memorabilia -- including baseball cards, t-shirts, etc -- that has proved both educational and fascinating to my sons.

In return, San Francisco is showing our appreciation for our Giants in abundance right now, with many of the historic San Francisco buildings lit up orange at night. Driving across the Bay Bridge night-before-last, I was stunned and delighted to see Coit Tower glowing orange from top to bottom. Since I was driving, I couldn't take a picture. But last night we were at an event across the street from City Hall, and I couldn't resist this shot:
It's an exciting moment to be in San Francisco. As our team flies to Texas for games 3, 4 and -- if necessary -- 5, the jubilance can be felt all over our city, on the street cars and in the shops and on the sidewalks. If you aren't too far away, it's worth coming for a visit -- especially in the evening, when the whole city seems to be glowing orange. And if you can't come by, well, cheer for us from wherever you are. It's been a rough few years in California, and we are savoring this happy moment.

Go Giants!!

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