Here is the opening to my column from Saturday’s division-winning Giants’ game:
SAN FRANCISCO
After Angel Pagan caught Mark Kotsay’s ninth-inning fly ball giving the Giants an 8-4 win, giving the Giants the National League West title, Pagan waved his arms in sheer joy, and Buster Posey ran from home plate to Sergio Romo on the mound — later Romo would yell, “What a ride. What a ride” — and Romo and Posey hugged and all the Giants met at the mound and the fountains went off in right field.
The celebration was not wild. It was businesslike, even when the players, wearing hats with the logo “Playoffs,” ran around the outfield track saluting the fans. The players have much more to do before the wildness comes. On Saturday night, they earned the right to do more.
To read the full column, click here.
Matt
Lowell, another great article. I hope you never retire from doing this stuff. I wish I were fortunate enough to have had you as an english professor.
September 22nd, 2012 11:51 pm
Pablo
Thanks Lowell.
I enjoyed the poetic rhythm to today’s column. Whether intentional or not, what you penned echoed the persistent, inexorable drive of the Giants momentum this year.
It’s was a pleasure reading your perspective on the Giants’ season. You put your finger upon two factors that contributed to the team’s success—the chemistry between the team members and their steady drive towards their goal, in spite of many unexpected obstacles.
One thing you didn’t mention yet: the indispensable role of Bochy’s coaching. He’s been magnificent, orchestrating the circumstances he faced and his resources like a true maestro.
On top of everything—while in the thick of pennant race— this team and Bochy demonstrated support towards the 49ers, especially towards Alex Smith. I think that’s telling of their character, something significantly contributing to their success: the individuals who make this team are not narcissistic. They are not consumed with themselves. Posey, among many others on the team, is an excellent example of this. Each member places the success of the team before their individual stats—Pence laying down a sacrifice bunt, for Pete’s sake!
In the face of ongoing setbacks, Wilson out for the season, Melky and his antics, Sandovals’ injuries (twice), Madbum’s and Vogelsong’s mid-season slippage, ,Timmy’s maddening struggles, they rallied. And, yes, moved forward.
This fact and Theriot’s and Scutaro’s quiet, humble steadying presence, Pagan’s career year, Bochy’s growing patience with younger players and many other examples of diligence by team members explains everything I need to know for their winning ways in 2012.
Go Giants!
September 23rd, 2012 3:20 am
Stan
In the immortal words of the late great Giant catcher Dick Dietz on the 1972 clinching: “The Dodgers can go to hell!!”.
September 23rd, 2012 7:34 am
CohnZohn
Thanks, Matt
September 23rd, 2012 8:13 am
Dennis
Great column. I am not sure if the Giants are about chemistry, to many guys haven’t been here long enough and two pitchers don’t want Posey catching them, that’s not really chemistry. However, if getting hits and outs when they are needed is chemistry, I’ll buy it.
I think the real story of the Giants run to the post season is Sabean. I believe he has had more to do with them getting to the playoffs this year than at any time in the past. To me, the Dodgers just proved how much Sabean is really worth. This has been a real fun year for Bay Area major league baseball.
September 23rd, 2012 8:46 am
Tommy CostaRica
Sabean’s magic again! Holding off on not making a stupid trade under the pressure of all the Dogers big name trades. And then picking up Marco Scutero and what a clutch guy he turned out to be! I really liked him when he was with the A’s. And I love the guys we gave away: Sanchez and Schierholtz.
September 23rd, 2012 9:37 am
Stan
Golfer David Faherty wrote a book about his life story.It’s title? “Somewhere in Ireland, a village is missing an idiot”..lol.
As American’s use the word idiot crudely…Europeans use it juuuust right. Always makes me laugh.
September 23rd, 2012 10:03 am
Stan
It was in ’71 when Dietz uttered those words for all eternity.
I made that same mistake quote in 2010. A omen?..
September 23rd, 2012 1:09 pm
Bill
I’ll tell you what the x-factor was.
Having 20 of their last 23 games being played against terrible teams.
Houston, Chicago, Arizona, Colorado and San Diego?? Come on! Play somebody decent for a change! I guess thats what the playoffs are for in the National League.
September 23rd, 2012 4:50 pm
Albert Park
Two guys don’t want to pitch to Buster Posey? That’s like not wanting to pitch to Yogi Berra. Casey Stengel would have said: “Get used to it”!
September 24th, 2012 4:27 pm