History of the San Francisco Giants

Lore & Background

The Giants franchise began in 1883 as the New York Gothams, winning consecutive National League pennants in 1888 and 1889 behind future Hall of Famers Tim Keefe, Mickey Welch, Roger Connor, and Buck Ewing. From 1902 to 1931, John McGraw managed the team to 10 NL pennants and three World Series championships with players including Christy Mathewson, Joe McGinnity, Bill Terry, Jim Thorpe, Mel Ott, Casey Stengel, and Red Ames. The post-McGraw era featured two famous moments: the Shot Heard 'Round the World (1951) by Bobby Thomson and The Catch by Willie Mays (1954). The Polo Grounds fell into disrepair, and the Giants moved to San Francisco in 1958 as part of a coordinated relocation with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Reader's Guide

The San Francisco Giants' significance lies in their long history as one of baseball's oldest franchises, with a legacy of Hall of Fame players and memorable moments. After moving to San Francisco, the team experienced mixed fortunes, including prolonged stretches of mediocrity and two threats by ownership to move the team away from the city. The Giants played their first two seasons at Seals Stadium before moving to Candlestick Park in 1960, a stadium notorious for strong winds and cold fog. The 1962 World Series saw the Giants lose to the New York Yankees in seven games, with Willie McCovey's line drive caught by second baseman Bobby Richardson to end the series. The team continued to feature future Hall-of-Famers in the 1960s, including Gaylord Perry, Juan Marichal, Willie McCovey, and Willie Mays. The 1970s included a near-move to Toronto in 1976, saved by Bob Lurie's purchase, and the 1980s brought a 100-loss season in 1985 followed by a resurgence under manager Roger Craig, culminating in the 1989 National League pennant and a World Series interrupted by an earthquake.

Did You Know?

• The Giants were originally named the New York Gothams when added by the National League in 1883.
• In 1961, Giants relief pitcher Stu Miller slipped off the pitching rubber due to a wind gust during the All-Star Game, creating a legend that he was 'blown off the mound'.
• In 1963, Jesús Alou joined his brothers Felipe and Matty to form the first all-brother outfield in major league history for one inning.
• In 1976, the team was saved from moving to Toronto by an 11th-hour purchase by Bob Lurie.