Giants fans are now accustomed to celebrating World Series titles Photo: Shawn Clover
The San Francisco Giants won their 3rd World Series in five years against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas on Thursday (AEST). Their historic feat makes them one of Major League Baseball’s greatest teams of all-time.
It was a fantastic end to a wonderful season that famously opened in Sydney with the Arizona Diamonbacks playing the LA Dodgers in a three game series.
Madison Bumgarner was the hero for the Bay Area side with a masterstroke decision from Giants coach Bruce Bochy who decided to put his star opening pitcher in the series clinching game 7 to close out the last three innings. Up until that point the Giants 3-2 lead looked to be a little vulnerable as their shaky pitching had the Royals primed to take advantage.
Bumgarner threw the Giants’ first pitch of the World Series and the last, a fastball that was popped up with the tying run on third but was caught in a routine play that clinched San Francisco the World Series and automatically elevated him to series MVP.
The World Series title and Championshio ring Photos: Shemp65 and rocketlass
Continued pressure from Pablo Sandoval and Hunter Pence to get on base was the reason for the Giants getting their runs, with the Royals rallying to keep within touching distance. But the never say die attitude and team spirit of Bochy’s men got them over the line once again. “I’m numb through all of this,” Bochy said, smiling and shaking his head. “This group of warriors continues to amaze me. Nobody wanted it more than them.”
What made this win more remarkable than the other two is the fact that the Giants made the post-season playoffs as a Wildcard. These Giants have permanently etched their names into the record books. Sandoval set a postseason record with 26 hits. Buster Posey has a third title on a resume that could put him in the Hall of Fame. If he gets there, he’ll join Bochy. Nine previous managers had won three titles: all are enshrined in Cooperstown, the location of MLB’s Hall of Fame.
With throngs of fans packing out live sites around San Francisco, the pride of their city can surely now boast to be a dynasty. It will take the harshest of judges to argue with that title and one can only wonder how much further Bochy and his charges can go.
