10 posts tagged “giants”

It's official!  Jeff and I will be going to Spring Training to see the Giants in Scottsdale.  We're just doing a weekend, from March 7-9. 

If anyone is going to be there and wants to meet up, let me know.

I'm also looking for dining and nightlife advice in the Phoenix area.  I have never been to Phoenix before except to make connections at Sky Harbour. 

Okay, I broke down and finally signed-up for Facebook.  I swore I would never add another social networking site to my list, but I was getting sick of folks asking me if I had a Facebook page. 

I still don't get what is the point of poking someone. 

But what I am hoping will happen is that I started a group of Gay San Francisco Giants fans.  I have always said that I wanted to find such a group, but I never found it.  I can't believe that Jeff and I are the only ones out there...

Last night, Jeff and I went to hear Barry Bonds at the Commonwealth Club. 

I've needed a little fix of baseball since the Giants' ended their season, so it was fun to go.  I really never heard many Barry interviews before, but it was pretty much what I expected... a bit of humor and a bit of arrogance.  But what can you say, he did accomplish a lot.

I was annoyed there weren't ANY controversial questions. 

But it will be interesting to hear if we get an update on where Barry will be next year.  I understand that nothing can be announced until at least 10 days after the world series.

The quote in today's Chronicle that totally summarized my thoughts of the evening:

"The evening, an hour-long conversation with KGO radio host Ray Taliaferro, was more a tribute to Bonds than an actual interview. Taliaferro, who all but blew kisses at the man he called a close friend, practically hyperventilated as he recited a list of Bonds' career accomplishments, including the all-time home run record he claimed from Hank Aaron this summer..."

It was surprising to see how poorly atteneded the event was.  Originally, it was scheduled for Davies Symphony Hall, but ended up in a small ballroom at the Niko hotel.  I guess Giants' fans aren't necessarily members of the Commonwealth Club.

I suddenly remembered why I hated playing little league last night.  Jeff and took ourselves into the batting cage behind center field at AT&T Park.  I felt just like I did in 2nd grade.  I clearly have zero hand-eye coordination.

Here is Jeff's attempt.  He did much better than I.

And here is mine:

I was lucky enough to make it to the last home game as well.  Not so great for the Giants', but it was nice to be there to say "farewell" to Barry.

The train ride home was really amazing as well.  I met a blind man from Monterey who LOVES going to Giants' games.  I also learned that he too was gay, but he is also a bible study teacher and a musician.  I had a great chat with him about baseball, and I learned a lot about how a blind person can experience and enjoy the game.  I hope to see that guy again soon.

Not only did the Giants win both the Saturday and Sunday games this weekend I went to, but after the game Jeff and I got to run the bases!

Jeff is about to run the bases

Jeff on the field

My foot (r) on home plate, AT&T Park

MT out on the field

For a cell phone, these aren't such horrible photos.

Today, Barry Bonds announced on his blog that he will not be a San Francisco Giant next year. 

I guess this is not a surprise, and I'm not sure how to react.  Regardless of the whole BALCO issue, Barry's road to history was a major reason I embraced baseball in the way I had this year.  I went from going to maybe three games two years ago, to maybe five games last year, to this year seeing 21 games (and this number will hit 24 by the very end) and I am getting season tickets next year.  I even took a trip to San Diego with the sole purpose of seeing the Giants -- and was lucky to see him hit the tieing record run there. 

I'm sad to see him go.  But I am also excited to see how my feelings about the Giants grow and change as the focus is away from Barry.  They just better keep my Bengie around!

Since many of you asked... no I didn't go to yesterday's game.  I had a great dinner out with Brian, but I was sad to hear I missed that piece of history. 

Congrats Barry (cause I know he reads this... LOL)!

About two months ago, my friend Jeff and I decided to plan a trip to San Diego to see the Giants play in Petco Park.  Little did we know that we would witness history!

The Pitch!

Here it comes!

The Swing!

Welcome Home Barry (#755)!

Of course, Jeff is very excited

Even this dude is happy!

Sure, there was some booing, but overall I was excited to see how the crowd got very excited to see this happen.  Now, hopefully tonight I'll see Barry beat the record he tied on Saturday night.

... and Brian's not the only one who drinks.  Meet Casey.

Casey

Despite the Giant's performance, it was a really fun night.  Dumb us left in the 8th after Barry was at bat.  But then they put in MY Bengie (MT always falls for a big catcher) to pinch hit, and all of the sudden the game was tied up.  The game went some 13 innings before Atlanta won. 

Jeff!

Today, Jeff invited me to join him for the home opener of the San Francisco Giants. 

Unfortunately, the Giants didn't do so well.  But the weather was gorgeous, and I realized that I don't spend enough time outdoors.  We had great seats in the sun. 

AT&T Park

Thanks, Jeff!