In My Own Backyard: SF Giants

Before I had kids, my brother, Michael, and I started a baseball stadium tour. Once a year, we would meet in a different city to watch our favorite sport: baseball. 

Our first trip was to Boston’s beloved Fenway Park. We took a stadium tour where we walked the field, sat in the dugout, and peeked behind the Green Giant. (They offer tours on non-game days.) But on game days… the neighborhood morphs into a block party. The streets are lined, and the bars are packed. Boston is a great baseball town, and home games regularly sell out. The neighboring streets turn into a sea of Red Sox fans. We hung out and ate grilled dogs from the street vendors with “peppas and onions.” And when we finally went inside the park to watch the game, the attendant didn’t just point out our seats; He wiped them down! Fenway is an American treasure. I hope they never tear it down. 

Speaking of tearing down stadiums, Michael and I also made a pilgrimage to “the house that Ruth built” -the OG Yankee stadium. Likewise, we visited the original Tiger Stadium on “The Corner.” Ah, the old Tiger Stadium was such a beauty, held up by tall pillars made from wood! Which, of course, obstructed many views. But that didn’t bother me. I believe there’s more to watch at the ballpark than just the game. 

As life-long San Francisco Giants fans, we witnessed the demolition of our stadium too. Remember Candlestick? How to describe Candlestick? Oh yeah, COLD. WINDY. And COLD! Watching our local team’s stadium get torn down and replaced wasn’t sad at all. Have you seen the Giants’ new stadium? It is GORGEOUS! The prettiest park in America, hands down. 

Where I recently attended a game.

During the abbreviated 2020 season, my brother’s fan cut-out faithfully stood witness. But this year, thankfully, the park is open. Sort of. It’s getting there. They’re letting fans back in the stands, but it’s not the same. But hey, what is these days?  

The Giants are easing into selling tickets to full capacity. Until then, they’re offering two types of tickets: social-distanced or fully vaccinated. Here’s a tip. Even if you’re fully vaccinated, buy social-distance tickets because the vaccinated section was packed! Granted, I went to a Dodgers game, which is always super popular, but purchase seats in the social-distance area if available. They’re the same price, but you have more elbow room.  

Here’s another tip. If you’re careful about what you eat or just want variety, consider packing your own snacks. Most of the restaurants and specialty vendors weren’t open. I was looking forward to eating some of that gourmet stadium food that San Francisco is famous for. But… Crazy Crab’z with their sourdough crab sandwiches and chowder bread bowls… closed. Da Poke Man… closed. Chef Traci Des Jardins’ Public House restaurant… closed. You get the idea. Currently, the food options are limited to standard stadium fare: hot dogs, nachos, pizza, and garlic fries. Maybe this will change as they move towards increased capacity. But you may want to check before heading to the ballpark. 

Someday, I’d like to try The Garden Table, located behind center field. Normally, this outdoor bistro offers smoothies, salads, oven-baked pizzas, freshly squeezed juices, and, I understand, strawberry smashed bourbon punch. Yum! All using ingredients sourced from the garden. How very California. I was intrigued, but once again, we discovered that it was closed. However, it was well worth the walk over because the garden backs up to the bullpen, where you can watch the pitchers warming up.

Another unique feature of the park is the Coca-Cola slide. (also currently closed) Nowadays, I believe a weight/height restriction prohibits grown-ups from sliding. That wasn’t always the case. But, speaking from personal experience, I think this policy is for the best.

I am not a very heavy person, but when I slid down several years ago, II came shooting out of it like a rocket. (a middle-aged rocket) As I was picking up A LOT of speed halfway down, I started really regretting my decision to slide. Trust me, leave this attraction for the kids.  

Technically, I think Michael and I are still on a stadium tour. It’s just been majorly interrupted. But we still talk about it, and I’m sure those talks will someday turn into action. Probably soon, since my kids are almost grown, and the stadiums are (almost) open.  

P.S.
Growing up, our favorite player was Willie McCovey. Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to have him on board my flight. He was an old man in a wheelchair by that time, but still very much into baseball. In fact, he asked me if I could get him the score of the playoff game that was happening while we were in flight. I kept asking the pilots who kept asking air traffic control for updates as we flew across America.

Mr. McCovey reminded me of my dad. He just sat there staring straight ahead, calm and still. This is how my dad used to fly. He wouldn’t eat, read, watch a movie, or even talk to anyone. He’d just sit, patiently waiting to arrive at his destination. Well... Dad would also chew tobacco. I wonder if Willie McCovey ever chewed tobacco? 

In my 28-year career, I have only asked for one autograph: Willie McCovey’s. It took me the entire flight to work up the nerve. As he was packing up to leave, I asked, and he said yes. I handed him a napkin to write on, and he said, “I think I can do better than this.” He pulled out an old baseball card of himself and signed it to my brother, which I framed and surprised him with. I told Michael that I didn’t get his autograph, but I lied!