“It’s like a family thing.” DVC Student Martin Oropeza said of the October 31st World Series Champion’s Parade in San Francisco. “My grandfather and my dad have been watching them (over fifty years).” Oropeza, along with many others from all parts of the bay converged on San Francisco to take part in the team’s second World Series celebration in three years. It’s estimated that over 1.3 Million die-hards like Oropeza were also in attendance for the full day of festivities that “brought the community together”.
“We tried to spare you the torture of 2010 by clenching a little early.” Manager Bruce Bochy told the crowd at the Ceremony that followed the parade down Market Street; after the skipper’s Rolls Royce ran out of gas and had to be pushed the last few blocks of the parade route. Like most of the Giants’ roster, Bochy expressed heartfelt gratitude to the fans, who he gave credit for “making making this the time of my life.”
Sergio Romo ascended in 2012, filling the role of injured closer Brian Wilson with brutal efficiency, dealing the fateful fastball that froze Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera to finish the Giants’ four game World Series sweep. He too gave credit to the Bay Area fans, “We are a great example of this city,” in reference to the team’s diversity and ‘misfits’ mentality. Throughout the playoffs, fans of the team have been unmistakable here at DVC and in almost every local venue, flying the colors of the unlikely Cinderella team, who rallied from being one game away from elimination, to Champions.
“All my heroes still wear orange and black,” proclaimed Team President Larry Baer, gesturing over the players and crowd. “You all have become our heroes as well… you all are our magic.” Baer went on, celebrating with a team and a fan-base that “never give up, no matter what.” This was a sentiment echoed later, by Romo when he said that the players and fans “are all champions in orange and black.”
One and a half tons of confetti were launched from air cannons along the parade route, and over the stage throughout the event (Comcast Sportsnet). The Civic Center plaza had been packed with devoted fans since the night before, some of whom arrived as early as 2 AM to stake their claim on the prime real estate. By the time the ceremonies began, bodies were packed in for blocks around the stage, where the team, front office and coaching staff all had their time around the trophies and microphones. Stadium announcer Renel Brooks-Moon used her time to reiterate what has been a rallying cry throughout a regular and post-season of sell out home games, “Together we’re Giant.”
It was an afternoon full of camaraderie, mutual gratitude and, as outfielder Gregor Blanco said of the team, the fans in attendance were “always looking to have fun.” Barry Zito described the sensational comeback journeys of both himself and fellow starter Ryan Vogelsong, “…he and I have been through some different states of hell… the lowest of the low,” Zito continued, echoing the feelings of many fans when he described the moment on stage as, “the highest of the high.”
Everyone seemed to be equally in awe of the moment, grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. From police officers to media personalities, like “Gangnam Style” dance duo Dave Fleming and John Miller, everyone seemed to respect and appreciate the contributions of those around them. As GM Brian Sabian said of Bochy, “…you’re finally getting your due, and it’s long overdue.”
