Giants Take World Series Celebration to the Streets of San Francisco

For the first time in the Giants' 52 year San Francisco history, the World Series came to Market Street. 

Thousands of people gathered today in downtown San Francisco to celebrate the Giants' victory over the Texas Rangers. Orange ticker tape rained from downtown San Francisco buildings as residents and employees leaned out of windows with signs and confetti.

"I'm 51 and I've been a lifelong Giants fan," said Ken Stevens of Los Altos. "We've had season tickets since AT&T Park opened. I couldn't miss this."

Several Giants players have close ties to the Bay Area. Outfielder Pat Burrell, who came to the Giants midseason after being released by the Tampa Bay Rays, grew up in the South Bay area. Danville native Nate Schierholtz also earned a World Series ring as an outfielder.

"Before today, the best day of my life was when the Giants moved here," said life-long San Francisco resident Eddie Campbell, 70.

Some fans endured long lines at BART and Caltrain stations and to catch a glimpse of the players as they marched along Market Street. But for many fans, the wait was much longer than a line. 

"I've waited through 52 years of futility. It was hard not to get emotional," said Fred Menendez of Sacramento. "I still remember the humiliation of 1989 and being five outs away in 2002. Now, none of that matters."

"It was my birthday when they won the national league pennant," said Kathy Craven, South San Francisco resident. A season ticket holder, she has been to every game since Oct. 1. "And it was my dad's birthday when they won the World Series, if he was alive, he would have loved it."

For many fans, the team embodied the eccentric spirit of San Francisco. Often described as misfits, from waiver castoff turned star Cody Ross to black bearded closer Brian Wilson to their hippie ace Tim Lincecum, the unconventional team represents the diversity and character of the Bay Area.

Lead by Giants announcer and former player Mike Krukow, players rode the parade route in cable cars. Fans shouted "Uooh-ribe!" for shortstop Juan Uribe, who delivered clutch hits for the team throughout the playoffs, and chanted "Let Timmy smoke!" as pitcher Tim Lincecum passed by. 

For many fans, the Giants' World Series run has been a family affair.

Berkeley resident Heather Lewis brought her four-year-old son Luca to see the parade. 

"I've been a lifelong fan. I wanted him to see this because it might not happen again," she said. 

When asked who his favorite player was, Luca responded "Andres! Because I like his name."

Jim Ramos of San Francisco hoisted his son Jacob on his shoulder so that he could get a better view. 

There were no Major League Baseball teams west of the Mississippi when the Giants won the World Series as the New York Giants in 1954 over the Cleveland Indians. They moved to San Francisco a few years later in 1958. 

"I have a one-year-old son and I just wish he was older. It may be a long time before this happens again," Menendez said.